Three Decades of Rugby by the Sea
Shoreham RFC has returned to rugby having weathered the pandemic, and have some ambitious plans for their upcoming 30th season.
Established in 1992, they have built numbers to give rugby opportunities to 140 young players from U6 to U15s. The senior 1st XV team when competitive rugby was happening on the pitches achieved a league and cup double, becoming the Harvey’s Armada Ale Sussex 2 Division champions and winners of the Harvey’s Sussex Plate.
Coach Alex Hadfield has helped the senior squad develop a more open and attractive style of rugby, and with the support of their sponsors including Revamp Decorating Services, McEwan Ceilings, SED Gardens and AG Engineering & Survey they are establishing themselves as a tough opponent in the Sussex leagues.
Now their new Youth Chairman James Drummond-Davies plans to continue the growth by recruiting from local schools to take a new crop of players through to Colts level. Aiming to be more inclusive and diverse, the youth section also wants to establish a girls’ team and pathway for younger girls already at the club and new players joining. They are currently recruiting for coaches for the team.
Senior squad numbers grew last year, so a 2nd XV will create a pathway for players new to rugby or returning and joining with more established squad players. The recent lockdowns having underlined the need for grassroots sports and all of the benefits it brings, the club is also working with Adur & Worthing Councils on rebuilding plans for the community facilities at their home in Buckingham Park. The club has been fundraising for a number of years to help support this ambitious project.
With youngsters and older players glad to be back on the pitches, the sun shining and breezes blowing in from the Channel, they will continue training and activities at Buckingham Park throughout the spring and summer, with fitness and fun skills sessions for all abilities.
