CLUB FOCUS
WOODFORD RUGBY CLUB 2014
By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham
has been a big year for Woodford Rugby Club; long time member David Phillips has been appointed Chairman of the club and they have just celebrated their 90th Anniversary hosted by Ben Shephard and attended by Jason Leonard OBE, a 2003 World Cup winner. Woodford Rugby Club takes on players from Under 6s up to senior teams. In the youth teams there is at least one team for every year up to Colts/ U19s and there are four senior teams all of who play in leagues. For the Youth Teams, U13-U19, league matches take place on Sundays with half of the season in competitive play and the other half being friendlies. U6-U12 groups play on Sundays in competition for a third of the season while the other two thirds are used to learn the game and rules. At all levels of play, an all-inclusive policy is adopted and girls participate at many age levels, players are welcomed at all ages and abilities. Training takes place twice a week for Senior teams and once a week for Youth teams. While teams compete in leagues, they also play in the Essex Cup and last year the Colts/U19s returned victorious. Home games at Woodford Rugby Club prove to be extremely vibrant, with seven age groups all including 15-20 players, plus opposition and
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parents make for a bustling environment and a very supporting atmosphere. Woodford Rugby Club develops young players to be the best that they can be, some players have gone on to train with Saracens and U16s Freddie Hatton has captained England. Woodford RFC have produced many talented players, one well known alumni is Andy Saul, who plays professionally for Newcastle who came through Woodford RFC from the Under 6s. Another rising star is U16 player Freddie Newbury, who has been selected for England. Woodford RFC share and teach the same values of The Rugby Community, the main facets being Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship, a lethal combination when displayed on pitch. The club will be further boosted by a major project to upgrade the drainage on the main pitch which will allow for activities to coincide with the 2015 World Cup. Woodford Rugby Club are always aiming high, and if any young player dreams of professional play for England, they have coaches and contacts which can make this a reality. The club brings together the local community in a unique way, in that each Mini and Youth teams can boast players from 10-12 different local schools, adding to the vibrancy and talent of the club. Details on training, coaching and other activities can be found at www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodford/