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Your Union Cup Your Union Cup

9 CENTRED 28 ON THE CHANGING GRASS AMAZING GAY SCENE ROOMS PITCHES NIGHTLIFE HOME OF RUGBY SINGLE ALL SITE BUDGETS ICONIC HOTELS CATERED OPENING LOCATION FOR CEREMONY VENUE EASY TO EARLY GET HERE BIRD REGISTRATION 29TH APRIL ONLY £100 to 2ND MAY DIVERSE 2021 CITY

1 Your Union Cup Your Union Cup

2 Regular shuttle buses from the Overview 1-2 gay village will be put on to the David Cumpston tournament venue free of charge Chairman Birmingham Bulls RFC Contents 3 to attendees. This is in close walking distance to city centre hotels and easily accessible via Welcome 4 public transport. Letter of Intent/Forward The Tournament 5-6 Dear friends, James Anthony Alistair Burford BID CHAIRMAN BID DIRECTOR One Venue 7 Over the past 8yearsBirminghamBullsRFChasdevelopedinto a rugby clubbasedat the heart of Birminghamʼsgay community, that takesitsrugby asseriously asthe social aspectsof our beloved At the Venue 8 game.

Off the Pitch 9 We have brought our partnersfromacross the city and aroundour regiontogether inorder to buildthe tournament youwant, here inBirmingham. The Union Cuphasdevelopedfromits beginningsinMontpellier in2005, into the huge tournament we know today. The rapidrecent The Vibrant Scene 10 expansionin numbersof inclusive teams acrossour continent atteststo, andfuelsthe successof thistournament. David Cumpston Samuel Hampton Exploring the City 11 PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR MARKETING DIRECTOR Birminghamisa city full of energy andenthusiasm, well-practicedat hostingmajor sporting, and Ceremonies 12 cultural events. With the youngest populationof any major city inEurope, we are hugely diverse andhave a reputationof welcomingthe worldto the UKʼsSecondCity. Getting Here 13 We have beenlisteningtowhat youwouldlike fromyour tournament, andinthisbiddocument we have outlineda playingand spectator experience for the first bankholiday inMay 2021, that Staying Here 14 reflectsyour wishes.

Birmingham Bulls 15-16 The Bullsare excitedto deliver your Union Cup, hostedin Birmingham. Mattia Boscaino Nathan Swingewood SOCIAL AND LOGISTICS DIRECTOR The Bid Committee 17-18 YoursinRugby, ACCOMODATION DIRECTOR Budgets 19-20 The Finer Details 21-22 DavidCumpston Chairman, BirminghamBullsRFC Letters of Support 23-26 Jason Noble Skwirel Vincent 3 BID SECRETARY FINANCE DIRECTOR Regular shuttle buses from the Overview 1-2 gay village will be put on to the David Cumpston tournament venue free of charge Chairman Birmingham Bulls RFC Contents 3 to attendees. This is in close walking distance to city centre hotels and easily accessible via Welcome 4 public transport. Letter of Intent/Forward The Tournament 5-6 Dear friends, James Anthony Alistair Burford BID CHAIRMAN BID DIRECTOR One Venue 7 Over the past 8yearsBirminghamBullsRFChasdevelopedinto a rugby clubbasedat the heart of Birminghamʼsgay community, that takesitsrugby asseriously asthe social aspectsof our beloved At the Venue 8 game.

Off the Pitch 9 We have brought our partnersfromacross the city and aroundour regiontogether inorder to buildthe tournament youwant, here in Birmingham. The Union Cuphasdevelopedfromits beginningsinMontpellier in2005, into the huge tournament we know today. The rapidrecent The Vibrant Scene 10 expansionin numbersof inclusive teams acrossour continent atteststo, andfuelsthe successof thistournament. David Cumpston Samuel Hampton Exploring the City 11 PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR MARKETING DIRECTOR Birminghamisa city full of energy andenthusiasm, well-practicedat hostingmajor sporting, and Ceremonies 12 cultural events. With the youngest populationof any major city inEurope, we are hugely diverse andhave a reputationof welcomingthe worldto the UKʼsSecondCity. Getting Here 13 We have beenlisteningtowhat youwouldlike fromyour tournament, andinthisbiddocument we have outlineda playingand spectator experience for the first bankholiday inMay 2021, that Staying Here 14 reflectsyour wishes.

