Croydon players team up to help club
Fans may have missed attending Six Nations matches this season but Croydon RFC players have been walking, running or cycling the 5890km to every host stadium and back to the clubhouse as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the club finances. At the last count they had raised more than £2,000.
For over 60 years the club has had deep roots in New Addington, Croydon and the surrounding areas and through players, extended family and other sports clubs using their function hall, they have been part of many lives and deeply involved with their community. For generations children and adults have made Croydon RFC their second home and the players decided to challenge themselves to ensure this continues.
Chairman Jonathan Humphreys said: “Like many clubs at grassroots level, Croydon RFC has had its challenges over the past year. We all know and understand the toll that Covid has had on our nation. For a rugby club like ours, the strain isn’t limited to club finances, where we’ve seen income come to a full stop, it also extends to the wellbeing and health of our members. For many the club is part of their DNA, a place to socialise, release and stay fit.
“We knew we had to do something, so when the idea to cover the distance was proposed, we had to say yes. It started off as a way to get the players connected again but has taken a whole different shape. I am very proud of what they have achieved.”
Lucy Ware, Club Secretary added: “This challenge brought the guys together and showed how important rugby is to them, their families and the community around us.”
The club has been grateful for much needed funds as players young and old get ready to return to the pitch. Their Just Giving page can be found here.
