One great big Beccehamian family
While most are true family clubs, Beccehamian RFC in South East London is establishing a tradition of turning out a team featuring as many family members as possible.
Recently they hosted their second Over 18 men’s family squad match, with no fewer than 46 players from 18 families featuring. This included 16 sets of fathers and sons, nine sets of brothers, four sets of uncles and nephews, and three sets of cousins. Of the 46 taking to the pitch, 28 were homegrown players, having come up through the minis and youth sections.
This is testament to the success of the club’s mini and junior sections that was established back in the 1970s, now like some of the dads approaching their 50th year. Several of the dads playing also coached their son's and club youngsters from the age of five and just for good measure the squad also included four of the club's Executive Committee members, including the Chairs of mini and youth rugby as well as the clubhouse manager.
Daniel Kemp, who coached his son’s team as minis and juniors, said: “It was a fantastic day with great support on the sidelines. To be a small part of the boys growing up, sharing rugby experiences and seeing them grow into wonderful young men is the greatest of privileges. We had ten players who have recently graduated from the U18 Academy over the past year or so and already represented the club’s senior teams this season too. Everyone had a great time.”
The opposition were local friends and neighbours, Westcombe Park RFC, who really entered into the spirit of a day which celebrated rugby, marked nearing the end of another good season and served as an excuse for much merriment in the clubhouse.
Now that’s a real rugby family!
