‘DVRFC announces new sponsors for 2015/16 season’ ‘Rapid expansion at Dartford’s only Rugby Club’
Dartford Valley RFC, the community rugby club based in Dartford, is experiencing a rapid period of growth and has just announced an exciting list of sponsors for the upcoming 2015/16 season, who have committed to the club’s ambitious plans for the future.
The Club recently launched its Youth Rugby section (see photo below) with over 125 kids joining the club (boys and girls – aged 3-10) and over 450 people attending the launch day. Since then, the Youth has gone from strength to strength and the club is now planning Phase 2 of the Youth development, focusing on getting Dartford’s teenagers involved (secondary age range – 11-16).
*Youth Section players modeling the latest sponsored DVRFC kit
The club has enjoyed significant success attracting Sponsors to the club, who have all been impressed by the club’s ethos – FUN, DISCIPLINE, RESPECT, TEAMWORK, SPORTMANSHIP & COMMUNITY.
For the start of the upcoming 2015/2016 season, the club has secured long term (3,4,5 year deals) agreements with a range of businesses from high Profile Companies like Bluewater to local supporters like Wynne Electrical, EMD, Esquire Dvelopments and Callisto Maintenance.
In addition, the club has successfully bid for local council and county grant funds to assist with the club’s expansion. Dartford Borough Council and Kent County Council has taken an active role in working with the club to support its expansion and the process is ongoing with exciting recruitment initiatives planned over the next 6 months including the ‘Summer Sizzler’ programme, outreach sessions at local schools, the DBC summer festival and much, much more.
The club has established links with 3 main charities and donates a significant percentage of club revenue to them on a monthly basis:
The club has been recognized by both the Rugby Football Union and Sports England as an accredited club with appropriate safeguarding, community and club provision.
*James Aitenhead (DVRFC Chairman), Avtar Sandhu (Darford Mayor), Louise Wright (ellenor Charity), John Davis-Ashdown (DVRFC President), Jeremy Kite (Dartford Borough Council Leader), Kieron Phillips (DVRFC 1st XV Captain) with members of the club youth squad at their launch day.
The links & relationships with local businesses for sponsorship, combined with a loyal & dedicated club membership, has been a huge help in the growth of the club. There is evidently a huge demand in the town for Sports provision, especially Rugby.
The Club has a committed, hard working, young committee with the clear aim of growing a community-centered, all-inclusive club ranging from the Youth Section to Women’s, Men’s and Wheelchair rugby. It also takes its social responsibility very seriously, with nominated charities receiving up to 50% of all money raised through participation and a wide range of social events throughout the year.
The next big step for the club over the next 12 months, in addition to its ambitious plans already in place, is to secure permanent, independent playing facilities in the Town. Plans are well underway and the club hopes to be in a position within the next month or 2 to announce more exciting news – watch this space!
James Aitkenhead, Club Chairman, “DVRFC is clearly focused on leaving no stone unturned on its path to an all-inclusive Rugby Club that the whole of Dartford can be proud of”.