North Canterbury clubs provide community sanctuary
2022 is off to a rough start, but the place that rugby clubs play in the community means that a strong sense of community prevails in North Canterbury, something extremely prevalent when you look at Oxford Rugby Football Club.
Based out of the Oxford A & P Showgrounds, Oxford is a proud North Canterbury club, established in 1883. Since then, the club has been a constant in the community, providing a home for both rugby fans and supporters alike.
For Danny Brooker, Oxford has become a second home over the past decade, with the loose forward now turning out for the Oxford Division 1 side for the last five years following playing for the club as a junior.
“I really enjoy representing Oxford.” Said Brooker. “It provides a place for me to get along to each week and creates an awesome opportunity to play with my mates.”
Oxford are one of a number of North Canterbury clubs that have provided measures over the years to make themselves an appealing destination, with one such measure the splitting of training between Burnside Park on a Monday night and Oxford on a Thursday.
“We’ve got quite a few people who live away from Oxford, in places like Kirwee and West Melton, and a couple that work in town, so it allows us to cater for them.” Brooker said. “We’ve got vans that help us cover the distance between the two trainings and that allows us to cover the cost that you may usually associate with covering that distance.”
“We still make sure to get down to the pub on a Monday and the club on a Thursday for a catch up and a meal after the training, so we don’t miss out on the awesome social side of community rugby too.”
Alongside his playing commitments, Brooker has also volunteered his time on the club board, filling the role of Junior Vice President, providing a younger players voice to the group, something that is invaluable for his club.
“I love being a part of the board, it’s great to be able to provide a voice for our playing group and know a little more about what the boys want and need.” Brooker said.
With the new season starting this weekend, it’s providing a bit of excitement for Brooker, with Oxford set to host Ohoka in the first week of the Luisetti Seeds North Canterbury Division 1. “It’s been a little rocky in pre-season, so we’re all keen to get out there on Saturday and get stuck in for 2022.”
It’s excitement he doesn’t want others to miss out on too, encouraging them to get involved with their local club at all levels.
“If you’re interested in playing, playing in North Canterbury provides both a number of competitive competitions and you also get to enjoy the social side of the game too, with meals after trainings and games. You also play against and with your mates, so there’s always a chance to catch up after games too.” said Brooker. “We’ve also got a top representative structure, with great coaches and access to facilities that help us compete at the top level.”
“If rugby isn’t your thing, there’s tons of roles off the field too that need people to be involved. We’re lucky at Oxford as we get a lot of help for our community and it’s something that is extremely rewarding too!”
There’s no time like the present to get down to your local club, whether you want to play, coach, referee or volunteer, find your new local at www.canterburyrugby.co.nz.