Gary Bird of East London RFC reports on a new initiative to promote rugby in the area…
East London Rugby Club’s Young Ambassador Alex Pearmain is urging youngsters to give rugby a try at a fun open day on Sunday morning.
Newham Knights, the club’s new junior section, are inviting youngsters aged seven to 16 to come and try tag rugby for free and take part in skills coaching sessions and goal kicking competitions in Memorial Park, Holland Road, West Ham, from 10am to 11.30am on Sunday 30th November.
Alex, 17, from West Ham, the club and Newham’s Young Rugby Ambassador, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people of all ages who have never played rugby before to come and give it a go. There will be lots of fun stuff going on and a chance to see what the Newham Knights youth section has to offer.”
Alex has been involved with East London, where his father still plays, since the age of five. This year he is training with the club and turning out for the third team. He said: “Being Newham’s Young Rugby Ambassador is an honour and a big responsibility. I want all young people to feel excited about Newham hosting Rugby World Cup 2015.
“My dad plays for East London so I’ve always been there watching and helping out. I know what’s great about the sport; but I want young people like me to help welcome fans, players and visitors from all over the world in 2015.”
Matters on the pitch were not so good for East London on Saturday when they had to forfeit their Essex League 1 fixture at local rivals Ilford Wanderers. Already short of players when two failed to arrive, they lost stand in prop Wes Royer to injury early on. With no other replacement forward available, they were forced to forfeit the match while trailing 12-0.
East London remain in eighth place in the table. They are next in action on 6 December at home to bottom placed Pegasus Palmerians. Kick-off is at 2pm.