Hitchin Rugby Club s mini and youth section has gone from strength to strength in the past two seasons – and they could not have done it without the generous sponsorship from Tony Else of Else Refining and Recycling. Else has donated funds to help develop

Hitchin Rugby Club's mini and youth section has gone from strength to strength in the past two seasons - and they could not have done it without the generous sponsorship from Tony Else of Else Refining and Recycling.

Else has donated funds to help develop mini and youth rugby in the town and make sure that the game is available to all sections of the community.

As a result the club has invested in numerous training courses for the 40 plus volunteer coaches, equipment for training and playing purposes, plus real investment in recruiting new players.

Sponsorship from Else Refining and Recycling has also attracted funding from Sportsmatch which is funded by Sport England and adds to contributions made by private businesses, aiming to maximise contributions from industry.

This has resulted in the highest membership ever recorded at Hitchin (more than 350 players aged from six to 19) plus great playing success.

This includes a Herts/Middlesex league title at under-17 level, a county final at under-14 level and numerous victories and championships at other age groups this season. The club is also proud to provide rugby for any player whatever their ability.

Mini and youth section chairman Tim Jeffries said: "Thanks to Tony and Sportsmatch we don't have to worry constantly about our funds and making ends meet.

"Instead we can budget wisely, provide the right equipment and back-up and concentrate on what we are here to do - provide the best possible rugby coaching for any player."

Else is an ex-Hitchin player and active vice-president of the club.

He is happy to help out rugby in the community and said: "Congratulations to Hitchin RFC for a major achievement in assembling a skilled team of coaches to promote the growth of rugby in the area.

"Rugby is not only a great game to play, it produces great team spirit and sportsmanship which greatly improves young people's attitudes to each other.

"Team sports undoubtedly improve the quality of people's lives.

"Hitchin RFC are making a huge contribution to the welfare of young people in our community and arresting the decline in the standard of sport and number of young people playing.

"I am delighted to be involved with the club supporting young people in this way."

Hitchin has squads at every age group from under-seven to Colts (under-19) plus senior sides that play in the London leagues.

Girls and boys from five to 18 and their parents are welcome to come along for an introduction to the sport at the Hitchin club in Old Hale Way.

No rugby knowledge is necessary and all abilities, shapes and sizes are welcome when the season starts again on Sunday, September 7.

For further information, you can visit the club's website www.hitchinrfc.com or call Tim Jeffries (chairman) on 01763 287460 (evenings).