Birmingham Bulls 15-16 The Bullsare excitedto deliver your Union Cup, hostedin Birmingham. Mattia Boscaino Nathan Swingewood SOCIAL AND LOGISTICS DIRECTOR The Bid Committee 17-18 YoursinRugby, ACCOMODATION DIRECTOR Budgets 19-20 The Finer Details 21-22 DavidCumpston Chairman, BirminghamBullsRFC Letters of Support 23-26 Jason Noble Skwirel Vincent BID SECRETARY FINANCE DIRECTOR 4 Based on the survey feedback, this is the plan for a 3 day tournament. YOUR UNION CUP This allows for an increase in player and club numbers, a women’s tournament, and a less congested playing schedule with no early starts or late finishes. DECEMBER 2020: TOURNAMENT EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPENS Tuesday 6th April: Team Roster deadline Tuesday 27th April: Registration opens Wednesday - Thursday: Training pitches available Thursday 29th April: Opening Ceremony

Friday 30th April - Sunday 2nd May: TOURNAMENT DAYS

Sunday 2nd May: Closing Ceremony You Said: Monday 3rd May: Kangaroo Courts

TheUnion Cup is Because this is Your Union Cup, we will listen to the voices of the clubs and are confident ready for a 3 day that our venue would allow us to deliver a tournament. 2 day tournament if needed.

5 Based on the survey feedback, this is the plan for a 3 day tournament. YOUR UNION CUP This allows for an increase in player and club numbers, a women’s tournament, and a less congested playing schedule with no early starts or late finishes. DECEMBER 2020: TOURNAMENT EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPENS Tuesday 6th April: Team Roster deadline Tuesday 27th April: Registration opens Wednesday - Thursday: Training pitches available Thursday 29th April: Opening Ceremony

Friday 30th April - Sunday 2nd May: TOURNAMENT DAYS

Sunday 2nd May: Closing Ceremony You Said: Monday 3rd May: Kangaroo Courts

6 ONE VENUE AT THE VENUE THE PAVILION Our one site venue offers everything We are thrilled to have secured a partnership with a fantastic, for players and supporters alike, including: multi-award winning local street food provider; Digbeth Dining Club, who will deliver a variety of the best alternative food 9 Grass pitches. options that Birmingham has to offer. Additional training and warm up pitches. LICENSED BAR 28 Changing rooms. Ample space for a ‘Players’ Village’. First Aid and Sport therapy- St John Ambulance will be providing all emergency medical cover for the event. An area dedicated to food and drink. We have established a partnership with Birmingham Internal bar, with space for several outdoor bars. City University (BCU) Sport Therapy and Physiotherapy Pavilion with a viewing terrace of the departments who have agreed to provide support in entire site. delivering an on-site therapy service.

9 PITCHES 28 CHANGING ROOMS Players Village and Team Tents- We will provide spacious tents for every club and their supporters in You Said: attendance, as well as referees and merchandise stalls.

You wanted everything Bars- In addition to the fully licensed clubhouse bar, our to be in one place, so club sponsor Eden has agreed to provide further that everyone is pop-up bars around the tournament venue. included. The Essentials- we will be providing additional water and toilet facilities to those already at the venue to ensure nobody is thirsty, or caught short. We will also ensure there is toilet roll in abundance!!! THE PAVILION - JUST 4 MILES / 6.4 KM / 20 MINS FROM BIRMINGHAM GAY VILLAGE 7 ONE VENUE AT THE VENUE THE PAVILION Our one site venue offers everything We are thrilled to have secured a partnership with a fantastic, for players and supporters alike, including: multi-award winning local street food provider; Digbeth Dining Club, who will deliver a variety of the best alternative food 9 Grass pitches. options that Birmingham has to offer. Additional training and warm up pitches. LICENSED BAR 28 Changing rooms. Ample space for a ‘Players’ Village’. First Aid and Sport therapy- St John Ambulance will be providing all emergency medical cover for the event. An area dedicated to food and drink. We have established a partnership with Birmingham Internal bar, with space for several outdoor bars. City University (BCU) Sport Therapy and Physiotherapy Pavilion with a viewing terrace of the departments who have agreed to provide support in entire site. delivering an on-site therapy service.

