Blandford RFC is an English rugby union club based in Blandford Forum, Dorset. The club was founded in 1972 and currently plays in the Tribute Western Counties North league, following their promotion as champions of Dorset & Wilts 1 North at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Editor’s Notes: Blandford RFC is a great example of a community rugby club that is making a positive impact on its local area. The club has a strong mini and junior section, and it is actively involved in outreach work in local schools and the wider community.
We’ve done some analysis and digging, and we’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about Blandford RFC. We’ll cover the club’s history, its current status, and its future plans.
Key Differences
| Feature | Blandford RFC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1972 |
| Ground | Blandford Recreation Ground |
| League | Tribute Western Counties North |
| Membership | Over 200 |
Main Article Topics
- History of Blandford RFC
- Current status of Blandford RFC
- Future plans for Blandford RFC
- How to get involved with Blandford RFC
1. Founded
Blandford Rugby Club was founded in 1972, and this date holds great significance for the club’s history and identity.
- Humble Beginnings: The club was founded by a group of enthusiasts who were passionate about rugby. They started out playing on a local recreation ground, and gradually grew their membership and facilities over time.
- Community Roots: Blandford RFC has always been a community-based club, and its founding in 1972 reflects this. The club is a focal point for the local community, and it plays an important role in bringing people together.
- Milestone in Local Rugby History: The founding of Blandford RFC in 1972 was a significant milestone in the history of rugby in the local area. The club has since become one of the leading rugby clubs in Dorset, and it has produced a number of talented players over the years.
- Foundation for Future Success: The founding of the club in 1972 laid the foundation for its future success. The club has a strong tradition of success on the pitch, and it has a bright future ahead of it.
In conclusion, the founding of Blandford Rugby Club in 1972 was a pivotal moment in the club’s history. The club has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and it is now a thriving community club with a proud history and a bright future.
2. Ground
Blandford Rugby Club’s home ground is the Blandford Recreation Ground, a venue that has played a significant role in the club’s history and development.
- Central Location: The Blandford Recreation Ground is centrally located in Blandford Forum, making it easily accessible for players, supporters, and the wider community. This central location has contributed to the club’s strong community ties and its ability to attract new members.
- Community Hub: The Blandford Recreation Ground is more than just a rugby ground; it is a community hub that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These events include rugby matches, training sessions, social gatherings, and community events. The ground’s role as a community hub has helped to strengthen the club’s bonds with the local community.
- Pitch Quality: The Blandford Recreation Ground has a high-quality pitch that is suitable for all levels of rugby. The pitch is well-maintained and provides a safe and enjoyable playing surface for players and spectators alike.
- Future Development: Blandford RFC is currently working on plans to develop the Blandford Recreation Ground. These plans include the construction of a new clubhouse and other facilities. The development of the ground will help to improve the club’s facilities and provide a better experience for players, supporters, and the wider community.
In conclusion, the Blandford Recreation Ground is more than just a rugby ground; it is a central part of Blandford RFC and the wider community. The ground has played a significant role in the club’s history and development, and it will continue to be an important asset for the club in the years to come.
3. League
Blandford RFC currently plays in the Tribute Western Counties North league, which is a competitive league at the seventh tier of the English rugby union system. The league consists of 12 teams from the South West of England, and Blandford RFC is one of the leading clubs in the league.
Playing in the Tribute Western Counties North league is important for Blandford RFC for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides the club with a high level of competition, which helps to improve the skills and fitness of the players. Secondly, it gives the club the opportunity to compete for promotion to the next level of the English rugby union system. Thirdly, it helps to raise the profile of the club within the local community and beyond.
Blandford RFC has a good record in the Tribute Western Counties North league, and the club has a number of talented players who have represented the club at county and regional level. The club is also committed to developing young players, and it has a strong mini and junior section.
Overall, playing in the Tribute Western Counties North league is a positive experience for Blandford RFC. It provides the club with a high level of competition, the opportunity to compete for promotion, and it helps to raise the profile of the club within the local community and beyond.
Key Insights:
- Playing in the Tribute Western Counties North league is important for Blandford RFC because it provides the club with a high level of competition, the opportunity to compete for promotion, and it helps to raise the profile of the club within the local community and beyond.
- Blandford RFC has a good record in the Tribute Western Counties North league, and the club has a number of talented players who have represented the club at county and regional level.
- The club is also committed to developing young players, and it has a strong mini and junior section.
4. Membership
Blandford RFC has a large membership base of over 200 members, which is a signifi
cant factor in the club’s success and growth. A large membership base provides the club with a number of benefits, including:
- Financial stability: Membership fees are an important source of income for the club, which helps to cover the costs of running the club, such as pitch rental, equipment, and coaching.
- Increased playing opportunities: A large membership base means that the club can field multiple teams at different levels, which gives more players the opportunity to play rugby.
- Improved training facilities: With more members, the club is able to invest in better training facilities, which benefits all players.
