Reading Raiders          RLFC

Having been hit by the Rugby League 'bug' and settled in Berkshire, Raiders' founder, Andrew Belt's 2016 New Year's Resolution was to set up a club in Reading. With the help of local and national rugby league press publications, Andrew got the word out there about his ambition to start the club and three men answered his plea for help: Cllr Josh Williams, Barry Watson and Mike Farrow.

 

In the noisy setting of O'Neills in town, the four men set about planning for rugby league to return to the town after an absence of around 15 years. The date was April 22, 2016.

 

Andrew became Chairman; Cllr Williams became President; Barry became Honorary Secretary; and Mike became General Manager and then the de facto Head Coach as the season began.

 

Initially taking to the open fields of King's Meadow for training sessions and appealing to rugby league fans, local union clubs and the University of Reading rugby league team, players started to play the sport and the club took the field for the first time at the Brighton 9s on June 25.

 

The first action on that day saw the Raiders line up against London Chargers A, putting in a creditable performance in a 16-8 loss before going down to Brixton Bulls and Hammersmith Hills Hoists but gaining a draw against St Albans Centurions.

 

Three further games were played - two against Swindon St George A in what became a contest for the newly-created Kennet Cup and an away game at Hemel Stags Merit team.

Three further games were played - two against Swindon St George A in what became a contest for the newly-created Kennet Cup and an away game at Hemel Stags Merit team.

 

None of this would have been possible without Grosvenor Casinos Reading backing us and becoming our main sponsor when we had nothing but the desire to get a Reading team playing rugby league. This partnership was renewed for the 2017 season and all club events are held at either of the two casinos in the town - great nights with fantastic food and hosting always.

 

Training is no longer at King's Meadow with the club choosing to have its training sessions and home games in one place - Berkshire County Sports Club - a friendly club in Sonning with a bar and ample changing facilities.

 

The committee has to date grown to nine members, 42 players have pulled on the yellow and red hoops in competitive action, and we are constantly on the lookout for new players and volunteers.

 

The club will be competing in the London and South East Championship this season, as well as taking part in the Brighton 9s and hosting Devon Sharks in a friendly game.