9 PITCHES 28 CHANGING ROOMS Players Village and Team Tents- We will provide spacious tents for every club and their supporters in You Said: attendance, as well as referees and merchandise stalls.

You Said: Community, entertainment, social events… there is no shortage of amazing LGBT+ and gay-friendly bars, clubs and venues in Birmingham. The Second City is home to one of the most lively gaybourhoods in the UK, all found on and around the famous You were interested Hurst Street. inatripto Birmingham's gay village is a vibrant and eclectic part of the city with offer of entertainment, Tuesday 27th April: Registration opens. the birthplace events and safe spaces, which is in close proximity to the city's main transport hubs and variety of Wednesday 28th April: of rugby. hotels. Day: Trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon The scene caters for all tastes... and Shakespeare’s birthplace. Evening: "Introduction to the scene" bar crawl. Thursday 29th April: Day: Visit the nearby town of Rugby, where our sport was born. Evening: Opening Ceremony. Sed bibendum, lectus vitae tincidunt dapibus, sem felis th posuere est, id ornare augue lorem in purus. Suspendisse Friday 30 April: ligula. Sed mollis tristique mauris. Nullam nunc nunc, aliquet Evening: Supporter's bar crawl. Saturday 1st May: Evening: Canal cruising Women’s social. Sunday 2nd May: Evening: Closing Ceremony. Monday 3rd May: Kangaroo Courts and farewells.

As this is Your Union Cup, the socials will be catered to your tastes, so the above is illustrative.

9 OFF THE PITCH THE VIBRANT SCENE

As this is Your Union Cup, the socials will be catered to your tastes, so the above is illustrative.

10 Resolution 1280x1024 px

Free Photoshopwww.psdgraphics.com PSD file download

OPENING CEREMONY You Said: EXPLORING THE CITY Birmingham 2021’s opening ceremony will take place in the most iconic building of Birminghaman attractive as destination Birmingham is known the world over as the cradle of the Industrial the city. Birmingham Town Hall, opened in 1834, has played host to icons from Buddy was important. Revolution, and a city with more canals than Venice, but there is more to Holly to The Beatles, and its next Iconic moment is as your Opening Ceremony venue. this city than factories and dodgy accents. Birmingham and its surrounding area has a rich cultural, gastronomic The Corinthian style of the Town Hall stands out in the historical Victoria Square and and diverse identity, which makes it the perfect Union Cup host city. represents the history and the hardworking tradition of the West Midlands.

Victoria Square is undergoing a major face lift, and in 2021 will be the perfect backdrop for team photographs.

CLOSING CEREMONY The venue for the closing ceremony is at the heart of Birmingham’s Gay Village. This allows all Union Cup players and supporters to participate in the institutional event and to continue the deserved celebrations in the best LGBT+ clubs and bars that Birmingham has to offer.

Thanks to it’s industrial heritage, Birmingham is a vibrant multi-cultural and diverse city. It boasts Irish and Chinese quarters, as well as the infamous Balti Triangle Birmingham Bulls’ sponsor, Eden Bar, will contribute to the closing ceremony event by and Soho Road. providing hospitality services and by arranging a dedicated area in the village where players will mingle and celebrate. This multi-cultural background has created some fantastic places to eat. The city boasts numerous Michelin Star restaurants, award winning street food, farmer’s markets and all the usual high street favourites. Birmingham has something to fulfil everyone’s appetites.

For those of you who like a cultural experience, Birmingham is home to some fantastic theatres, music venues and museums. If the countryside is more your thing, the local counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire all offer some post-rugby respite with views to kill.

Free Photoshopwww.psdgraphics.com PSD file download

Victoria Square is undergoing a major face lift, and in 2021 will be the perfect backdrop for team photographs.

