An image of two people holding rugby shirts is shown, with the caption: “Former England Rose player Megan Ellery is a rugby consultant for the Ambleside Centurions.”An image of two people holding rugby shirts is shown, with the caption: “Former England Rose player Megan Ellery is a rugby consultant for the Ambleside Centurions.” The article is about the Ambleside Centurions, a rugby club that was on the verge of disappearing but has turned things around thanks to the efforts of players and supporters. The club has been struggling to field a team in recent years due to falling membership, but they have now abolished membership fees and offer free physiotherapy sessions, wellness sessions, and childcare to attract players. They have also formed a partnership with former England Rose player Megan Ellery, who will lead a women’s sevens team that will be launched in September. The club’s efforts have paid off, and they are now celebrating their 150th anniversary and preparing to launch a women’s team. The article also mentions that the club has embraced its Roman links with the town and changed its name from Ambleside Rugby Union Club to Ambleside Centurions. The rebranding has captured people’s imaginations, and the club hopes it will help to rebuild the team.
Image source, Centurions of Ambleside
Image caption, Former England Rose player Megan Ellery is a rugby consultant for the Ambleside Centurions Article information
- Author, Federica Bedendo
- Role, BBC News, North East and Cumbria
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12 minutes ago
A rugby club that was on the verge of disappearing has turned the tide and is to set up a women’s team.
Ambleside Centurions said they were one of a number of teams in Cumbria whose membership had fallen in recent years, meaning they were struggling to field a team.
But thanks to the efforts of players and supporters, the club is now celebrating its 150th anniversary and preparing to launch a women’s team.
Andy Brown, director of rugby, said: “We knew it was a case of ‘adapt or die’ so we adapted very quickly and have now gone from success to success.”
He said changing habits following the Covid pandemic had had a major impact and the club’s demise would be “a huge loss” to the community.
He added: “Rugby is a tough sport and requires dedication from players. Post-Covid and during a crisis where the cost of living is soaring, they must put the needs of their families ahead of the individual desire to play rugby.”
No costs
The club will launch a women’s sevens team in September, led by Megan Ellery, a former England Rose player.
Measures the club has taken to turn the tide include abolishing membership fees and offering free physiotherapy sessions for players, as well as wellness sessions and childcare.
Mr Brown said: “Given the players’ family and work commitments we had to ensure we created a welcoming, friendly, social and family environment with a range of benefits that would develop, improve and support players and make it attractive to play here.”
The club, believed to be one of the oldest in England, was founded in 1874.
The stadium has been reinstated for competitive play in the Cumbria League and repair work has been carried out to improve the facilities at Galava Park.
The club also embraced its Roman links with the town and changed its name from Ambleside Rugby Union Club to Ambleside Centurions.
Mr Brown said: “The rebrand has really captured people’s imagination and we hope the buzz we create around the 150th anniversary will help to rebuild this great club.”
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