Teenage rugby players pull tractor 1000 metres in Hartlepool Rugby Club charity fundraiser

By Madeleine Raine
Published 21st Oct 2022, 16:52 BST
Updated 21st Oct 2022, 16:53 BST
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A group of young rugby players pulled a tractor over 1,000 metres to raise money for charity.

Hartlepool Rugby Club’s under 16 boys and girls teams pulled the tractor 1,350 metres in small teams at their ground in Mayfield Park.

TFM’s Cash for Kids has agreed to match anything the club raises up to a total of £2,500, with all money raised going towards the club’s end of season tour.

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Kevin Fox, coach for the under 16 girls’ team, said: “They will give anything a go, they will try anything.”

Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.
Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.

This was not an easy challenge, according to Kevin, who said that most players complained of “sore hands and legs” by the end of the challenge.

Hartlepool Rugby Club have raised £3,264 so far and hopes to raise even more by the fundraiser deadline on Monday, October 24.

Hartlepool Rugby Club offer free training to all of its players who come from a range of different backgrounds, relying on fundraising events like this to run its sessions.

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Kevin said: “This way, they don’t have to feel excluded if they can’t pay the fees.”

Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.
Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.

The club also runs a boot exchange programme where players can swap or donate shoes that are too small for them in order to help those in need.

Hartlepool Rugby Club welcome players of all ages and abilities and encourages team work and community.

Since launching its first under 16 girls academy this year, Kevin has noticed a change in how his players interact with each other.

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Kevin said: “Girls that would not normally mix at school are now mixing in school. It extends into the community and into education.”

Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.
Charity tractor pull by under 16 players at Hartlepool Rugby Club, in Mayfield Park.

The club launched its first under 16 girls academy after the recent successes of its boys’ academy and has seen a rise in players.

Hartlepool Rugby Club now have a girls under 16 squad of 18 players which is one of only three clubs in the region to boast a full team.

Kevin said: “It is because of this atmosphere where everyone is welcome.”

Kevin would like to thank Hartlepool Rugby Club for their support, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

He added: “And of course the parents. Without them, we couldn’t do anything.”