All you need to know about Keswick Rugby Club
Keswick Rugby Club is one of the most famous sports clubs in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1879, which means it has no less than 138 years of history, which is impressive to say the least.
Located and playing at Davidson Park, the rugby club currently has a 1st XV playing in the Cumbrian League, a 2nd XV team who play in the Cumbrian Shield, and an occasional 3rd XV who play just for fun.
In the mid 90’s Keswick made a commitment to building a Youth Section by employing a full time Youth Development Officer. This has been hugely successful, as now there are also several youth teams from Under 12s upwards, as well as Mini teams from Under 7s upwards, and the club expressed its support for the youth of Keswick to help promote the game of rubgy. They encourage everyone with a passion for the game to come join the club, as no previous experience is necessary. So if you are a boy or girl and you want to learn how to play rugby in a friendly club, you are most certainly welcome.
Additionally, the club also has a ladies’ team, called Keswick Girls. Matches and festivals take place throughout the season (September – April).
Throughout the years, the team has been bringing through players of an extremely high calibre and some even made an impact at a higher level, most notably Les Reid reaching the heady heights of a full England cap. The Club’s team have participated in countless tournaments, and both players from the senior and junior teams have gone on to make a name for themselves by winning county, northern and full English honours.
Besides sporting events, Keswick Rugby Club is also involved in promoting a series of community events, as is the organisation of the Keswick Half Marathon, a very popular and recognised road race that is usually held in the first week of May and attracts over 1,000 runners each year, as well as a Beer Festival held in June, a joint event with Keswick Lions.
Davidson Park, the home of Keswick Rugby Club is often described as England’s most scenic rugby grounds, as it is set in a magnificent location, a rural area with views of the Lake District fells, especially of Skiddaw. That’s one of the reasons why many town events use their fields and facilities throughout the year.
As for the Club’s premises at Davidson Park, we should mention that there is a Club Bar open to members as well as the public, where clients can enjoy the cheapest beer in town on the large patio with fabulous view of the surrounding fells. A big screen is showing live Sky Sports on TV for those important rugby matches, or other sports.
The clubhouse has an excellent function room that can be hired for all kinds of private events, such as birthday parties, fundraising evenings, funeral teas, christenings, wedding receptions and more. And for these types of events held at the club, full catering services are also offered at very competitive prices.
For those who are interested in becoming a member of the Keswick Rugby Club, all you have to do is fill in the application form – there are two membership types available: Player or Supporter and Youth Player Membership – and then show up for the training sessions.
As for membership fees, know that prices go from £35 for Mini players to £50 for Youth players and reach £100 for Senior players. All packages normally include rugby coaching, members permit, match day kit and meal afterwards.