Birmingham is and exciting place to be right now; there are new developments taking place all over the City Centre. These will add new shopping centres, transport hubs, and expand on the existing tram links. Along with this there is the buzz of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2022, which cements Birmingham’s reputation as a sporting city. 12 Birmingham International Airport has regular direct flights to 69 European destinations. The airport is a short 10-minute train journey from As the UK’s second city, Birmingham offers a wide variety of accommodation solutions for all Birmingham New Street Station in the city centre. Extensively rebuilt in 2015, New Street Station is a major hub of the national and local rail needs and finances. All the major hotel chains are located within a short walking distance from networks, the busiest outside London. Birmingham is the centre of Britain’s motorway network, with roads converging here from all directions of both Birmingham gay village and New Street Station, with excellent and quick connections to the compass. Birmingham International Airport and other hubs in the country (including North and South England, Wales and Scotland). If planes, trains and automobiles are not to your fancy, the recently developed Digbeth Coach Station is a stones throw from the heart of the LGBT+ Community. Birmingham’s hospitality offer is highly varied and considers every need: from budget accommodation to luxury hotels. This makes Birmingham an incredibly well-connected city. With the local transport system and tram network going through a major upgrade, you will find getting around our city incredibly easy. Thanks to our fantastic partnership with the West Midlands Growth Council, we will be able to offer bespoke rates and a streamlined booking service Indicative room availability number: Direct flights Trains 400 to 700+ double rooms with budget prices (prices from £38 per night) 600+ rooms with medium prices (prices from £89 per night) Amsterdam 1h05 Brighton 3h 200+ luxury rooms (prices from £150 per night) Bordeaux 2h Bristol 1h25 Prices indicative. Berlin 2h Cardiff 2h Brussels 1h15 Chester 1h45 Belfast 1h Edinburgh 4h15 Dusseldorf 1h25 Glasgow 4h15 Dublin 1h05 Hull 2h40 Edinburgh 1h15 Leeds 2h Glasgow 1h20 Liverpool 1h45 Lyon 1h50 London 1h20 Madrid 2h25 Manchester 1h30 Munich 1h55 Newcastle 2h55 Paris 1h20 Northampton 1h Rome 2h50 Preston 1h40 Reading 1h30 Sheffield 1h Southampton 2h30 Swansea 3h

13 Birmingham International Airport has regular direct flights to 69 European destinations. The airport is a short 10-minute train journey from As the UK’s second city, Birmingham offers a wide variety of accommodation solutions for all Birmingham New Street Station in the city centre. Extensively rebuilt in 2015, New Street Station is a major hub of the national and local rail needs and finances. All the major hotel chains are located within a short walking distance from networks, the busiest outside London. Birmingham is the centre of Britain’s motorway network, with roads converging here from all directions of both Birmingham gay village and New Street Station, with excellent and quick connections to the compass. Birmingham International Airport and other hubs in the country (including North and South England, Wales and Scotland). If planes, trains and automobiles are not to your fancy, the recently developed Digbeth Coach Station is a stones throw from the heart of the LGBT+ Community. Birmingham’s hospitality offer is highly varied and considers every need: from budget accommodation to luxury hotels. This makes Birmingham an incredibly well-connected city. With the local transport system and tram network going through a major upgrade, you will find getting around our city incredibly easy. Thanks to our fantastic partnership with the West Midlands Growth Council, we will be able to offer bespoke rates and a streamlined booking service Indicative room availability number: Direct flights Trains 400 to 700+ double rooms with budget prices (prices from £38 per night) 600+ rooms with medium prices (prices from £89 per night) Amsterdam 1h05 Brighton 3h 200+ luxury rooms (prices from £150 per night) Bordeaux 2h Bristol 1h25 Prices indicative. Berlin 2h Cardiff 2h Brussels 1h15 Chester 1h45 Belfast 1h Edinburgh 4h15 Dusseldorf 1h25 Glasgow 4h15 Dublin 1h05 Hull 2h40 Edinburgh 1h15 Leeds 2h Glasgow 1h20 Liverpool 1h45 Lyon 1h50 London 1h20 Madrid 2h25 Manchester 1h30 Munich 1h55 Newcastle 2h55 Paris 1h20 Northampton 1h Rome 2h50 Preston 1h40 Reading 1h30 Sheffield 1h Southampton 2h30 Swansea 3h

