Bolton Rugby Club is facing its most formiddable opponent yet - the mafia - as it helps young Sicilian rugby players who have been targeted by the organised crime group.

The club stretched out the hand of friendship after reading about the players' plight in The Times newspaper. This includes having thier team bus attacked.

More than 50 young people from Sicily arrived in Bolton yesterday.

The children are from a small club called Briganti, based in Librino, Sicily.

It was formed to help and support youngsters in the area which suffers greatly from poverty and deprivation as well as considerable levels of organised crime.

As a club, the team has faced considerable adversity with their clubhouse and team bus being attacked, with reports suggesting it was done by the mob.

Despite this the club continues to provide the local young population with a place to meet, train and support them to make a difference in their lives - and stop them from becoming involved in organised crime.

The club also has a coffee bar, library and operates a youth club too.

Mark Brocklehurst, Chair of Bolton Rugby club said:  “When we read about the circumstances that Briganti have had to face and continue to face on a daily basis, we knew that we had to reach out and offer our help.

"The rugby family stretches far and wide and we know ourselves how much of a positive influence being part of a team provides youngsters.

"The prospect of the Briganti boys and girls coming to the North-West and to England the home of Rugby, is just a fantastic opportunity for all.

"It is very exciting, and we are looking forward to hosting them and to arrange more visits in the future.”

As part of their 5-day trip Bolton Rugby Club have arranged an amazing array of activities including a training session with Sale Sharks at their Carrington site, a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and a host of outdoor pursuits.

The trip will culminate on Saturday with a special family fun day which also celebrates Bolton Rugby Club's 150-year anniversary.

It will include friendly matches between the two clubs for both boys and girls and adults too as well as a host of stalls, BBQ, singers and entertainers and a wealth of children’s activities.

The Family Fun day starts at 11am on Saturday the 20th of August at Avenue Street, Bolton and all are welcome.
The Bolton News:
 

 

 

 

 

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18