Rugby club turns 100 with record setting challenge

Naj Modak
BBC News
Echo Media Group (Bridlington) A team of male rugby players wearing a blue and yellow kit consisting of a short sleeved rugby top, shorts and socks. There are two men with light shirts, patterned yellow ties and jeans, one person with a light shirt, stripy yellow tie and grey suit, two men with blue sports tops and bottoms and one lady with a blue sports top and dark shorts. They are on a grass pitch with goal posts behind. There are some trees and houses.Echo Media Group (Bridlington)
Players, families and members of the community plan to form a chain passing rugby balls 100,000 times in just 90 minutes.

Players, families and members of a rugby club will attempt to pass rugby balls 100,000 times in 90 minutes.

The record setting challenge is part of Bridlington Rugby Union FC's 100th anniversary celebrations.

The event, on Sunday 11 May, will include presentations and fun for all the family.

Incoming chairman Dean Thompson said: "The centenary is about celebrating the history of the club, while building for the future - especially through our youth and junior teams."

Up to 250 people were expected to attend the event, including children who could be part of the club's future.

The club had 10 players signed up to its youth programme a decade ago, but said that had now increased to more than 200.

Mr Thompson, who has been part of the club since a child, said: "Clubs across the country are folding due to a lack of players, so it's vital we keep young people engaged and invested in rugby.

"It's also about the wider community. Towns need strong sports clubs - rugby, cricket, football, golf, tennis - all of them."

Current chairman David Jackson said: "Like all rugby clubs, the emphasis used to be on adult rugby, and perhaps some high-spirited after-match evenings.

"But these days, it's very much orientated around young people and their parents/guardians who embrace the teamwork that can develop enthusiastic youngsters playing the game."

Following the record attempt, which will take place between 10:00 and 11:30 GMT there will be family entertainment including a bouncy castle, face painting and a barbecue.

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