OSWESTRY Rugby Club hosted political visitors last week as the Midlands League club bid to maintain its strides on and off the pitch.
North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and councillor James Owen dropped by to find out the latest developments.
Club official John Gibbs said: “This was the first time in my memory a serving MP visited the club.
“Helen was keen to know what we were up to especially girls rugby as she played at university.
“We showed her round the club and grounds and she was treated to a training session of youngsters braving the Arctic weather.”
Some of the problems the club faces were also outlined, including the club’s ongoing battle to improve its main pitches.
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“Stewart Johnson, the other half of fellow ground expert Terry Bennett, gave a brief presentation about the history of the club and the issues that the club have experienced over the years with the poor quality of the two main pitches.
“Stewart was eager to inform Helen about how basically Stewart and Terry have got a grip of treating and working on the pitches and as a result of their work being honoured by the RFU at Twickenham for their efforts.
“Helen was told that Oswestry were ahead of the game with the need to reduce the carbon footprint and grow and plant the correct bushes to reduce the carbon.
“ It was also pointed out that the lights needed to be changed to LED which by getting rid of the diesel generator would add to the list of making the club a cleaner place to be. “
Mr Gibbs said the club was fortunate to enjoy the support of the community with more than 100 volunteers enlisted to help club operations run smoothly.
“There are more than 120 volunteers that help to run the club at all levels and obviously the girls set up has grown and continues to build,” said Mr Gibbs.
“Oswestry have enjoyed the benefits of this in the near past with England and Welsh honours together with girls going on to represent at all stages of advanced rugby including professional clubs.
“All in all it was an enjoyable visit and a chance for some club members to meet their MP who was more than happy to help with any contact support to help us as a club regarding any future grant applications.”
Ms Morgan thanked the club for the invitation and looked forward to supporting the Eagles.
She said: “A lovely morning meeting the tireless volunteers making Oswestry Rugby Club. A really special place to be. I was very impressed by the lads out training in the Arctic conditions as well.
Helen Morgan MP said: “Councillor Owen and I really enjoyed dropping by Oswestry Rugby Club for a tour of the facility and to meet with the team. I used to play rugby 7s at university so it was great to get reacquainted with a sport I really enjoy.
“It was particularly good to hear about all the environmental ambitions of the club and their role including young people from all backgrounds and encouraging girls rugby.
“Thanks to all involved and everyone who stopped for a chat.”
Oswestry return to Counties Two Midlands West League action on Saturday with a trip to local rivals Market Drayton while the club’s second string are at home to Oldershaw IIs in NOWIRUL MAS Optimal Division Five West.
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