RUGBY CLUB PARENTS ARE ALL KITTED OUT

A grant from Broadacres is enabling parents to get a piece of the action at Richmondshire Rugby Club.

Parents who got to know each other on the touchlines whilst watching their children play in junior leagues decided they were missing out.

So, mothers have joined in fitness sessions with the women’s team whilst the dads have formed a squad to compete with other veteran’s teams across the region.

Nearly 40 have so far signed up and now, thanks to a grant from Broadacres Community Development Fund, the team look the part in matching rugby kit.

“It’s well known that men over 40 can be prone to depression and isolation especially ex-military and those living alone,” said team member Keith Rushforth. “Being part of a team helps break down barriers. It has enormous social benefits as well as being good exercise.”

Based at Richmond, the club is a focal point for the local community running teams from u7 through to u16 as well as men’s and women’s first teams and now veterans.

Keith said the grant for the new kit will provide a real boost, strengthening the team bond, ensuring no players miss out due to finances and bringing people back into the sport.

“You might get a bit slower, but you never lose your love of the game,” said Keith. “Our players range from 35 to 58 and one of them recently got called up to play for the first team at the age of 45.”

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved a Panel consisting of Broadacres’ residents.

To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/