Bishopton players prove age is no barrier to the sport they love
The power of sport to bring people together has never been more important.
The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns forced many people into isolation from their friends, family and the sports they love.
Thankfully, positive outcomes can spring from adversity, and at Bishopton Rugby Club a new over-35s touch rugby section has become a lifeline for so many local players.
That includes the man responsible for setting up the group in the first place, Matthew ‘Wally’ Wallace.
Taking inspiration from the Men’s Sheds movement, Wallace is delighted with how well the now weekly Tuesday evening sessions have been received.
He explained: “After several conversations with friends and past players of Bishopton RFC during lockdown, I identified the need to rekindle relationships and build a network of support around our common passion, rugby.
“Everyone has struggled in some way during the lockdown period and without an outlet or support group, things continue to build up.
“Our release is now every Tuesday night and, honestly, it is the highlight of my week.”
The positive impact on mental health and physical fitness are two very clear outcomes from Bishopton’s new offering.
The rekindling and the forming of new friendships also provides participants with a strong support network of likeminded people.
The bond is evident from the start, with a general exchange of banter and laughter throughout the warm up and games, as well as the more serious chatter over a welcome hot drink before departing.
Geoff Catto has been attending since the first session and was previously involved at Bishopton RFC.
The club is extra special to him as it allows him to take to the field alongside his two sons Jonny and Ruaridh, who are both rugbydaft but are now unable to play full contact.
Catto said: “It is great to come down to the club on a Tuesday night, meet up with old friends, run around for an hour and then enjoy a cup of tea and some banter before going home.
“It provides a focus for the week and is a great laugh with old and new friends.
“My two sons loved rugby and missed interacting at the club.
“They are both fit and healthy but due to their circumstances they can no longer play contact rugby.
“Touch has been a great way to re-engage with Bishopton and rugby and I now get to play on the same pitch as my boys every week.”
For committee member and participant Andy Jackson, he sees only positives sprouting from the group in the months ahead.
He said: “It has been great to rekindle friendships with players from our club’s past.
“We have also met several new players that have recently moved to Bishopton. We all come from different backgrounds, working environments and weekly priorities may differ, but we all have a common priority and interest – rugby.
“This common interest has sparked more than just friendships. The group is a support network that is vitally important. Some players have also returned to our rugby club, progressed up to contact rugby training and now play every week in our first and second teams.
“We also plan to engage with other over-35s teams to discuss contact playing opportunities in the future.”