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Tomorrow, despite low availability, our Masters team will attend the Masters Season Launch Festival at Kippax Welfare. As ever our friends at North East Thunder Masters have replied to the rallying call, along with UK Armed Forces Masters, ensuring we can field a team. It’s an early start, but we will get to play 2 teams we’ve never played before. First up is Guiseley Rangers at 12:30, who we last played in 2023. Straight after that game it’s a match against the hosts, Kippax Welfare at 13:15, before closing off our afternoon with a game against West Bowling at 14:15. Each game is 20 minutes long.

On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, 1 of our U8’s and 8 of our U10’s took part in the PlayMaker Award, from the Leadership Skills Foundation and delivered by our very own Jason Grant. The award is nationally recognised and is the first rung on the ladder of Leadership Awards. The course was mainly activity based with some classroom work. The learners worked on the pneumonic PACE and by the end were able to lead on sessions they had planned, taking into consideration the Participants, Area, Communication and Equipment. The confidence and character the group showed was brilliant and the teamwork and involvement in group discussions was also first rate. The club is looking to host more of these courses, and hopefully, for some of our older players. If any clubs, organisations or schools would like the details on PlayMaker, please get in touch.

On Saturday our junior teams got together for their first session of season. Crusaders have always encouraged players to continue their commitment to other sports they are involved in, during our off season, but it was brilliant to see such great numbers for session 1. A boost this season was being able to benefit from funding given to us by Mears. The U16’s had new coach Kev Forrester in attendance, who’s course was funded by Mears. There was plenty of new rugby balls as well as new contact pads. Everyone was keen to be back and it was great to see a lot of new faces …… and a few returnees. If you’d like to get involved then please contact us via the website for further details.

Yesterday Crusaders Masters got their season underway with a cracking fixture against North East Thunder Masters at Robertson Rd. From the off it was clear to see the work Crusaders have been putting in at training. The team were a lot sharper and much better organised. Crusaders were first on the scoreline when UKAF Masters guest player, Andy Gray combined with Kev “Butch” Forrester to cut through the Thunder line. The response from Thunder was swift and they capitalised through some great runs from their Tag shorted players and great organisation from another UKAF Master, Darrell McClaren. Before the end of the first 20 minute period Jason Grant offered an inside line to draw in numbers whilst John “Longers” Longden threw a great pass to Romoi “Baz” Baselala who cut a half break before passing to Jay “ittookme2yearstoscoreatry” Wainwright to score. Despite both teams being unable to recollect this fete, the club has been contacted by a fell walker who was battling 30mph winds at the top of Sca Fell Pike but managed to hear Jay’s celebration! Thunder continued to play great rugby and Crusaders had to work hard to prevent them from scoring more than the other two tries they scored. The game was end to end throughout but it wasn’t until deep into the last 20 mins period that Crusaders were able to capitalise off a rare Thunder error and some swift handling found Crusaders debutant Adam Thompson in space out wide to run in a try from 40 metres out. The ethos of Masters is to list every game as a nil all draw, with no bragging rights. Well this one was actually a draw, and with bragging rights for both teams about the quality of the rugby on display. Thank you very much to North East Thunder for a great game. Also thanks to the UKAF, York and Carlisle players that backed up Thunder yesterday. Thank you to the man in the middle, Paul Clarke, much appreciated. Thank you The Hildyard Arms for hosting us post match.

The moment we’ve all been eagerly waiting for ……… “when does training start again? After a meeting last week it was decided that we would stick with our traditional start point of the school half term, with the exact date being, Saturday 22 February 25. This season will see new teams created at U7’s (tag only) and U18’s. We will of course be running teams at U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16. Sessions will be starting at 10am at Robertson Rd Sports Pitches. In the afternoon our Masters team will take on North East Thunder Masters at Robertson Rd. It’s going to be a big day, with participants ranging from 6 to 60+ years old! #crusadersfamily #rugbyleague

Crusaders are delighted to announce that Hargreaves Services have generously agreed to sponsor training T-shirts for our junior teams for the 2025 season. Hargreaves logo will take pride of place on the front of a new, smart training T-shirt that will given to our junior players once they have committed to the 2025 season by registering and paying their subs. Crusaders are hoping to increase player numbers again and this increase in branding will give us the ideal platform. More information on Hargreaves Services can be found here https://www.hsgplc.co.uk/about-us/

Crusaders Masters are delighted to announce Richie McGrath Pre Training and Breaking have agreed to be a sleeve sponsor for our off field and training gear. Based in Middleham, the small friendly yard specialises in horse breaking in, pre-training and sales preparation. Richie’s support will ensure our Master’s team are looking smart both on and off the pitch and will increase our branding and sense of belonging,

Crusaders Masters are delighted to announce that Thirsty Work will become a back of garment sponsor for our training and off field gear for next season. Established in 1995, Thirsty Work Ltd are the UK’s number 1 rated water dispenser supplier. Supplying businesses with water dispensers, bottled water coolers and instant hot water dispensers. Thirsty Work’s support will help have Crusaders Masters looking smart on and off the field and will increase our branding and sense of belonging.

Crusaders Masters are delighted that 4 Aces Ltd have agreed to become one of our back of garment sponsors for the 2025 season, on our off field and training gear. Their support will help with the teams branding and sense of belonging. https://4acesltd.com/

Today (30 Nov), Toby George Clarke and Simon Priestley attended the Rugby League Match Officials course at Kingston Park. Si took advantage of the Lead the Game project run by Newcastle Rugby Foundation and supported by the Veterans Foundation. Toby George took advantage of our clubs offer to pay for anyone wishing to do the course. Both Si and TG will now be able to support the club in the 2025 season providing us with Match Officials for the junior teams. Well done gents. Looking forward to seeing you flash those cards!

Ever thought you’d like to be passing on your knowledge of Rugby League to others? Well here is an opportunity! In the New Year the RFL will be holding a Level 2 Rugby League coaching course at Kingston Park , Newcastle. For all details including timings, dates and cost please follow the booking link below. Are you a Crusaders parent/member? Well good news, we have funding for you to take this course. All we ask is a return on investment with your time to coach our wonderful juniors. For further information please contact us.

Catterick Crusaders Masters are delighted to announce JDN First Aid Trainer have agreed to also become back of garment sponsors for our 2025 training and off field wear. Our Masters side prides itself on having no financial burden on the thriving juniors set up, at the club, but is also mindful of making it financially viable for its players. The sponsorship from JDN First Aid Trainer will go towards training and off field apparel for the team which will increase our branding and sense of belonging. JDN First Aid Trainer provide accredited and regulated First Aid Course in Co Durham. Emergency First Air, First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid, CPR and AED courses. https://www.facebook.com/share/12GuozpwUbE/?mibextid=LQQJ4d If your company is interested in sponsoring Crusaders Masters, please do not hesitate to get in touch.