14 BIRMINGHAM BULLS BIRMINGHAM BULLS

in the 10’s tournament. Despite the losses the club came away having made new friends, and a drive to improve our Free Photoshop PSD file download to put on a great day of sport. And with second to none nightlife and Touch My Brum Resolution 1280x1024 px results on the field. Two years later the Bulls returned, putting out a stronger performance in the main cup, narrowly entertainment, everyone goes away having had an amazing is welcoming & fun, www.psdgraphics.com losing out in our tier. Rugby aside, Belgium will always remember the invasion of Sias making the national news. More weekend. success came at Madrid 2017, when Bulls finished 6th in a gruelling finals match with Stockholm, but after a hard and that you wanted the tournament weren’t able to nab the silverware. The club hopes that the success will continue through Dublin 2019, and While hosting the Union Cup would be a big step up, Birmingham clubtobuildon into Birmingham 2021. The club has seen success at their first Bingham in Amsterdam last year, where our first team Bulls have a proven track record of delivering a fun and inclusive it’s success! came 17th, winning the Bingham Vase, and our second team ( a mix of Bulls and Cardiff Lions) brought home the tournament, and Birmingham has what it takes to host the Union Challenger Plate. Cup. 15 BIRMINGHAM BULLS BIRMINGHAM BULLS

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIRMINGHAM BULLS TOUCH MY BRUM Birmingham Bulls first started in 2011 as a small group meeting with the idea to form an inclusive rugby club. This Birmingham Bulls have already demonstrated their ability to host a successful tournament in the form of Touch came from the experience of players who had already taken part in Bingham and Union Cups. The club saw its first My Brum. Touch My Brum has always been about bringing different people together to have fun and play touch success in 2012 at the Hadrian Cup, the Bulls coming a surprise second and getting a first win, so much so that a rugby. Right from the start the tournament has been inclusive, hosting both male and female, IGR and local ‘booby prize’ trophy had already been engraved with the club’s name. Eight years later, the bulls is a thriving team who rugby and non-rugby teams. have seen success at various IGR tournaments, and at a local level, and a club that has continued to welcome both new and experienced players to its ranks. The tournament has grown from the initial 6 teams to now regularly BULLS ON TOUR having over 20 teams and more than 400 players and supporters. You Said: Organising a multitude of games across a single day event is The Bulls attended its first Union Cup in 2013, which was met with disappointment on the field, losing all of our games certainly a challenge but it demonstrates the ability of Birmingham in the 10’s tournament. Despite the losses the club came away having made new friends, and a drive to improve our Free Photoshop PSD file download to put on a great day of sport. And with second to none nightlife and Touch My Brum Resolution 1280x1024 px results on the field. Two years later the Bulls returned, putting out a stronger performance in the main cup, narrowly entertainment, everyone goes away having had an amazing is welcoming & fun, www.psdgraphics.com losing out in our tier. Rugby aside, Belgium will always remember the invasion of Sias making the national news. More weekend. success came at Madrid 2017, when Bulls finished 6th in a gruelling finals match with Stockholm, but after a hard and that you wanted the tournament weren’t able to nab the silverware. The club hopes that the success will continue through Dublin 2019, and While hosting the Union Cup would be a big step up, Birmingham clubtobuildon into Birmingham 2021. The club has seen success at their first Bingham in Amsterdam last year, where our first team Bulls have a proven track record of delivering a fun and inclusive it’s success! came 17th, winning the Bingham Vase, and our second team ( a mix of Bulls and Cardiff Lions) brought home the tournament, and Birmingham has what it takes to host the Union Challenger Plate. Cup. 16 THE UNION CUP BID COMMITTEE

James Anthony BID CHAIRMAN Mattia Boscaino SOCIAL AND ACCOMODATION DIRECTOR Being there from the Birmingham Bulls first training session, James was Club Captain for two seasons . James’ role as Mattia is an Italian academic living in Birmingham, playing with the Bulls since 2016. Chair is to help coordinate the whole team as well as to provide leadership to the project. James has extensive experience He has experience in hospitality and management of tourism and has joined the of organisational leadership having served on Trustee Boards of a number of charities as having been President of his committee as Social and Accommodation Director to offer his expertise. Mattia brings student union. James has served on the Nation-al Executive of UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union, and chairs the Policy to the committee an international perspective and the knowledge of different European Development and Campaigns Committee. cultures contributing to the welcoming attitude and openness of Birmingham.

