CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME A very warm welcome to all our supporters and visitors at Gorton Street today. The 2024/25 season is here and I’m excited to see what it holds for us. Following the success of last season there has been no let up in the progress of the club over the summer, with fund raising, social events and facilities projects to occupy the Eccles faithful. A club is defined by the commitment and ambition of its members and thankfully we have steadfast volunteers at Eccles willing to dedicate themselves, season after season, to taking us forward. So, before I highlight what is in store for the months ahead I would first like to pay tribute to the enormous effort and countless hours that have been put in, on and off the field, to prepare the club for its 127th year of rugby. Our teams are raring to go, our pitches are in terrific condition and, following support from the RFU, Sport England, Salford City Council and our own Crowdfunding community, we are charging into the new season with two new changing rooms, a repaired roof, renovated Ladies Toilets and the first stage of a refurbished bar completed. Overcoming rising operational costs and providing environments that sustain long term participation are challenges that all clubs face. Every little helps and by renewing your membership, treating yourself to a pint and a pie and encouraging your friends along to a match you’ll be making an appreciated contribution to our momentum. Eccles RFC has played in this community since 1897 and our early history stretches back to 1878 . We moved to Gorton Street in 1948 when our modest clubhouse was a pair of WW2 Army huts. We’ve come a long way since then. Life and Rugby have changed and the club has adapted accordingly but the values of the game remain. Community rugby brings people together, builds social connections and provides opportunities for people to challenge themselves and develop skills - principles we’re passionate about at Eccles. We believe in Rugby for all and developing homegrown talent. Eccles RFC now has over 500 active members and every Senior player with a # proudly indicated in our team sheets is a product of our Junior programme. Last May all four of our Men's teams earned promotion and I wish them
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