AS CAMELFORD Rugby Football Club prepare to get their tenth anniversary season underway with a RFU National Senior Vase qualifying group game at Redruth Albany on Saturday, September 1, the club have reflected on their decade-long journey.

In June 2008, following an open public meeting, a group of enthusiastic players, ex-players and supporters decided there was sufficient interest to set up a local club for people who wanted to play rugby in the Camelford district. Ten years after and the club is strong and strives to be the club of first choice for rugby players and fans in the area.

Camelford have recently appointed a coach, Tyrone Jordaan, who is a South African with playing experience at Western Province.He is keen and highly enthusiastic to help ‘the Ford’ develop on the field as well as a club and also possesses a rugby diploma from his time as the Western Province Academy where he worked alongside former Springboks coaches Harry Viljoen and Pieter De Villiers.

Jordaan outlined his targets in an interview with the Post last month when he stated that he hoped the club could finish in the top two of Tribute Cornwall League Two and reach the end of season Clubs Cup for the first time in their history.

Club president, Nic Osborne explains how it all started.

He said:?“The idea of a club for the area was first mooted in 2006 over a few beers in the Masons Arms, but things did not come to fruition until the meeting in June 2008.

“Once established the club decided that their colours should reflect their wish to be a community club, so the town’s Sir James Smith’s School colours of red, green and black were adopted.

“The players and committee set about training players, many of whom were new to adult rugby, and on September 21, 2008, Camelford played their first fixture with a game at Bodmin.

“Bodmin won 31-5 so a return game was organised, and on October 12, 2008, Camelford entertained a Bodmin second team in their first home game, held at Sir James’ Smith School in front of over 120 people who witnessed the club record its historic first win 12-5.

“During this short history Camelford RFC have achieved a great deal and established them selves within the Cornish rugby community and Tribute Cornwall Leagues.

“We have embraced the traditions of the game with annual award dinners and club socials; understanding that the club is not all about playing the game.

“This young club has had representation in the Cornwall Clubs squad on numerous occasions as players have developed with the club.”

As the club enters this anniversary it is in a strong position with a dedicated band of volunteers and players intent on building a positive and sustainable future.

The first of many celebrations for ‘the Ford’ will be the home game against St Just in the National Senior Vase on Saturday, September 8.

A new shirt will be unveiled and invited dignitaries will attend a formal luncheon prior to watching the game. It is hoped that the town will come out and support their local club as they set off on their anniversary journey.

Many other events will take place during the season culminating in a President’s Day on Sunday, April 28 and it is hoped that the President’s select XV will include a great many of the players who helped to establish Camelford RFC in the early years.

There will also be a day of celebrations at the Lane End ground and in town.

If anyone wishes to get further information about the club, either for playing or supporting and maybe even volunteering, contact Nic on 07725 801331.