Belfast High School FP Rugby Football Club has put out a call for new players and club members. With the past season not long finished the club is already gearing up for the incoming league campaign with pre-season training due to begin at the club grounds in Greenisland on Tuesday 20 July.
Although formed in 1958 by a group of former pupils at the High School, the club, with a 1st XV who are currently playing in Section 2 of the Kukri Qualifying League, has always been open to anyone, past pupil or other.
This remains the case and is clearly evident looking down the names of the current playing squad and their respective alma mater. Indeed the club are currently looking for individuals who wish to become involved in or renew their interest in rugby football.
The club also has a vibrant Mini Rugby Section with boys and girls playing rugby from Primary 1/Year 1 up to Primary 7/Year 7 age groups. It is also hoped that this can be further developed to progress to Maxi rugby and eventually progression to a youth rugby set up.
Thanks to a long association with and the vital support of main club sponsor ABBEY INSURANCE and others including ACCESS TECHNOLOGY (Ireland) LTD and CTS the club has plans to grow and develop and with hopes of a possible return of a 3rd XV the Club are seeking to attract new players, young and older, with a view to enlarging their current playing squad.
As well as players the club are inviting any interest from other potential sponsors, and with options ranging from pitch side advertising boards to complete deals involving hospitality and the availability of international tickets there is a package on offer to raise the profile of any business, big or small.
Along with the 1st XV the club’s 2nd XV, currently playing in Section 4 of the Magner’s Junior League, regularly train at Greenisland War Memorial Sports Club from 7pm twice weekly throughout the season on Tuesdays and Thursdays with additional close season and non-match day training on Saturday afternoons.
While a warm welcome can be assured for anyone interested in any aspect of rugby, the club are particularly hoping to attract former players who may have been considering a return to the game as well as those new to the scene as a player or who are interested in getting involved as an associate member or even as a supporter.
Indeed running right throughout the summer and alongside training on a Tuesday evening are the increasingly popular ‘Dads and Lads’ touch rugby sessions which see players from 6 to 60 having fun, enjoying rugby and ultimately keeping fit.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in rugby at Greenisland, can contact the Director of Rugby, Andy Mayne, on 07703439005 or by e-mailing bhsfprfc@hotmail.co.uk Alternatively just turn up with your boots at the War Memorial Sports Grounds at 7pm on a Tuesday evening or for the kids, from 10.00am on a Saturday morning from Saturday 4 September.
