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Training given bite as Sharks help out

27/11/2002

THE rebuilding of North Manchester Rugby Union Football Club is well underway after two top professionals gave a coaching session.

Sale Sharks' centre Mel Deane and back row Pete Anglesea gave advice and tips on training methods and tactics as part of a new scheme to attract extra players, on Thursday 21 November.

And further sessions are planned for February, March and April next year to promote links between the two clubs.

The move is part of a national scheme which will see professional clubs helping to promote the sport at lower levels.

Club spokesman, Chris Hyland, said: "It was a very good night that was well received by everyone that took part. There were a lot of old faces around that we hadn't seen for some time. We had about 30 people who thoroughly enjoyed the session."

The project signals a welcome return for the North Manchester club, based in Moston, following several torrid seasons which saw the squad dwindle dramatically.

"We were at an all-time low," Mr Hyland added. "We were down to one team and in real danger of having to fold due to lack of players and funds.

"But rather than throw in the towel in we decided to engage on a rebuilding project to improve facilities, generate more income, and hopefully attract old faces back to the club, along with much needed new blood."

The extra income has been generated by a lot of hard work put in during the summer as events were arranged to coincide with the World Cup and Jubilee celebrations.

Bonfire night, despite the rain, also brought in more much needed cash.

The clubhouse is going to have the lounge bar area redecorated, with a new ceiling, lighting, carpets and two new picture windows, which will allow some spectators to watch games from the comfort of the lounge bar.

It is hoped all will be ready in time for Christmas and a proposed real ale party.

A ground maintenance schedule is also being drawn up to improve playing facilities at their Tudor Lodge home at the corner of Greengate and Victoria Avenue East. Plans include improvements of the main pitch surface and training area.

Councillor Mark Hackett, of Charlestown Ward, is now actively involved in the club. He has been championing the cause to revitalise the rugby club in line with the many improvements in facilities in the North Manchester area.

The club is also now part of the Manchester and North Manchester rugby development groups.

The rugby is being introduced into primary and secondary schools in the area.

North are providing players to help with coaching.

North Manchester High School for Boys is running tag rugby training on Thursday evenings and a tag competition is being planned for next year.

Chris Hyland said: "This initiative should produce rugby players to feed the open age game here."

North have made a good start to the season, with three wins in four games.

They are joint leaders of the North Lancs 2 Division.

North will host Broughton on Saturday 30 November, kick-off at 2 30pm.

The club has also organised a trip to the match between Sale Sharks v Newcastle on 3 January.

For more information about the club, contact North Manchester Rugby Union Football Club on 0161 682 9234.