Category: Wheelchair Rugby News

Exciting New Partnerships and Youth Development Grant for Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby

Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby is thrilled to announce the addition of EchoTown Studios and Masham Court Hotel to our esteemed list of supporting partners for the upcoming season. Their generous contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the growth and success of our club.

Following in the footsteps of our dedicated main sponsor, Grinning Dog Records, EchoTown Studios steps up to the plate to continue the legacy of support. Owners Nick and Grace Capaldi have been steadfast advocates for the team over the past four years. Grace Capaldi expresses her pride in this enduring partnership, saying, “We are proud to still be a part of supporting our local wheelchair rugby team and look forward to watching the club progress in the coming year. Go Lions!”

We are equally elated to welcome Masham Court Hotel as a first-time partner. Jane Langridge, Business Development Manager, shares her excitement: “The Marsham Court is excited to support the Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby Team this season. As one of the most accessible hotels in the UK, we are passionate about accessibility and inclusivity for all. We are looking forward to building a strong connection with the club and its members.”

In addition to these partnerships, we are delighted to announce that we have once again secured a grant from the BCP Youth Fund. This grant will significantly contribute to the ongoing development of our youth team, the Cubs, building on the successes of the previous year.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partner organisations for their unwavering support. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities to collaborate and grow together in the year ahead.

Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby is a dynamic and flourishing sport in Dorset, and we proudly stand as the sole club in the region. We extend a warm welcome to all individuals with physical disabilities, regardless of wheelchair use status, to come and give our sport a try. Our senior team trains on Sundays between 10am and 1pm at Rossmore Leisure Centre, followed by our juniors until 3pm. Anyone aged 8 and above (with no upper age limit), regardless of gender, is welcome. New players can enjoy four free taster sessions. We also extend an invitation to volunteers interested in assisting with physiotherapy, coaching, and other support roles.

Note: Please be aware that we are currently exploring options to change the day and times of our training sessions. Don’t let this deter you – get in touch!

Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby’s Resilience and Vision for the Upcoming Season

As we embrace a new season, Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby is poised for an exciting journey filled with challenges, growth, and inspiring opportunities. With our senior, youth teams ready to hit the court, let’s delve into what’s in store for our remarkable club.

Our 5s team recently concluded a grueling season in the WR5s Premiership league, marked by fierce competition against teams like the Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints, featuring GB Squad players. Although the season was demanding and our team faced its share of setbacks, it’s with unwavering determination that we look ahead. Regrettably, the challenges led to our relegation to the Championship division. However, we view this as an opportunity for renewal and growth. The Championship promises to be an excellent level to nurture new talent and introduce more players to our beloved sport.

Looking ahead, Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby is gearing up for an exhilarating year filled with potential. We’re committed to promoting and expanding our beloved sport throughout the county, and we’re pleased to announce some exciting developments for our Cubs team (ages 8-17). Thanks to funding from the BCP Youth Fund, we’re set to embark on a thrilling journey of events and friendly matches, engaging our youth players as well as those from neighboring teams.

We’re immensely grateful for the support of our new corporate partners, EchoTown Studios and Masham Court Hotel. Their backing is instrumental in propelling our club forward. However, the journey ahead is long, and we’re actively seeking new partners who wish to join us in this dynamic and growing sport. If you share our passion and vision, don’t hesitate to reach out to us about partnership opportunities.

At Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby, we believe in inclusivity and diversity. We extend an open invitation to individuals of all ages and genders with any type of physical disability to come and experience the thrill of our sport. Our senior team trains every Sunday between 10 am and 1 pm at Rossmore Leisure Centre, followed by our juniors until 3 pm. To encourage newcomers, we offer four free taster sessions. We welcome volunteers who can contribute to our team’s success through physiotherapy, coaching, or lending a helping hand with various tasks.

As we embark on this new season, Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby stands strong, driven by resilience and a vision for the future. We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey as we continue to foster a supportive community and embrace the exhilarating world of wheelchair rugby. Together, we’ll reach new heights and inspire the world through our passion for the game.