Alistair Burford BID DIRECTOR Nathan Swingewood LOGISTICS DIRECTOR Alistair is a born and bred Brummie and has been an active member in the Bulls since 2012. He has been Nathan is a native Midlander, and is the Bulls physiotherapist .Working full time in the NHS involved in several Union and Bingham Cups achieving success at both. He has joined the committee as as a senior clinician, Nathan is also the chairman of his local trade union committee. With a Director to bring his organised, approachable and enthusiastic character to what is already a great set of wealth of experience in co-ordinating and managing a number of people and professionals, people. Alistair will be overseeing the entire bid with an aim to delivering the best Union Cup Birmingham he has joined the Birmingham 2021 committee as the Logistics Director. Nathan will be has to offer. responsible for ensuring that all the logistical provisions are in place to deliver the tournament you want. David Cumpston PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR Jason Noble BID SECRETARY David (better known as Fifi ) moved to Birmingham from South Wales was one of the founding Jason joined the Bulls in 2012 when the club was new and making its mark on the inclusive rugby members of the Bulls and has gone on to be Chairman for four years. Day to day, he works in the NHS fraternity, competing in the first tournament for the bulls in Newcastle. Having worked within a as a Special Nurse for Organ Donation , which involves building relationships within a multitude of management structure he will bring structure and organisation to the secretary role. Jason has close hospitals and coordinating the many professionals that facilitate transplantation. As the Partnerships ties with Birmingham LGBT+ Centre and will continue to bring this fairness and equality to the Director, David has the relevant connections to be able to bring the right agencies together to deliver tournament to ensure inclusiveness is in the heart and mind of everything he does. the tournament you want.

Samuel Hampton MARKETING DIRECTOR Skwirel Vincent FINANCE DIRECTOR Sam joined the Birmingham Bulls four years ago and has been an active member of the club having Skwirel joined the Birmingham Bulls two years ago, as soon as he moved to Birmingham from South Wales. He served as Social Secretary on the main club committee. He is a teacher by day which has given him already sees himself as a "Brummie" due to how welcome the Bulls have made him feel. As Finance Director, he opportunity to organise events. In former job roles, he has been involved in publicising events, and is responsible for ensuring your Union Cup is delivered to the best value whilst keeping your costs as low as working on advertisement campaigns for a small London-based business. possible. Ten years working in banking has honed an eye for detail and asking the right questions, as well as financial modelling of course! 18 FINANCING YOUR UNION CUP Thank you for your feedback on previous tournaments, You Said: You Said: and for letting us know what you require from a successful tournament. Throughout our financial modelling process, we have focussed on these core principles: Registration You w ant Accessible to All Focussed on delivering a tournament that ALL should be £100 value for money. teams can attend, no matter the level of rugby experience or fundraising. Growth from previous tournaments Sponsorship: With continued interest in Gay and Inclusive Rugby, it’s great to see new teams form all the We envisage sponsorship of the event falling time. into two categories, these being Core Sponsors (eg drinks partner, venue partner etc) and Engagement with the local community to deliver Secondary Sponsors ( eg sponsorship of value for your money themed events leading up to and during the Sports Therapy provided by final year university tournament). It is important that we allow for students. promotion of both small and large companies to Plentiful supply of volunteers from local make the event feel inclusive at both a local and universities and companies. global level. Partnerships with local organisations for sponsorship in kind opportunities. Tournament Venue Hire has been To date, we have a commitment from Diageo provisionally agreed as zero cost. which builds upon the good work done by Dublin in respect of Union Cup 2019, but it should be Assumptions: noted that we have a personal relationship with Mr Richard Barlow, European Customer Services 40 teams, each sending 25 players and 5 Director, as per the email contained within our supporters. appendix, who has expressed a personal £1 to €1.17 conversion rate interest in the bid and a desire to incorporate a Diageo Spirits Brand as well as Guinness.

19 FINANCING YOUR UNION CUP Thank you for your feedback on previous tournaments, You Said: You Said: and for letting us know what you require from a successful tournament. Throughout our financial modelling process, we have focussed on these core principles: Registration You w ant Accessible to All Focussed on delivering a tournament that ALL should be £100 value for money. teams can attend, no matter the level of rugby experience or fundraising. Growth from previous tournaments Sponsorship: With continued interest in Gay and Inclusive Rugby, it’s great to see new teams form all the We envisage sponsorship of the event falling time. into two categories, these being Core Sponsors (eg drinks partner, venue partner etc) and Engagement with the local community to deliver Secondary Sponsors ( eg sponsorship of value for your money themed events leading up to and during the Sports Therapy provided by final year university tournament). It is important that we allow for students. promotion of both small and large companies to Plentiful supply of volunteers from local make the event feel inclusive at both a local and universities and companies. global level. Partnerships with local organisations for sponsorship in kind opportunities. Tournament Venue Hire has been To date, we have a commitment from Diageo provisionally agreed as zero cost. which builds upon the good work done by Dublin in respect of Union Cup 2019, but it should be Assumptions: noted that we have a personal relationship with Mr Richard Barlow, European Customer Services 40 teams, each sending 25 players and 5 Director, as per the email contained within our supporters. appendix, who has expressed a personal £1 to €1.17 conversion rate interest in the bid and a desire to incorporate a Diageo Spirits Brand as well as Guinness. Organisational Structure Accessibility