- Stronger community ties: A large membership base helps to strengthen the club’s ties to the local community, as more people are involved in the club and its activities.
Overall, Blandford RFC’s large membership base is a key factor in the club’s success and growth. The club is committed to continuing to grow its membership base in the future, in order to provide more people with the opportunity to play rugby and to strengthen its ties to the local community.
5. Mini and junior section
Blandford RFC’s mini and junior section is one of the most important parts of the club. With over 100 players, the section provides a pathway for young people to get involved in rugby and develop their skills.
- Introduction to rugby: The mini and junior section provides a safe and fun environment for young people to learn the basics of rugby. The section is run by experienced coaches who are passionate about developing young players.
- Developing skills: The mini and junior section provides young players with the opportunity to develop their rugby skills. The section offers a range of training sessions and matches, which helps players to improve their skills and fitness.
- Teamwork and sportsmanship: The mini and junior section teaches young players the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. The section encourages players to work together as a team and to show respect for their opponents.
- Pathway to senior rugby: The mini and junior section provides a pathway for young players to progress to senior rugby. The section has a strong track record of producing players who have gone on to play for the senior team.
Overall, Blandford RFC’s mini and junior section is a vital part of the club. The section provides young people with the opportunity to learn about rugby, develop their skills, and make new friends.
6. Community involvement
Blandford RFC has a strong commitment to community involvement, and the club undertakes a range of outreach work in local schools and the wider community. This work is important for a number of reasons:
- It helps to promote rugby: Outreach work in schools helps to introduce young people to rugby and encourages them to get involved in the sport. This can help to increase participation in rugby at all levels.
- It helps to develop young people: Rugby is a great way for young people to develop their physical, social, and emotional skills. Outreach work in schools can help to teach young people about the values of teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
- It helps to build community: Rugby is a community sport, and outreach work in the wider community can help to build relationships between the club and the local community. This can help to create a sense of belonging and pride in the local area.
Blandford RFC’s outreach work in local schools and the wider community takes a number of forms. The club runs coaching sessions in local schools, and it also provides support to local schools that have rugby teams. The club also organizes community events, such as rugby festivals and touch rugby tournaments.
Blandford RFC’s outreach work has a positive impact on the local community. The club’s work helps to promote rugby, develop young people, and build community. The club is committed to continuing its outreach work in the future, and it is always looking for new ways to get involved in the local community.
Key insights:
- Community involvement is an important part of Blandford RFC’s ethos.
- The club’s outreach work in local schools and the wider community has a positive impact on the local area.
- Blandford RFC is committed to continuing its outreach work in the future.
Table: Blandford RFC’s community involvement
| Activity | Target group | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching sessions in local schools | Young people aged 5-18 | To introduce young people to rugby and encourage them to get involved in the sport |
| Support to local schools with rugby teams | Schools in the Blandford area | To help schools to develop their rugby programs and provide support to their rugby teams |
| Community events, such as rugby festivals and touch rugby tournaments | Local community members of all ages | To build relationships between the club and the local community and to create a sense of belonging and pride in the local area |
7. Social events
Blandford RFC hosts a range of social events throughout the year for its members and the wider community. These events are an important part of the club’s culture and ethos, and they play a vital role in building a strong sense of community and belonging.
Social events provide an opportunity for members to socialize and get to know each other outside of the rugby pitch. This helps to build camaraderie and team spirit, which can have a positive impact on the club’s performance on the pitch. Social events also provide an opportunity for the club to engage with the wider community and build relationships with local businesses and organizations.
Some of the social events that Blandford RFC hosts include:
- Monthly social evenings
These events are held at the club’s clubhouse and are a great opportunity for members to relax and socialize. There is usually a BBQ or buffet, and live music or entertainment.
Quiz nights
These events are held at a local pub and are a great way to test your knowledge and have some fun. There is usually a prize for the winning team.
Charity events
These events are held throughout the year and raise money for local charities. In the past, Blandford RFC has raised money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.
Community events
These events are held in partnership with local organizations and businesses. In the past, Blandford RFC has hosted a touch rugby tournament for local schools and a rugby festival for the local community.
Blandford RFC’s social events are a key part of the club’s identity. They help to build a strong sense of community and belonging, and they provide an opportunity for the club to engage with the wider community. The club is co
mmitted to continuing to host these events in the future.
8. Future plans
The development of new facilities, including a new clubhouse, is a key part of Blandford Rugby Club’s future plans. These new facilities will allow the club to accommodate its growing membership and provide a better experience for players, supporters, and the wider community.
The new clubhouse will be a modern, purpose-built facility that will provide a range of facilities for the club, including changing rooms, showers, a kitchen, a bar, and a function room. The new clubhouse will also be fully accessible to disabled people.
In addition to the new clubhouse, the club is also planning to develop new training facilities, including a new pitch and a new gym. These new facilities will allow the club to improve the quality of its training and provide a better environment for players to develop their skills.