Annual General Meeting – 2023

1900hrs - WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST 2023 VENUE - CHAPELGATE

Thank you if you have already replied that you are attending. The meeting will be open to all members. Please register to attend via the link https://forms.office.com/e/eREtQn6eiA, or by emailing Becky Hill Directly secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk your membership will be verified and further details and papers will be sent out to you in due course.

The Agenda, Proxy Form and Election of Officers Nomination Form are attached. If you can’t attend in person but would like to nominate a Proxy, please return the Proxy Form to Becky Hill, at secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk Likewise, if you’d like to nominate anyone for any of the Officer positions please return to Becky, by Monday 16th August.

Minutes of last AGM, Accounts, Finance Report, Chairman’s Report and Proxy forms will be sent in advance.

We hope you can join us.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://forms.office.com/e/eREtQn6eiA

We would welcome questions in advance even if you are unable to attend the AGM. If you have any questions please send these to Becky Hill secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk

click to Download your forms

AGM Proxy Form 2023

AGM Election of Officers and Nomination 2023

Announcing the Winners of our Prize Draw

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our recent prize draw, which took place over the weekend at the Bournemouth Rugby Youth Festival. The festival saw teams enter from across England and Wales, from u7s to u15, making it an exciting and diverse event. Not only was it a fun event for all, but we also managed to raise £1460 for The Steve Bernard Foundation and Bournemouth Rugby.

Bournemouth Rugby are charity partners with The Steve Bernard Foundation. The Foundation was set up in memory of the affectionately named Stevie B following his tragic passing in a car accident in November 2005. Following his death, his family and friends were inundated with support and donations. It seemed right, even in the earliest stages that these funds should go to that which Steve loved best, sport.

Since the foundation was formed in February 2006, it has gone on to raise more than £500,000 for sporting projects based across Bournemouth, Dorset, and the South Coast. To date, the foundation has supported more than 400 projects covering more than 30 sports and 4 continents.

The foundation, run entirely by volunteers, has offered guidance, financial support and predominantly equipment to a range of good causes ranging from supporting the AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts Team to potential Olympic athletes of the future; from providing new kit to local boxing clubs to funding outreach projects in Thailand, Uganda, and Kenya.

We’re proud to have been able to contribute to this incredible cause through our prize draw. We would like to thank everyone who supported the prize draw, from donating prizes to selling and purchasing tickets. It’s always a pleasure to engage with our community and offer exciting opportunities like this one, and we’re thrilled that we were able to do so while also supporting such a fantastic foundation.

Without further ado, here are the lucky winners of our prize draw, Congratulations to each of our winners!

1st Prize – Bournemouth Beach Hut Stay Winner – Luke Ryan
2nd Prize – Photo Shoot at DK Capture Photography Winner – Marie
3rd Prize – Bournemouth Rugby Match Hospitality Day – Winner Jane Ashworth
4th Prize – Bournemouth 7s Tickets – Winner Dan Clark
5th Prize – Bournemouth 7s Ticket – Winner Chris Bell
6th Prize – Meal for 2 at 1812 – Winner Maybells Maddrell
7th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner Jarvo
8th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner N James
9th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner Pete
10th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner Waldie
11th Prize – Make-up Goodie Bag – Winner Nadine Cooke
12th Prize – Perfume – Winner Paula Morgan
13th Prize – Wine – Winner Gareth Wakelyn
14th Prize – Wine – Winner Jan
15th Prize – Make-up Goodie Bag – Winner Neil Rose
16th Prize – Wine – Winner Stu Hiscock
17th Prize – Winner Kev Mathie
18th Prize – Winner Catherine Roberts
19th Prize – Rugby Ball and Kicking Tee – Winner Luke Ryan
20th Prize – Winner Loz Taylor
21st Prize – Wine – Winner Name Unknown Ticket Number 2337
22nd Prize – Rugby Ball and Kicking Tee – Winner Richard Hill
23rd Prize – Rugby Ball and Kicking Tee – Winner Name Unknown Ticket number 2455

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who entered our prize draw and supported our fundraising efforts for The Steve Bernard Foundation and Bournemouth Rugby. We hope you enjoyed participating as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

For those who weren’t selected this time around, don’t worry – we’ll be running more competitions and giveaways in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

Once again, congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered and supported this fantastic cause. We look forward to continuing to engage with and support our amazing community in the future, and we hope you’ll join us on our journey with The Steve Bernard Foundation.

