Bowdon
Bowdon
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
Bowdon Rugby Club is a fine example of the important role that a
club can play in their local community. Rugby Club Magazine recently
caught up with their Director of Rugby John Linkman to find out more
about the club.
Involvement
He told us, “I’ve been at the club
since 2005. I’d moved into the area
the year before and after checking out
a few clubs I decided on Bowdon. I
liked the community feel and friendly
atmosphere. The facilities are second
to none for a club at this level with a
modern clubhouse and a playing surface
which is one of the best in the North
West.
The welcome I got made it an easy
decision to join. It’s a special club, which
I’ve grown very attached to and after
nearly fifteen years in which I’ve played
1st team, been 2nd team captain and am
currently in my forth year as the Senior
section Director of Rugby that bond has
grown stronger and stronger.”
The Role
“Our biggest challenge is always
consistency. At this level it’s sometimes
difficult to maintain the same squad
week in, week out. We’re under no
illusion that players have family
commitments and social plans that
compete with rugby but sometimes it’s
tough to realise that this is simply the
“I first became involved with the club roughly eighteen years
ago, starting on the wing before moving to my preferred position
as full back. I played at various clubs at a number of different levels,
clubs such as Middlesbrough (while at uni), Liverpool St Helens
and Ashton on Mersey when I moved back to the local area.
I was re-introduced to Bowdon through my son Rufus deciding
to play at the age of five, this was twelve years ago. After just a
few weeks of my son playing at the club I decided to help out with
coaching and followed him through the age groups while gaining
coaching qualifications.
I started coaching the U6’s and have just finished the season
coaching the Junior colts. This has been the first year of having
an organised league for the team; we had a mixed season in the
league but have reached the County Cup Final for the second year
in succession.
I’ve been sponsoring the club on and off for over ten years now,
just helping out where I can. I’m really looking forward to the senior
year of colts next season. There is a great management team at the
club at all levels with Tom Fleming and Hom Buckley in the seniors
and Chris Bathurst and Si Kelly in the mini’s and juniors. I would
like to wish everyone all the best and am proud to be associated
with such a great grassroots club.”
Christian James
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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