Sport In Profile UK Issue 18 | Page 33

Seaford joining. It is also hoped that through Kevin’s sterling work; a girls’ team can be formed by the end of the season. The ladies team takes centre stage on a Sunday afternoon if they have a home fixture. This is the newest addition to the club, formed in 2014 on a social basis. Since its introduction, player numbers have swelled and in 2016 they entered the league and coached by club Chairman Ian Newby, achieved a very creditable mid-table position. This is now an extremely active and flourishing section of Seaford RFC and can only go from strength to strength. It is one of the core principles of Seaford RFC to be a part of the community and immerse themselves in any way that they can. In 2015 Seaford’s number one supporter, Ellis Jones won a Samsung Try of the Month award for his storming sixty yard try, when he evaded the tackles of the entire opposition. Luckily you can see this on You Tube https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjSkei784fs. This has had over 15,000 hits! The club entered Ellis’ try into the competition and as result of winning asked Samsung to supply some vital equipment which enables Ellis to communicate a great deal easier than before. For the past five years, the club has arranged a Christmas party for local senior citizens. They are collected by minibus, taken to the clubhouse where they enjoy a glass of sherry (or more than one!) and a Christmas tea. This is followed with entertainment in the shape of a singer and dancing with some of the players who come to help. The afternoon is completed by a visit from Father Christmas and presents, before they are all taken home. This Christmas (2017), 55 pensioners attended with 96-year-old Betty Slater being the oldest party-goer! Seaford are a staunch supporter of the White Ribbon charity https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ - the campaign against male violence towards women – in fact the charity sponsored the second team for a season. To this day, every player wears the white ribbon symbol on their playing shirt. There are other fund-raising projects that resulted in charities receiving donations from the club. It includes St Wilfred’s Hospice in Eastbourne, somewhere that supported one of the Ladies, Sonya, who has since made a tremendous recovery and now coaches one of the junior sides. All this requires a great deal of organisation and finance. The club depends on an enthusiastic Board of Directors, committee members for both seniors and juniors and an army of others who go that extra mile to help the club function. Sponsors are vital to the organisation and the support and generosity of local companies such as Purple Conversations is always greatly appreciated. Please visit the club website for a full list of the sponsors http://www. seafordrfc.co.uk/. This season the club celebrates its eightieth anniversary, culminating in a weekend of rugby and fun at the end of August. Matches will be played by every team, there will be plenty of food and drink and live music in the evening. Everyone is welcome. If you want to see Seaford Rugby Club in all its glory, this is a date to put in your diary. Seaford prides itself on its inclusivity. No matter what background, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity, you will always be welcome into their rugby family at the Salts. They are always looking for players of all ages and sexes. The amount of experience is no bar to joining. They would love newcomers to try out a new sport, or more experienced players to come and join a community club that is fun and friendly as well as ambitious. Many over the years have come, few leave, and if they do - they return. “Once Sea-ford RFC, always Sea-ford RFC!” www sportip biz 33