Invictus Games Wheelchair Rugby Squad Announced

The Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad has been announced, and it’s a team full of talented and dedicated athletes. Among the players is Charlie Halford, who has been selected for the team this year. This is an incredible achievement for Charlie and is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event that brings together wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans from across the globe. The Games are held every two years and provide an opportunity for athletes to compete in a variety of sports, including wheelchair rugby.

Charlie Halford is a talented wheelchair rugby player and has been an integral part of the sport for several years. He has shown incredible dedication and commitment to the sport, and his selection for the Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad is a well-deserved recognition of his abilities. The Bournemouth wheelchair rugby community is incredibly proud of Charlie and wishes him all the best in the upcoming Games.

Alongside Charlie, two ex-players from the Bournemouth wheelchair rugby community have also been selected for the Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad. Jules and Taff, who now play for Taunton Gladiators, have been selected for this year’s Games. Both Jules and Taff have been an essential part of the Bournemouth wheelchair rugby community, and their selection for the Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.

The Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad is made up of talented athletes from across the country. The players have been selected based on their abilities and their dedication to the sport. The squad includes both experienced players and new talents, all of whom have shown a commitment to the sport and a desire to compete at the highest level.

The Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad is not just about competing; it’s also about camaraderie and support. The athletes in the squad come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, but they share a common bond of service and sacrifice. The Games provide an opportunity for these athletes to come together, share their experiences, and support each other on and off the field.

The Bournemouth wheelchair rugby community is incredibly proud of Charlie, Jules, and Taff, and their selection for the Invictus Games wheelchair rugby squad. They are an inspiration to other players in the community, and their achievements demonstrate the potential of the sport to change lives and bring people together.

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Programme Relaunched in Corby

This past weekend marked the relaunch of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Programme in Corby, and it was a fantastic success. Youth players from across the country gathered to participate in training and games, and among them were three members of the Bournemouth Lion Cubs team.

The event was an excellent opportunity for the young players to hone their skills, learn from experienced coaches and connect with other wheelchair rugby enthusiasts from different parts of the UK. The players were enthusiastic about the relaunch of the programme, and they are looking forward to participating in the National Training Sessions that are planned for the coming year.

Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, contact sport that is played by both men and women of all ages and abilities. The sport is played in specially-designed wheelchairs, and it requires a unique combination of speed, agility, and strength. It is also known as “Murderball” because of its intense physical nature.

The Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Programme is a fantastic initiative that aims to develop young talent in the sport and promote wheelchair rugby across the UK. The programme provides training and support to young players who want to improve their skills, and it also offers opportunities for players to compete in local and national competitions.

The relaunch of the programme in Corby was a significant milestone for the sport in the UK. It is a testament to the growing popularity of wheelchair rugby and the dedication of coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote the sport.

The three Bournemouth Lion Cubs players who attended the event had a fantastic time and were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the programme. They enjoyed meeting other players and coaches, and they were impressed by the level of professionalism and support that was provided.

If you are interested in joining a wheelchair rugby team, the Bournemouth Lion Cubs team is open to new members. You can contact the team at wheelchair.rugby@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk for more information.

The relaunch of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Programme is an exciting development for the sport in the UK. It provides a platform for young players to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and connect with other wheelchair rugby enthusiasts. The programme is an essential part of the broader effort to promote inclusivity and diversity in sports and to provide opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in competitive sport.

group of people raise their hands on stadium

Events and Club Engagement Co-ordinator

Bournemouth Rugby are seeking a volunteer to support them with Events and Club Engagement which in turn will support the club with their fundraising. The last two years have been particularly hard because of the pandemic and now the ongoing cost of living crisis. A club like Bournemouth lives off the generosity of others and fundraising relies heavily on local businesses sponsoring the club as and when they can. We are now only generating a third of the sponsorship prior to the start of the pandemic and these circumstances have led to the need for this new role. The engagement Co-ordinator will work with every section of the club from the youngest to the oldest helping to take the club to its 130th year.

