Family-owned maltster, Simpsons
Malt has a rich heritage of producing
the finest malt from its headquarters
in the heart of Berwick Upon Tweed.
As part of its corporate social
responsibility, Simpsons Malt is pleased
to support a number of local initiatives
that make a positive impact on the
community. Reflecting the interests of its
employees, the company is particularly
active in the areas of culture and sport.
Simpsons Malt’s vice chairman, Richard
Simpson, lives in Berwick Upon Tweed
with his young family and is a keen sports
fan. Therefore when the opportunity
arose to support the Berwick Rugby Club
U12s team, the company was only too
delighted to pitch in.
Top of the list was a new strip to reflect
the professionalism and ambition of the
young team and Simpsons Malt took up
the challenge and in August of last year,
Richard handed over the new kit, which is
now being worn with pride by the players.
Richard Simpson explains, “There are
no better ambassadors for Simpsons Malt
than these young players who have the
determination, skill and a commitment
to hard work to be a success. We are very
proud of our association and hope it will
continue.”
And it appears that the new strip has had
a positive impact on the scoreboard, the
team has gone from strength to strength
culminating in being awarded the ‘Spirit
of Rugby’ trophy at the last festival of
the season, at Ponteland, where all the
Northumberland clubs were represented.
According to coach, Charlie Evans,
having the support of businesses can
bring many benefits, and not just financial,
to clubs.
Charlie said, “Attracting new entrants
into the game is a key focus for the Club
and having corporate support in terms
of funding, but also ideas and contacts
is invaluable. It allows us to consider the
wide opportunities to engage with young
people who perhaps are not already
connected with the Club and of course,
being able to offer a full kit once they join
makes being part of the team from the
start a reality.
“We were able to attract players
from all over Berwickshire and North
Northumberland and they have blended
into a really strong but respectful team.”
The Berwick Rugby Club has identified
the opportunity that the 2015 World Cup
will present both in terms of attracting
new sponsors, but also more new players.
“It’s not just about what happens on the
pitch”, explains Charlie, “but also how we
can connect our young players with the
wider community so they understand the
responsibilities of being part of a club and
the importance of representing the club
properly both on and off the pitch. Giving
young adults access to sponsors at events
and also fundraising responsibilities are
lessons in life, which will hold them in
good stead.”
“The team was very grateful for the kit
that Simpsons Malt provided and the
team certainly looked and played the
part throughout the season. It’s obvious
that young adults develop life skills from
playing rugby and learn from rugby’s
core values of respect and teamwork and
looking after kit, that Simpsons Malt has
kindly provided, is part of that.”
Looking ahead, the U12’s will join with
the Primary 7 team, next season, to form
Berwick U13’s and plans are already
being drawn up to build on last season’s
success. Fixtures against schools such
as Fettes have already been organised
by Dougie Hall, the club’s development
officer.
Charlie concluded, “We would hope
local businesses, including Simpsons
Malt, will continue to support the club as
rugby players are great ambassadors.”
“I’m certainly very proud of Berwick
U12’s and it would be great to say in
the future, that a Rugby World Cup star
came through the age grades of Berwick
Rugby Club. However, perhaps more
importantly we are giving children the
ability to be part of a great game that
teaches them so much. They will be able
to walk into any rugby club in the world
and instantly be part of the rugby family.”