South London
Silverbacks
“Running a club year on year is very
difficult. Players do not realise how much
goes on behind the scenes just to keep
the wheels in motion. But when you turn
up to the first preseason training session
and you 20+ players ready to get started
it’s a massive rush.
“The team are very excited at the
moment. For a club that has only been
running three seasons to be granted
the chance to play at Tier 4 is a great
achievement. Our season has only just
started, but numbers at training are
fantastic and the club is growing week
by week so this year is looking very
promising. This year we are looking to
finish in the top 4; we know it will be
hard work but I believe with the team
that we have this is achievable.
“At the Silverbacks we do not have
a youth section but we have partnered
with The Bromley Bengals RLFC. With
this partnership we help them grow
their junior section and offer their youths
a player pathway to play at adult level.
“We are a community club. Anyone
that pops down sees the facilities,
players, players kids, players wives and
girlfriends and it’s amazing. We face our
biggest challenge every year. For a rugby
league club to be successful in London
is all down to players believing in the
club. We have to attract players in a very
rugby union dominated area and its
hard work as we are always promoting
‘rugby is rugby no matter the code’.
“All we want to do is be sustainable.
As the founder of the Silverbacks I would
Founder Garry Windle, is one of only a few individuals that have progressed from the
high ranks of the Military, through the security industry onto private household management.
Having over 26 years’ experience in the military and private security sector, his vast
knowledge, experience and leadership within this sector allows Exclusively Private to resolve
security concerns at all levels and over various roles, as well as using his vast network of
professionals in providing exclusive and discreet services to private households or individuals.
He has a varied background which he brings to Exclusively Private, from managing
exclusive events and protection teams to managing private Ultra-High Net Worth individuals,
their lifestyles, staff and household.
Exclusively Private brings all Garry’s military ethos to their services, from the Values and
standards of ensuring our clients requirements for outstanding security services and supplying
household staff, are not only met but exclusively excel.
No matter what our client requires, Exclusively Private will provide a discreet service
with the upmost professionalism of individuals. Our recruitment process will carefully source
the correct candidate to find the perfect individual to work with your family or company.
Garry told Rugby Club Magazine, “I started playing at the club this season as a prop or
second row. This came about through Jody asking me to come down to the club after seeing me
play. After being in talks for a while, I came and had a run out against my old military team, the
Royal Engineers who were on a tour.”
“I enjoyed the camaraderie and the ethos that came with the club, having been created by
the players for the players. I also saw that it was a club with a huge potential - and I wanted to
use my ‘Old head’ to help them on this journey. Plus, it was great to be back smashing through
people! Even at my age of 44.
“I served 24 years in the Army, left in April 2017 and have since been a full time
bodyguard based in London so I keep myself fit and strong - I was happy to sign up to play the
season on the understanding I would return to see my own family in Swansea when I can. I have
also recently set up my own company, to help put other quality operators into roles, whilst still
fulfilling my main role as Full-time bodyguard.
“Whilst in the Army I played Army Rugby Union at Masters level, as well as Army Rugby
League and Combined Services at Open Age level. I was fortunate to get the chance to tour
South Africa in 2009 where we played against the SA Rugby League international team (South
African Rhinos) and we won in both tests.
“I turned to League after playing Union in Swansea, South Wales and after winning
Welsh representative honours at Rugby Union in 2001 I found that Rugby League helped me
be a better Union Player. It increased my pace, I got better handling skills and my defence was
improved immensely.
“I’ve done various bits of coaching through ‘rugby for heroes’ where you found that
coaching and taking a step back from playing you learnt and picked up a number of things that
help you play today. It also gives me the drive to help players better themselves and pass on my
knowledge of the game ... whether Union or League.”
• Wish the lads all the best for the season ahead and hopefully see the club rise through
the ranks and increasing the profile of league in London. There is a great huge potential within
the club, if they remain committed focused and hungry to keep improving their knowledge of
Rugby League. We beat the South African international team not because we were better rugby
players, but because we knew the game better than them!
like to see that the club I started in 2015
is still running in five, ten and eventually
fifteen years from now.”
PROUD SPONSORS OF THE
SOUTH LONDON SILVERBACKS
Exclusively Private is an independent private security and
household staffing company based in the UK. We pride ourselves
in providing outstanding security and staffing services for high
net worth individuals, families and businesses based in or visiting
the UK.
Our bespoke security and staffing services are professional and
personable we tailor each request to the client ensuring that
individual needs are met. The majority of our staff have extensive
backgrounds in the British Military ensuring that the highest
standards are met. Their vast training and experience enable us to
offer you unrivaled professionalism and utmost discretion.
TELEPHONE: 07928 744344
WEBSITE: WWW.EXCLUSIVELYPRIVATE.CO.UK
EMAIL: [email protected]
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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