Medway Magic
Medway RFC in Rochester has struggled to survive the lack of income during the pandemic, and so are extremely grateful for the crucial support shown by their membership during these financially uncertain times.
The members and players also rallied round when an appeal went out to narrow the digital divide for families without essential technology. They handed over 80 used laptops and 19 tablets, five new devices, and donated £2000 for refurbishment. The devices have gone to local schools to help pupils who need them the most.
This is a club operating at the heart of their community and, as soon as Government guidelines allowed, the players and coaches headed for the Priestfields pitches and laced up their boots.
Royal Engineers Join Up
With their 90th season approaching, there is much to celebrate – not least the fact that they have just signed a partnership with the Royal Engineers RFC and will be their rugby home for the next three years.
The club also has one of the south east’s most successful girls sections and has had record numbers of girls involved after lockdown. Many, like 17-year-old Tess White who has been selected for England Women’s development training, will hope to emulate Medway legend Rachael Burford who joined the club aged six and came through their junior section before playing premier rugby at 17.
Her career includes four Rugby World Cups and two Sevens World Cups. Harlequins’ Burford was given the International Rugby Players Special Merit Award with Richie McCaw in 2017 for work on the players’ movement and is now Head of Women’s Rugby with the International Rugby Players governing body.
She said: “Medway was a wonderful club for me growing up and is a real centre of the local community as well as a place where women and girls can learn and develop their rugby. My mum, sister and dad all played there and it was a second home. I owe them a lot and I know they continue to nurture the talent of the girls who join them.”
Upgrading during lockdown
During recent lockdowns Medway were determined to move forward. Said club treasurer Tracy Bullock: “We were very fortunate to get a £50,000 grant from the RFU Winter Survival Fund. That has meant we don’t have to watch every penny and can move forward into the new season with confidence. We also have tremendous support from sponsors Mouser Electronics, Rodmersham Coffee Shops and other local businesses.”
They have already upgraded many of the facilities, including the kitchen, heating and disabled toilets and are improving the ladies toilets and enlarging and improving the bar. Having been handed the two former football pitches at the site by Medway Council, they can now also put in new posts and improve the pitches.
With the aim of being a “seven day a week club”, they are a fundamental part of their community. The girls’ section typifies the spirit of giving back. Having taken on a fitness challenge at the start of the year, they moved on to stepping up for the local paramedics, raising almost £6,000 and already inviting 50 paramedics to a match day lunch in the new season.
Like all rugby clubs, Medway enjoy a singalong but they also have a member of their U18 Development squad, No 8 James Okulaja who posts his own songs on Youtube and was invited onto ITV’s The Voice. James is also a Youth Parliament member for Medway. Just another example of the multi-talented membership of this fantastic club.
