balancing pond, was in place, and the only part of the plan to be completed was the demolition of the old clubhouse to be replaced with another car park. “The Sycamores now caters for the
three amateur adult teams, as well as the minis and the juniors, which make up about 350 players,” Mike explains. “We also rent out facilities in the winter to the Leeds Metropolitan University and the Leeds Carnegie Academy whilst, in the summer, the Leeds Akkies RLFC field two men’s and one women’s team. We have year round rugby, and I doubt if any amateur club in England has better facilities. England World cup winner Neil Back, Head Coach of Leeds Carnegie, commented that, “the facilities must surely rank amongst the finest in the country”. Mike has also taken on the role of managing and maintaining the pitches. He cuts them on a regular basis, applies fertiliser when applicable and keeps the artificial rugby pitch clean by regular brushing. A local contractor is employed to mark out the pitches. Mike spends between 6-10 hours a week working on the ground, with most
of his time taken up cutting the pitches using a Trimax Procut Rotary mower towed by a new Kioti 44hp tractor, cutting at a eight of 50mm.
He also aerates the pitch several times a year using a vertidrain to help relieve compaction.
End of season renovations will be dictated by the amount of wear and the condition of the pitches, with the work centred around overseeding worn areas and topdressing to restore levels. Mike ensures the pitch usage is rotated to reduce wear and compaction. He does not currently see the need for employing a full time groundsman yet, as he still enjoys getting his hands dirty and doing the work himself.
Rugby Union has moved a long way since the game allowed professionalism in 1995. The club’s CASC status means that, amongst other factors, players will not be paid. But, it does not stop any player from achieving their ambitions of playing for their country. Danny Care, one of the most recent England debutants, started his mini rugby life at the Sycamores. In keeping with their commitment to
mini and junior rugby, many players who started at the club at very young ages have made the transition to senior rugby, appearing in the 1st XV or going on to achieve success in the professional game. This flow of talented young players has enabled the club to amass enviable strength in depth. There are now over 1000 members and continued success is assured. One member is James Lowes, Director of Rugby at Warrington Wolves, who lives next to the ground. “I bought a house in Bramhope, overlooking the ground, a few years ago and joined the club as a playing member. I was warmly welcomed and now all my family enjoy the top class facilities and atmosphere. It is terrific.” With such a large and unique project, it is a credit to the club that all was completed within budget, and opens a new chapter in the club’s history. From the pioneers of the early days who formed the club and created the grounds and clubhouse, to the hard working members and players of today, West Park Leeds RUFC can rightly take pride in all its achievements.
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