Birmingham Bulls RFC is an RFU accredited club and is in the process of incorporation as a limited company, with this due to be completed at the All venues, including the playing venue and official social venues, will have a detailed accessibility audit to ensure they are as club’s Annual General Meeting in July 2019. It has established with the club’s solicitor the process for then setting up Birmingham 2021 as a wholly accessible as possible to those with physical and other disabilities. The venues currently announced are public sector venues and are own subsidiary company in order to give the tournament organisation separate legal identity and give protection to Birmingham Bulls RFC from expected to easily meet these high standards. financial and legal liabilities following a successful bid, and will be complete by the end of 2019. Furthermore all activities including communications will be audited to ensure that they are accessible to those with disabilities, such Birmingham 2021 would be under the control of the Board of Directors of the subsidiary company. It is envisaged that this will be established in the as ensuring there are text versions compatible with screen readers to go along with any photographs. main by the current Bid Committee for the purposes of continuity. Additional roles will need to be recruited to the board in the process of developing the tournament. It is envisaged that as preparations for the tournament develop there will be a need for subcommittees reporting to the board. Site security and safety Tournament Administration/Roster Management The Pavilions venue is fenced with limited access points making it easy to secure. Security and safety will be assured by both Birmingham 2021 are working with the successful team behind the Amsterdam 2018 Bingham Cup to model their successful process for registering volunteer stewards and professional and licenced security staff. eligible players. The RFU has agreed to take responsibility for verifying that attending clubs have the appropriate approval of their home unions and other essential requirements under World Rugby regulations. Team rosters should be submitted by 6th April 2021. Contingencies Tournament Liaison Committee The Pavilions stands up well to inclement weather, with excellent irrigation, meaning the risk of loss of playing safety is low. In addition the tented space provided, and the extensive pavilions building, provide significant shelter for spectators and players between games. As previously agreed by European clubs, the Tournament Liaison Committee will be established by IGR to oversee the tournament structure, eligibility, and other guidelines in the run up to the tournament and issues such as player discipline, transfers and other such matters during the tournament There are also other suitable large rugby playing facilities which could act as an alternative venue in the unlikely event of the itself. Pavilions becoming unplayable. These Sutton Coalfield RFC (where Touch my Brum is hosted) and Aston University’s ground We will run the tournament in adherence to recently enacted IGR official guidelines on scrummaging at Union Cups. which were both assessed as meeting the requirements to hold the tournament by the Bid Committee. Referees Access to Emergency Medical care Referees are a vital part of any tournament, without whom we simply cannot play. We have received the backing of our local referees’ society who are likely to provide the bulk of the referees, it being after the end of the season for our local leagues. We are also keen include as many referees as The playing venue is within 26 minutes (7.2 miles/ 11.6km) of the Regional Major Trauma Centre (The Queen Elizabeth possible from the International Society Of Inclusive Rugby Referees (ISIRR) who in addition to their refereeing experience, bring an important Hospital), which also has access to the air ambulance. Additional to this are 4 other Acute Hospitals, all within 20 experience of refereeing at IGR tournaments which is invaluable. minutes(6 miles/ 9.7 km) of the playing venue (Sandwell Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Birmingham City Hospital and Birmingham Heartlands Hospital). Volunteers Live Streaming As IGR tournaments have expanded, the role of volunteers has expanded massively. The success of this was well shown in Bingham Cup 2018, where Amsterdam invested heavily in this for great reward. We envisage using the Volgistics platform used by Amsterdam so help recruit, support Discussions are currently being held with both Stamp Productions (producers for All Blacks: All or Nothing) and Sam and allocate volunteers in the run up to and during the event. Lewens (former Change Director for BBC and BBC iPlayer as well as executive producer for Dragons Den) in respect of streaming the tournament. It is our aim that all knockout games of the tournament will be streamed but we hope to take Birmingham 2021 will have access to significant numbers of volunteers through our network of partners such as Birmingham City University (who advantage of a partnership with BBC Drama & Entertainment who are currently trialling production technologies to have a database of students wishing to volunteer), Birmingham LGBT (who run a programme encouraging LGBT+ participation in sport), local rugby stream sports ( and other events) to stream even more games of Union Cup 2021. If this technology is not ready before clubs, and other LGBT+ based sports who we have a strong relationship with. Having hosted Rugby World Cup matches, the RFU would be able to Union Cup 2021, we also have a contingency plan of utilising the media students from Birmingham City University to help us recruit from their pool of registered volunteers. Birmingham City Council have an extensive database of potential volunteers and were able to deliver our streaming plans. recruit around 600 people for the recent World Indoor Athletics Championship which we would have access to, with interest likely to build up to the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Organisational Structure Accessibility

