Rugby Club Issue 61 | Page 60

Old Gravesendians FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Old Gravesendians RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB O ld Gravesendians (Old G’s) is a community rugby club based in Gravesend, Kent. The 1st XV currently play in Kent 1 with the 2s and 3s playing in the Kent merit leagues. The club also runs a Vets side and has an U17/18 age group. I really view Old G’s as a true community club, where people from all walks of life can join, play rugby and create lifelong friendships. We currently have a playing membership of approximately 65 adult players, a number which has increased in recent years and something which we hope to build on going forward. We are beginning to see the fruit of the youth set up, with a number of the current senior players coming through the youth system to compliment new players joining 60 Issue 61 the club from outside. Last season we also introduced a new Veterans team, in order to cater for the older market too. This has been very successful and we can say that we have senior players ranging from 17 years old to 62 years old. The club has a family feel with many generations of the same family having played for the club and remaining as members. This produces a good sociable club atmosphere with coaches, players, spectators and volunteers all joining each other in contributing to the friendly club ethos, a trait which many new players comment on. The club prides itself on providing good rugby for all abilities of players within a social inclusive environment. Many ex-players are still a part of the club, including as sponsors, due to its social feel and friendly ethos. Two existing sponsors, David Marshall London (www.davidmarshalllondon.com) and Electronic Products Network (www. epnetwork.co.uk) have either previous players or family links to the club as part of their structure. With many new members joining the club committee this season, all bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the club, having been players for a number of seasons. The club has a strong tradition of current and ex-players contributing to the running of Old G’s; with many staying involved and giving back to the club once their playing days are over. Despite a tough season so far which sees the first team in the relegation zone