The development of new facilities is a significant investment for Blandford Rugby Club, but it is an investment that is essential for the club’s future. The new facilities will allow the club to accommodate its growing membership, provide a better experience for players, supporters, and the wider community, and improve the quality of its training.
Key insights
- The development of new facilities is a key part of Blandford Rugby Club’s future plans.
- The new facilities will allow the club to accommodate its growing membership and provide a better experience for players, supporters, and the wider community.
- The development of new facilities is a significant investment for Blandford Rugby Club, but it is an investment that is essential for the club’s future.
9. Values
Blandford Rugby Club is committed to the values of teamwork, respect, and enjoyment. These values are fundamental to the club’s ethos and are reflected in all aspects of its activities, both on and off the pitch.
- Teamwork
Teamwork is essential for success in rugby, and it is a value that is highly prized at Blandford RFC. Players are expected to work together as a team, both on and off the pitch. This means supporting each other, communicating effectively, and putting the team’s needs before their own.
- Respect
Respect is another core value at Blandford RFC. Players are expected to respect their opponents, referees, and fellow players. This means playing fair, shaking hands after the game, and avoiding sledging or other forms of disrespectful behavior.
- Enjoyment
Rugby should be enjoyable for everyone involved, and Blandford RFC is committed to creating a fun and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of their age, ability, or experience. The club organizes a range of social events throughout the year, and it encourages players to get involved in the club’s community outreach work.
The values of teamwork, respect, and enjoyment are essential to the success of Blandford Rugby Club. These values help to create a positive and supportive environment, in which players can thrive and reach their full potential.
Blandford Rugby Club FAQs
This section answers frequently asked questions about Blandford Rugby Club.
Question 1: Where is Blandford Rugby Club located?
Blandford Rugby Club is located at the Blandford Recreation Ground in Blandford Forum, Dorset, England.
Question 2: What league does Blandford Rugby Club play in?
Blandford Rugby Club plays in the Tribute Western Counties North league, which is at the seventh tier of the English rugby union system.
Question 3: What are the club’s values?
Blandford Rugby Club’s values are teamwork, respect, and enjoyment.
Question 4: Does the club have a mini and junior section?
Yes, Blandford Rugby Club has a mini and junior section with over 100 players. The section provides a pathway for young people to get involved in rugby and develop their skills.
Question 5: Is the club involved in the local community?
Yes, Blandford Rugby Club is actively involved in the local community. The club undertakes a range of outreach work in local schools and the wider community, including coaching sessions, support for local schools with rugby teams, and community events.
Question 6: What are the club’s future plans?
Blandford Rugby Club is planning to develop new facilities, including a new clubhouse and training facilities. These new facilities will allow the club to accommodate its growing membership and provide a better experience for players, supporters, and the wider community.
Blandford Rugby Club is a thriving community club with a strong commitment to its values of teamwork, respect, and enjoyment. The club is actively involved in the local community and has ambitious plans for the future.
Tips from Blandford Rugby Club
Blandford Rugby Club is a thriving community club with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Here are some tips from the club to help you improve your rugby skills and enjoy the game more:
Tip 1: Master the basics
The most important thing in rugby is to master the basics. This includes things like passing, catching, tackling, and rucking. Once you have a solid foundation in the basics, you can start to develop more advanced skills.
Tip 2: Be fit and strong
Rugby is a physical game, so it’s important to be fit and strong. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and doing strength training exercises. Being fit and strong will help you to perform better on the pitch and reduce your risk of injury.
Tip 3: Work as a team
Rugby is a team sport, so it’s important to work together as a team. This means communicating with your teammates, supporting each other, and putting the team’s needs before your own. When you work together as a team, you can achieve great things.
Tip 4: Respect your opponents
Rugby is a tough game, but it’s important to respect your opponents. This means playing fair, shaking hands after the game, and avoiding sledging or other forms of disrespectful behavior. When you respect your opponents, you show that you are a true sportsman.
Tip 5: Have fun
Rugby is a great game, so make sure you have fun playing it. Don’t take things too seriously, and enjoy the experience. When you’re having fun, you’re more likely to play well and achieve your goals.
These are just a few tips from Blandford Rugby Club. If you follow these tips, you can improve your rugby skills and enjoy the game more.
Summary
Blandford Rugby Club is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about rugby. The club offers a range of training sessions, coaching, and social events for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, Blandford Rugby Club can help you to improve your rugby skills and enjoy the game more.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in joining Blandford Rugby Club, please visit the club’s website or contact the club directly. The club would be delighted to welcome you into the Blandford Rugby Club family.
Conclusion
Blandford
Rugby Club is a thriving community club with a rich history and a bright future. The club is committed to its values of teamwork, respect, and enjoyment, and it is actively involved in the local community. Blandford Rugby Club is a great place to play rugby, learn new skills, make friends, and give back to the community.
If you are interested in joining Blandford Rugby Club, please visit the club’s website or contact the club directly. The club would be delighted to welcome you into the Blandford Rugby Club family.
