Rugby Club Issue 55 | Page 60

kingsbridge FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Kingsbridge Kingsbridge Rugby Football Club – 125 years and still going strong T he 2014/15 season marked Kingsbridge Rugby Football Club’s 125 year anniversary. Founded in 1889, KRFC or the Blue and Whites, moved to their current home at High House in 1926, overlooking the South Devon town of Kingsbridge and players now benefit from the use of three floodlit pitches. During this time, and particularly in the last 10 years, KRFC has grown exponentially, developing thriving mini and junior sections with over 300 players across ten teams from U7 to U16, as well as a strong Colts squad and first and second team senior squads. The Club’s First XV plays in the Western Counties (West) league, finishing their 2013/14 season in third place and narrowly missing out on promotion. “Over the years, KRFC has gone from strength to strength and is now a major focal point for the local community and beyond,” says current Chairman, Ian Brooking. “We’re a wholly amateur club, which we’re passionate about, and we’ve always placed great importance on rugby’s core values all the way through the Club. The emphasis is on inclusiveness and enjoyment. We’re focussed on ensuring all our players get the most out of the game and the Club at every level – so they stay with us and go on to play for our Colts and 60 Issue 55 senior teams. Player retention is key and we’re proud that over 80% of our current first team squad have risen through the junior ranks.” These values are also central to KRFC’s continued success and its future ambitions. In addition to the outstanding performance of the First XV this season, every year the Club’s trophy cabinet is full of silverware brought home by almost every age group from their respective Devon finals. The Honours Board reflects a long list of players who have gone on to play representative rugby for their county, their country and today’s Premiership clubs. Success on the field and in the development of each and every player is backed by a programme of continual investment in playing facilities, coaching standards and the Club’s social environment. Kingsbridge was one of the first clubs in Devon to be awarded the RFU’s Whole Club Seal of Approval and is recognised as a SportsMark club by Sport England.