GB Bulldogs Over 35’s Rugby League Team
The GB Bulldogs Over 35’s team, a self-funding body of veteran rugby players, coaches and managers who after support for their activities was withdrawn by the amateur governing bodies committee have continued to thrive.
Each year they play in the very prestigious Dubai ten a side rugby union tournament as a way of keeping players at that age and over involved in playing, coaching and organising the sport.
All of them are from a Rugby League background and are still involved in some way with their parent clubs.
They are forced to tour participating in RU tournaments as they cater for overseas opportunities and are successful in recruiting interest in our game from all over the World, showcasing the skill, toughness and competitive nature of our players against some of the best the Union game has to offer but they also participate in matches against other over 35’s matches given the chance against other RL organisations for charity.
In recent years examples of this are GB over 35’s Police, Army and Asians as well as invitation sides?
In preparation for this years’ trip to Dubai they have formed an association with the State of Mind charity in order to hopefully raise funds and awareness of the work this great charity fulfils.
The Chair Malcolm Rae OBE and Trustee of the charity, the inspirational former player himself Jimmy Gittins, says “we are pleased to announce this association with the Bulldogs, we are fully aware of their profile particularly in overseas tournaments such as the very prestigious annual Dubai tournament that runs alongside the worldwide HSBC sevens series and has crowds of 70.000 plus.
“State of Mind Sport’s aims of raising awareness, tackling stigma and signposting for support for those who may be struggling with life’s pressures and experiencing tough times will be strengthened by our positive association with the GB Bulldogs
We also recognise the value to the participants in sustaining Mental Fitness and resilience by continuing to engage in the sport, staying connected, being involved with like minded others and maintaining physical fitness, are all key factors in maintaining well being and naturally dovetail with the GB Bulldogs
We look forward to a lengthy and positive association”
Martyn Ward, Manager of the GB Bulldogs, a former player and coach himself said “ I would like to thank Jimmy for his and the charity’s support in forming this link we are determined to help in any way we we can to raise awareness of Mental Fitness and encourage people who may be experiencing problems to seek support and talk to others about their feelings”
There are spaces still left for supporters on this year’s trip at the end of November, anyone interested or in any of the sponsorship opportunities contact Martyn on martyn_ward@sky.com