CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME A warm welcome to all our supporters and visitors at Gorton Street today. Following our Men's 1XV success wining promotion and the Lancashire Plate last May, there has been no let up in the progress of the club with the Eccles faithful devoting themselves to development projects right through the summer, as you will have undoubtedly noticed on arrival today. Of course, a club is far more than just its facilities - it is defined by the commitment and ambition of its players and members, individuals who are willing to dedicate their time and efforts, season after season, through the hard times and the good. So, before I highlight what is in store for the months ahead I would first like to pay tribute to the enormous effort that has been put in by our volunteers on and off the field, to prepare the club for its 126th year of rugby. Eccles RFC has played in this community since 1897 (and our early history stretches back to 1878) . We moved to our home here at Gorton Street in 1948 when our modest clubhouse and changing rooms were a pair of second hand WW2 Army huts! We’ve come a long way from then. Life has changed and the club has adapted accordingly but the values of the game remain. Community rugby brings people together, promotes teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship, builds social connections and provides opportunities for people to challenge themselves and develop skills - principles we’re passionate about maintaining at Eccles. A significant challenge to the club’s advancement this season will be rising operational costs. Every little helps and by renewing your membership, treating yourself to a pint and a pie, or a coffee and a breakfast butty, and encouraging your friends along to one of our fund raising events you’ll be making an appreciated contribution to our forward momentum. We believe in Rugby for all and developing our own homegrown talent. Eccles RFC now has over 500 members and all new players, regardless of ability or experience, are welcome to join us. Every Senior player with a # proudly indicated our team sheets is a product of our Junior programme. Despite the national decline in adult participation, our Mens section continues its expansion with four teams all having a full programme of
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