Issue 90 | Page 65

Tanya Russell and her husband Garry are long term supporters and sponsors of Dumfries Saints Rugby Club , Tanya recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak to Rugby Club Magazine ;

” We both grew up in the local area however neither of us were involved in rugby until our son Harvey began paying in 2013 and subsequently in 2016 we decided to become main sponsors , motivated by the great work we witnessed the club doing , both on and off the pitch .
Harvey started his rugby journey at age 4 , P1 , and has played for the club ever since . He currently plays prop forward for the U14s and Garry tends to go to the games and travel with Harvey whist I look after his younger sister Maisie who has her own out of school activities - which keeps us both busy . Whenever we can we try and travel as a family to support him , his friends and of course the club .
I have to say that all the coaches have been fabulous and Harvey has learnt a lot especially from Mike Halliday and Barry Graham who have kept training fun and interesting for all the children . Dumfries is a great club with a very family orientated feel about it . We have always felt very much a part of it and always receive a fantastic welcome !
We first sponsored the club back in 2016 as main shirt sponsor for two years . We then continued to support the club by sponsoring the purchase of their minibus . We often sponsor a player in the first XV and we are currently supporting the U14s by supplying them with their training tops and hoodies .
We are delighted to be long-time supporters and sponsors of another great local club , Stewartry Rugby Club , who will be celebrating their delayed 50th anniversary next year . GTR Contracts are very proud to have sponsored the club for over the past 10 years . The work and commitment they contribute to our Dumfries and Galloway communities is quite outstanding ; whilst their development of young people and girls ’ rugby is second to none . The clubs mission statement of `Friendship , Resilience and Wellbeing` really shines out of their many volunteers , members , coaches , players and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure a happy club . Myself , Garry and our family and everyone at GTR Contracts would like to congratulate everyone at Dumfries Saints and Stewartry Rugby Club on being recognised for their continued and outstanding community work this year and wish both clubs and all our customers all the very best of continued success for 2022 and for many more seasons to come !”
Harvey Russell ( RHS ) and two of his friends from Dumfries Saints RFC

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I have to say that all the coaches have been fabulous and Harvey has learnt a lot especially from Mike Halliday and Barry Graham who have kept training fun and interesting for all the children .

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