Where

This role is a voluntary role within Bournemouth Rugby and events and engagement will normally take place at Chapel Gate or sometimes within venues in BCP. Where the events take place is at the discretion of the job holder working alongside the Executive Committee.

When

This is an ongoing role all year to ensure that we can keep the club members and supporter engaged during the season and out of season as well.

Time Commitment

This is a flexible role, and the time you need to commit is dependent on the number of fundraising activities organised. The opportunity to meet regularly with the Club Executive Committee will ensure that you are fully supported within the role. It’s important that the holder of the role is involved specifically with the Finance Team so that fundraising targets can be set accordingly maximising the efficiency of the role.

Tasks involved

The number one task for the job holder is to raise as much funding as possible from the current list of stakeholders and engaging and working to bring new stakeholders to the club.

Attending meetings with operations team, Executive committee and club sections

Planning and organising club events including Fundraising events with the support of the Operations Team and Executive committee

Working with the Operations Manager to help recruit event volunteers.

If you are interested in applying for this role please email Becky Hill at secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk with an expression of interest.

Annual General Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1900hrs – WEDNESDAY 31st AUGUST 2022

VENUE – CHAPELGATE

The meeting will be open to all members. Please register to attend via the link below, your membership will be verified and further details and papers will be sent out to you in due course.

The Agenda, Proxy Form and Election of Officers Nomination Form are attached. If you can’t attend in person but would like to nominate a Proxy, please return the Proxy Form to Becky Hill, at becky@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk. Likewise, if you’d like to nominate anyone for any of the Officer positions please return to Becky, by Monday 29th August.

Minutes of last AGM, Accounts, Finance Report, Chairman’s Report and Proxy forms will be sent in advance.

We hope you can join us.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://forms.office.com/r/8Ln81Bjm6M


We would welcome questions in advance even if you are unable to attend the AGM. If you have any questions please send these to Becky Hill secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk


If you no longer wish to receive information from Bournemouth Rugby please email operations@bournemouth-rugby.co.ukand we will remove you from our mailing list.

AGM Minutes 2020-21
End of Year Account
AGM Agenda
Chairmans Report
AGM Election of Officers and Nomination 2022
AGM Proxy Form

Back with a bang for SWD

The Lions headed out to Southampton for the first leg of the South West Development League (SWDL) with a small but mighty team. First game of the day we played against Solent Sharks and got off to a great start and playing some great rugby winning 17 – 8. Next up we faced off against Brighton Buccaneers and put in another sterling performance to take the game 25 – 11.

At the break our Lion Cubs took on a barbarian team. The cubs tenacious as always, scored some amazing tries with some of the Junior GB Talent players giving some great advice to our youngsters to help them improve individually and as a team.

For the last round robin game we faced off against The West Country Hawks who as always are a tough challenge. The Lions managed to edge the Hawks out with a convincing 24 – 15 victory. Into the playoffs and we faced off against a Sharks team that were improving throughout the day with each game they played. The Lions started off a bit shaky but soon settled back into what had worked for us all day and came out on top 19 – 15 in a very hard fought game.

What Rob Emery our head coach had to say, “It was great to see the team gelling so well and implementing all the stuff we have been working on at practice. It was great having Julian Allen, recently back from the Invictus Games and leading a few training sessions and bringing some new skills and systems in which worked extremely well for us. We look forward to hosting round 2 at home on Saturday 12 June. I know all the teams will be bringing their A game and it will be a great test for us to see if we can build on the performances from round 1.”

Lions squad are travelling to Solent Sharks

The Lions squad are travelling to Solent Sharks in Southampton this weekend, Saturday 14th May, for round 1 of the Southampton Development League. The team will play Solent Sharks. West Country Hawks and Brighton Buccaneers in the 1st of 4 legs over the summer in the 5s version of the sport. This league is a great opportunity for those that are new to the sport this year to gain from valuable game-time before the GBWR leagues begin later this summer. We are excited that our cubs will get an outing too, playing in an exhibition match against a combined team from the other squads.