Memorial Match for Tom Sephton - 18 September, 2010
Tom died in hospital in Birmingham after being injured in Afghanistan fighting for his Queen and Country.
His Regisment, the 1st Mercia and Crosfields (his previous club) will be playing against each other on Saturday 18
September with a 3.00 p.m. kick off.
The Army are also taking all kinds of equipment to Hood Lane on this day - Zip rides, and other items of equipment
for us all to enjoy on this day.
Please come to the event in memory of Tom who served Crosfields well from the age of 13 upwards.
Tom Sephton Memorial Day - 18 September, 2010
The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy in aid of Help for Heroes.
On Saturday the 18th of September Crosfields ARLFC and the Military community are celebrating the life of a true hero, a soldier, a rugby league player, a son, brother and friend.
Tom Sephton was 20 and a soldier in the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), he came from Great Sankey in Warrington and he lived for his rugby league.
On Monday 5 July 2010, Private Thomas Sephton died in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, of wounds sustained during service in Afghanistan.
A Crosfields ARLFC Select team will host a Royal Engineer RL Select team in 80 minutes of Rugby League in memory of Private Tom Sephton.
The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy will be played for in aid of Help for Heroes, and will kick off at 3:00pm at Crosfields ARLFC’s Hood Lane ground in Great Sankey Warrington.
Along with the memorial match the event will also stage military displays, vehicles and stands including a 60 foot long inflatable assault course with 5 different sections to fight through, a paintball shooting range with real military targets, and archery for all the budding Robin Hoods out there, and much more.
An application for a fly past by the RAF’s Red Arrows display team has been made (They are taking part in the Southport Air Show - 20 miles away - on the same day and this is their only commitment ) – as this article is written their fly past is still subject to confirmation, but hopefully more details will follow.
The Hood Lane ground will be open at 12 noon and entrance is completely FREE! The Crosfields ARLFC clubhouse will be open with food and drink available to everyone.
Dignitaries from the Rugby Football League, Members of the House of Lords, The Members of parliament for Warrington, The Mayor of Warrington, Local Councillors and the Military have all given notice of their intention to attend.
The event will also supported in the media and attended and covered by the BBC , Granada Reports, Sky Sports TV and local radio and Newspapers and the Rugby League press.
Toms Parents, Angela Horn and Ian Sephton will present two awards on the day, firstly, the winning team will receive the Tom Sephton Memorial Cup, and secondly the team will be presented with the Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy – A figure of a Soldier and Mortar - Donated by the Mortar Platoon 1 MERCIAN. Which will remain in the Crosfields ARLFC Clubhouse? It is envisaged that this trophy will be played for annually between an Armed Forces Rugby League Team and a Crosfields ARLFC Select.
Rugby Football League and Military dignitaries will also present medals to both teams and then make a special presentation to the match officials.
Tom Sephton
Tom and Rugby League
Tom started playing rugby league in 2000 working his way up through the ranks of Crosfields ARLFC and went on to represent Warrington schoolboys (although for some bizarre reason Tom was a St Helens fan! Even going so far as to wear a St Helens shirt underneath his Warrington shirt!)
Tom was never going to be the biggest lad, so he made his game revolve around his natural pace. A county level sprinter, he could be seen burning down the wing with the ball tucked safely under his arm.
He was a key and influential part of the 2006 Under 16’s squad that swept all before them winning the league championship and making the national cup semi-final, losing only 3 games that year. He was never one to shy away from a situation, and put his body on the line for the team. He tackled well above his weight, and had an ability that cannot be coached, in that he had “situational awareness”, usually making the right choice when the game got tough.
Tom would do anything asked of him by and for coaches and teammates, indeed was ready to do extras at any time. It was a privilege to be involved with such a man. Tom was a pleasure to be with on and off the pitch, a young man of honor with a rye sense of humor and a sharp wit, a man with a courage that belied his stature and loyalty beyond measure.
The Crosfields ARLFC Select team will be made up of players who played alongside Tom in his playing days with the club, in particular the under 16’s side that won the 2006 u16’s league.
An impressive number of these players have gone on to achieve great things in their young rugby careers, playing 1st team rugby league with Superleague clubs, Warrington Wolves, St Helens and Salford Reds. More are playing in and Championship clubs and Superleague Under 20 Academy sides. Others have had a change of code and are playing Rugby Union for teams in Bath, New Zealand and France.
It was these young men who first came up with the idea for a charity memorial game for Tom.
Tom gave his life to save his friend in battle. No greater sacrifice can be given by any man. No words will soften the blow to his family and friends or indeed his extended family at Crosfields ARLFC; he will be missed forever by all who knew him.
Tom and the Army
In July 2008 when Tom was 18 he decided to join the Army and after 6 months of basic training in January 2009 he joined his local regiment – The 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Cheshire). There he joined Mortar Platoon and quickly proved himself as an excellent soldier. Private Tom Sephton then went on to serve in the United Kingdom, The Falkland Islands and Kenya, and then on operations in Afghanistan.
On the morning of the Sunday 4 July 2010, operating in a Rifle Platoon, Private Tom Sephton deployed from Patrol Base Malvern tasked with providing flank protection to an IED clearance operation. Whilst clearing a route for his section he was caught in an IED blast and seriously wounded. Pte Sephton was extracted by helicopter to Camp Bastion Role 3 Hospital and then flown to the UK. On the afternoon of the 5 July 2010, with his family present, and with great sadness the decision was taken to switch off his life support machine and he died of his wounds
The following are tributes paid to Tom from members of his unit – 1 MERCIAN
Pte Charles Emina, 1 MERCIAN, said:
“Sefo was my closest friend in the world; we were like brothers. He was always the life and soul wherever he went. He loved his friends and family more than anything. He was always first out of the gate on patrol and had pride doing his job for his Country. He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own.