26th April 2019

DearAlistair,

It is with great pleasure that I write to you on behalf of West Midlands Growth Company to offer my full support in the bid to host the IRG European Championship in 2021.

Birmingham is a changing city. Fuelled by the energy and collaboration of its people, the destination is a dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking environment that encourages growth. Ourconference and event infrastructure is unrivalled in Europe, with world class events facilities, an extensive range of accommodation, excellent international and domestic accessibility and a rich lifestyle offering. In addition to this, we recognise that great events require experienced and committed partnerships at a local level to be truly successful and Birmingham has demonstrated its ability to come together and deliver amazing events time and time again.

The past 18 months have seen several incredible changes in the city, with new developments and re- openings further adding to the city’s credentials as an events destination and strengthening its ability to offer a great welcome to delegates. This regeneration, along with Europe’s youngest population, means that Birmingham is an exceptionally energetic and exciting place to visit.

In addition, the West Midlands region has an exciting five years on the horizon, with Coventry City of Culture in 2021 and Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.

As a city that’s truly arrived on a global stage, Birminghamcelebrates and reflects international culture and diversity like no other and is well placed to host a sporting championship. Both IRG participants and spectators will find Birmingham a friendly and welcoming city with boundless energy, offering visitors an eclectic mix of exciting experiences.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity of providing a proposal and we would be honoured to have the opportunity to work with you and deliver a truly outstanding event in 2021.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Rami Chief Executive West Midlands Growth Company Ltd

t. +44(0)121 202 5115

West Midlands Growth Company Ltd. Registered inEngland and Wales No. 01631329 Registeredaddress: 16Summer Lane,Birmingham, B19 3SD Correspondenceaddress: Baskerville House, 2 Centenary Square,Birmingham, B12ND

23 Mr AlistairBurford Birmingham Bulls

26th April 2019

DearAlistair,

It is with great pleasure that I write to you on behalf of West Midlands Growth Company to offer my full support in the bid to host the IRG European Championship in 2021.

In addition, the West Midlands region has an exciting five years on the horizon, with Coventry City of Culture in 2021 and Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity of providing a proposal and we would be honoured to have the opportunity to work with you and deliver a truly outstanding event in 2021.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Rami Chief Executive West Midlands Growth Company Ltd

t. +44(0)121 202 5115

24 Dear Alistair,

Followingonthe conversationsthat we have hadregardingthe BirminghamBullsbidto host the UnionCupin2021. I believe that Birminghamwouldprovide a perfect settingfor the competitionandhelpbuildonBirminghamʼsreputation of deliveringhighquality sporting events. I wouldlike to formally give the backingof BirminghamCity University to the bid.

The University can support the bidby providingthe use of our Pavilionsite at Moor Lane.

I wouldalso like to be able to advertise volunteeringopportunitiesto our 25,000 studentsif the bidissuccessful.

I wishyouall the very best with the bidandif there isany further informationneeded, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yourssincerely,

Mark Jeffreys Director of SportandPhysical Activity Birmingham City University City South Campus Westbourne Road Birmingham B153TN

T: 01213304408 M: 07702 960 559 E: [email protected]

BCU SPORT

BCU Sport, City SouthCampus, Westbourne Road, BirminghamB15 3TN 25 Dear Alistair,