When we talk about sport, we are always talking about values. In the case of rugby, this word takes on another dimension. Despite being a rough sport, with a great deal of physical contact, it stands out for its honesty and nobility. They say it’s a “barbaric game played by gentlemen”. But rugby does have a series of unique values that can be applied to life itself and represent the best example for society, especially for kids.
Rugby is an inclusive sport, where everyone works as one and everyone matters. Individuals are not celebrated; it’s a team sport and the players celebrate as a team.
Rugby follows an iron discipline with very clear rules in which the referee is the maximum authority and enjoys the highest respect, from both players and fans.
All the rivalry and confrontation takes place on the field, stays on the field. The players on both teams, the referees and the coaches converse and exchange opinions in what is known as the “Third Time”. A hallowed ritual, like a big family, they enjoy a meal together while chatting amiably about the match.
For all these reasons, the Bathco Sport and Social Foundation (FUSODEBA), through the Bathco Rugby Club, has made this noble sport its standard, considering it the best vehicle for transmitting values to young people. The team does important work with the sports schools, which currently serve over 100 children between the ages of 8 and 16. Its activity is focused on work with the youngest children to get them started in this sport that offers so many benefits in terms of health, personal growth and social integration. The direct result of this work is the creation of a talent pool that represents the sport in Cantabria.
The Bathco Rugby Club makes history
On precisely 2 June of this year, the first Bathco Rugby Club team ascended to the Honour Division. The biggest milestone in its history, and it did it playing against a rival in the highest category, CR La Vila, in a match that was hotly contested up to the very end. It equalled the feat of the Hernani RT years ago.
Starting next season, Santander will have two teams in the top category of Spanish rugby. Unquestionably a good example for the young people who are starting to see rugby as the great alternative sport.
V Torneo John Kitson
FUSODEBA also collaborates in organising actions for young children in world of Spanish rugby. The Torneo John Kitson in Arenas de Iguña has turned into a good example. It’s a tournament for the youngest players that brings together teams from all over Spain and even international teams.
This tournament started with the initiative of a group of parents whose children enjoyed playing rugby in their valley, and in 2013 they decided to create a touch rugby event to encourage kids to practise this sport. They named it after John Kitson, in honour of one of the pioneers of rugby in the Besaya and Campoo area. It’s now a tradition, with an average of 800 participants each year.
