EDSB SUPPORTING GRASSROOTS SPORTS

Aireborough RUFC – Open Age First XV

Aireborough have been a local entity for a good number of years with thriving junior and senior setups. The senior teams took a hit during the Covid times with numbers dwindling, leading them to fold as a team in 2021.

In 2022 a huge effort was made to reinvigorate the team and led to them finishing in the top third of the league.  They then had a huge push in the end of season cup that saw them beat local powerhouses, Roundhegians, who sit two leagues above them, before losing out in the semi-final to local rivals Old Otliensians.

EDSB’s very own Engineer Attendance Team Leader, Ben Hague, joined the team at the start of the 2022 season after moving back to the area, but has known of the club since he was a kid and knew it to be a brilliant place to play.

As hooker for the first team, Ben absolutely loves the family feel of the club, everyone being extremely close-knit with plenty of socials and club activities/traditions.

When Ben approached EDSB for support, we were keen to support him and his team with kit sponsorship for the next 3 years.

This season the team are sat top of the table after 6 games with 5 wins and 1 close fought loss. They are already very much in contention for promotion this season having already beaten two of the sides relegated from the league above the team last year. The previous captain had retired at the ripe age of 36 and they are in the new era of club captaincy, with Mikey Dolan who has come up through the club from about 6 years old.

In December 2023, the team delivered a highly successful pantomime adaptation of Sherlock Holmes’ “Hound of the Baskervilles,” with Ben taking on the role of the Hound. This outstanding performance not only captivated the audience but also generated a substantial amount of funds for the club. The event was attended by two members of the Engineer Attendance team, adding to the overall excitement of the night. Additionally, the team revived past traditions, including the celebration of Family Fun days.

Aireborough club managers, Granville Sellers & Martyn Booth express their appreciation for EDSB’s support in mentioning:

“EDSB’s sponsorship is massive to the club as it is things like this that are helping us cement ourselves back into Yorkshire Rugby. The sponsorship has been put towards the new kit for the next 3 years with EDSB being the main short sponsors. Thank you, EDSB!”

EDSB are proud to support this team and wishes them all the best for the future!