The newly-promoted Bec Old Boys RFC have been giving back to the community by giving blood during the off season and helping to clear the River Wandle of rubbish last Sunday.
Players from the Earlsfield club’s three teams spent four hours on the clear up with community members, removing large amounts of waste and debris including an old typewriter, three bed frames, a scooter and a tricycle.
Monthly tidy-ups are organised by the Wandle Trust and funded by the Living Wandle Landscape Partnership and aim to restore and maintain the health of the river.
Polly, from the Wandle Trust Cleanup, said: “I’ve been helping clear out the Wandle for years and this is one of the best turnouts we’ve ever seen.
“Unfortunately, over the years, the river has become a local tip for some members of the community, but to have the lads from Bec Old Boys RFC add their considerable weight to the clear up has been invaluable.
“It really demonstrates the community spirit of their club. They’re a great bunch and I wish them all the best for the season ahead.”
In addition to volunteering their time to help clean our waterways, the club has been encouraging its players to give blood during the off-season with its #becblooddrive initiative on Facebook.
Many of the core members of the team have given blood in and around South London, most of them for the first time, and are looking to continue to do so every two to three months to give back to the hospitals that have so often taken care of them on and off the field.
First team captain Stewart Smith said: “It’s great to be able to give something back to the local community by donating blood and helping clear out the Wandle.
“The club had an excellent season last year, with both the 1st and 2nd teams gaining promotion, and we wanted to get the boys together and apply the same passion and energy we use on the pitch, to beneficial initiatives off the pitch.
“I can proudly say we achieved that. We’re looking forward to continuing our support with both of these initiatives and others in the near future.”
Following their promotion, Bec Old Boys RFC 1st XV will be competing in Surrey 2 over the 2016-2017 season.
For anyone who would like to get involved in rugby, the club is holding a registration day for new players on August 27 at Clapham Common. All ages and abilities are welcome.
For more information visit here or email [email protected]
