As Swanley RFC enters its fourth year it’s apparent the hard work being put in by all members is paying off, they now have a more permanent home right in the town centre.
The pitch is located on the recreational ground with ample changing rooms, storage facilities, physio room and catering services for pre and post-game functions. As well as this, the committee is working hard on the preparation of building a brand new clubhouse for the sole use of the rugby club based in Beechenlea Lane.
It’s no secret that women’s rugby is the fastest growing sport in the UK right now and that is equally reflected at Swanley RFC with the Black Swans going from strength to strength. Celebrating their 2nd anniversary this year they have evolved from a handful of members running cones in the local park to boasting an established squad of 20+ members regularly training twice a week.
This September will see the Black Swans debut in the Inner Warrior League, leading the charge, Head coach Owen Connelly.
The Black Swans are more than prepared to face their local rivals due to their extensive off season preparations with Ready 4 Rugby matches and their most recent friendly against the Lordswood Valkyries.
To get involved with this aggressively expanding team, they can be found training at Swanley recreation ground on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.00pm and Saturday mornings from 9.30am to 11.00am – feel free to pop along and introduce yourself.
Swanley men’s 1st XV are heading up the club with an exemplary competitive record to date, winning promotion within their respective leagues in each season they have played to date, they now find themselves in the Kent Rugby Shepherd Neame Kent 2 League, playing against some very established teams such as Whitstable RFC and Old Gravesendians RFC. This year also sees Swanley’s founding Director of Rugby, George Morris and Captain Tony Sumbler, step down from their roles after a very respectable and successful campaign of establishing the team, the club ethos and providing the foundations of a now well-known and respected team in the county.
The two roles are now being filled by Owen Connelly and Stuart Tate respectively and the club wishes them all the best for the upcoming season. The men’s team can be found training on a Tuesday evening at Swanley recreation ground from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.
Plus, causing mayhem on a Sunday morning at the recreation ground is their youth section. Led by Coach Steve and Coach Dave, the youth section caters for all ages from five years old upwards with an increasing roster of up and coming talent to filter into the senior teams.
As always, the club is welcoming more players, supporters and social members, the more the merrier. They pride themselves on being open to all, with a vibrant social calendar and welcoming atmosphere there’s a place for everyone within Swanley RFC and they look forward to meeting you.
• Details of training, games and all of Swanley RFC’s social calendar can be found on their website at www.swanleyrfc.co.uk or social media platforms, simply search for Swanley RFC.
