Close season activities have gone up a gear as the big kick off in September approaches. Lots of exciting things are happening on and off the pitch as the club aims to continue to progress.

Having endured an enforced absence because of The Open training is now back at Waterloo Road and things are returning to normal. Normal in Southport RFC language these days means taking things up a gear though.

Leading the way are the Ladies who are doing their utmost to promote the game and the club. Last week they featured on the BBC Sport 'Get Inspired" which can be viewed at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/40875568

A week on Saturday 26th August they will be unleashing the warrior when the club hosts an RFU Camp. The Warrior Camps are held regularly at clubs across the country and are a fun-packed, commitment-free way for females to get outside, get muddy and experience the dynamic, exhilarating sport of rugby for the first time. With plenty of help on hand, ladies will be introduced to the basics of rugby – passing, kicking and tackling, coupled with enjoyable fitness routines – stepping out of the comfort zone and unearth your Inner Warrior.

Book in now at

http://www.englandrugby.com/news/warrior-camps-attract-new-women-into-rugby/

The squad itself is training hard and looking to attract new talent to compete at National Level 3, an incredible achievement for a team only formed a few years ago.

Equally the Mens & Colts squad. They showed good promise in triumphing in an evenly matched friendly against Shotton Steel RFC last Saturday which was fiercely fought but played in an exemplary spirit. The action was court by Jrstewart photography on camera which can be viewed at

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Jrstewartphotography/photos/?tab=album&album_id=365081907241433

Encouragingly a large crowd was in attendance with the visitors from across the border doing their bit by bringing a full coach load. Apart from the competitive fayre on offer it was heartening to see a few new players settling in well wearing the Southport colours for the first time and will add strength to the squad bonding together with the developing returning players and Colts moving into the senior set-up.

Some things are more important than rugby though as demonstrated by a post-match raffle which raised £400 for a hospice in North Wales in memory of the 12 year daughter of one of the Shotton sponsors who sadly passed away recently.

With a terrific post match atmosphere in the sun it has really set the club up for the hugely important next few weeks under the exciting Direction of new Head Coach Neil Ryan who has inherited the excellent legacy bequeathed by Bill Nichol. Bill is not lost to the club though and will continue in an advisory and ambassadorial role ensuring Southport RFC continues to be increasingly represented in high circles.

This Saturday the Men continue their build up with a trip on a chara to Keswick RFC in the North Lakes. Any players and spectators wishing to jump on the bus for a game and/or a jolly should contact Mike Dale.

Sitting behind all this the club is hoping to announce some big news to hit the headlines as a pre-cursor to the new season including mouth watering new sponsors, new signings, a new match day programme, links with renowned educational establishments, expansion of the community coaching scheme, October Marquee Ladies Day and Comedy Night events, a club tour to the North East, display of memorabilia and much more.

All in the normal course of things where normality for Southport Rugby Football Club means ‘Progressive’!