“He is a true hero to his friends, family and his country and as a Nation we owe him a debt of gratitude. I love him with all my heart and I will be lost without him. All my love goes to him and his family while he rests in Peace.”
Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Morley, Mortar Platoon Second in Command, on behalf of the Mortar Platoon, 1 MERCIAN, said:
“Tom Sephton joined the Mortar Platoon in January 2009. He immediately became part of the team and was very popular with everyone. He rose to the challenge of being a mortarman with glowing enthusiasm and a permanent smile. He was a true professional and dedicated to both his work and his friends.
“A keen sportsman, he represented his Company at rugby, subsequently playing a key role within Support Company’s trophy winning effort. At times he left a few Battalion rugby players a little red faced and more than surprised with his pace and skill.
“With his sparkling character he made socialising look easy and loved spending time with his friends ensuring a few ‘quiet’ drinks were never dull with Tom around.
“He was an excellent soldier and an even finer friend who met every challenge with vigour and a smile. He will be sadly missed but affectionately remembered by all that knew him. Rest in Peace.”
Fixtures 2010-11 - 16 August, 2010
Fixtures for the new season can now be found in the documents section of the website.
Please note that on cup weekends, league games will be issued where possible for teams not involved in cup games. Do not presume you have a weekend off.
I have also tried to ensure that where a club has more than one team at this age group then one team will be at home and one away (2 teams) or no more than 2 will be at home if there are 3 teams. Thsi has not been possible for all clubs (3 I think).
Jackie
Opportunity for a young person to have a say at the RFL - 09 July, 2010
RFL to form Young People’s Advisory Panel
The RFL has announced plans for the creation of a Young People’s Advisory Panel as part of its ongoing commitment to give a voice to Rugby League enthusiasts nationwide.
The panel will give those involved in the sport between the ages of 16 and 21 a chance to have their say on RFL policies which may affect them.
Kelly Barrett, the RFL’s Community Game Services Manager, said: “The Young People’s Advisory Panel represents a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the RFL and directly contribute to policy change.
“It’s important that we give young people a voice in our game in order to drive forward as a sport.”
The national panel will meet three times a year at the RFL’s Red Hall headquarters to discuss and debate the following:
· Changes in the structure of youth rugby;
· Communications between young Rugby League enthusiasts and the RFL;
· RFL policies which impact on young people.
Two nominated members will also go forward and take part in the Youth & Junior Forum, a key device used to advance youth Rugby League.
The creation of the panel will keep the RFL at the forefront of sports development and will greatly help to achieve key strategic objectives in the Community Game Strategy, particularly around communications and increasing participation.
A full interview process will take place and applications are invited from interested parties from all corners of the country, by way of forwarding a CV with a cover letter explaining why you feel you fit the bill.
The deadline for applications is Friday July 30.
The exciting, high profile voluntary role will receive a benefits package including kit, tickets to events and expenses.
Members of the panel must:
· Be aged 16 to 21;
· Be currently or previously involved with community Rugby League as a player, coach, match official or volunteer;
· Have a desire to be the voice of young people;
· Be able to commit approximately six hours a month to undertake their role;
· Be able to commit to three meeting per year.
For further information or if you are interested please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to: Kelly Barrett, Community Game Services Dept, The RFL, The Zone, St Andrews Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 6PT or via e-mail at kelly.barrett@rfl.uk.com
Money for clubs!! - 04 January, 2010
Thought some of you might be interested in this article:
Community clubs set to cash in on RFL ticket scheme
Rugby League’s grass roots is poised to benefit from a fund-raising boost worth tens of thousands of pounds to the community clubs who participate in the RFL’s generous cashback incentives in 2010.
This year saw over £40,000 returned to the clubs who took advantage of ticket offers for the Gillette Four Nations and engage Super League Grand Final and the community game is set to benefit still further in the New Year.
In 2010 community clubs who purchase tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and engage Super League Grand Final can secure more valuable cashback which will enable them to reinvest in equipment, facilities and player development.
The RFL’s ticket initiative is being co-ordinated by the RFL’s Business Development Manager Ray Tennant, who is keen for more clubs to take advantage of the fantastic deals on offer.
“The cash back initiative is a great incentive for clubs. The extra money goes a long way in financing the clubs providing additional income for the grass roots of Rugby League,” said Tennant.
“The incentive is flexible to the clubs needs as it gives them the option of taking on what they feel comfortable with and more importantly what they can afford. Each package guarantees at least £500 for the community club, so it really is a no-brainer.
“The more people that take part, the more money the clubs receive and we urge clubs to get on board as the scheme is limited to places.”
Depending on the package clubs choose, they can receive from £500 up to £2,500.
Option One:
For every 50 tickets sold priced at £41 for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final, clubs will receive a return of £500.
Option Two:
For every 50 tickets sold priced at £62 for both the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and the engage Super League Grand Final clubs will receive £1,000 cash back.
Option Three:
For every 50 people who purchase a £41 ticket for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and a hotel clubs will receive a total of £2,000 money back.
Option Four:
For every 49 people that buy a £41 Carnegie Challenge Cup Final ticket with return coach travel and a night in a specified hotel, community clubs will receive a return totalling £2,000.
Option Five:
For every 50 people who purchase the package that includes tickets to the engage Super League Grand Final and the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final plus hotel accommodation will give clubs a return of £2,500.
Clubs wishing to take part in the cash back initiative should get in touch as soon as possible.
For further information, please e-mail Ray Tennant on ray.tennant@rfl.uk.com or Steve Gafney on steve.gafney@rfl.uk.com
