Shaw Cross Sharks ARLFC
The Worlds Greatest Club
Spreading The Word
FOR FRENCH EXCHANGE 2010 CLICK HERE
OVER 40 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP
Just over forty years ago the first party of Shaw Cross boys journeyed the length of France to visit the birthplace of French rugby league. The bonds forged between Villeneuve and the Sharks are as strong as ever.
Many people over the years have become involved in this historic event. More than 1,600 boys have now taken part in the exchange and all stay with host families during the visit, a great opportunity to sample everyday life in France & England.
Added to this boys take in local cultural attractions and socialise with their opponents, forging long lasting friendships.
Organised into 'Minimes' and 'Cadets' the touring side always plays another two teams before ending the tour the night before the journey home playing against the hosts. In 2009 new grounds were broken when the 'Benjamins' toured England to take on the Shaw Cross Sharks Under 12's.
It takes a lot of organising and if it were not for the people that do this then it would not be where it is today. From the organisers of the daily trips right down to the players themselves it is a credit both to Shaw Cross, French organisers and the game in general the amount of effort that goes into this.
Above: The four men who started off the whole tour back in 1970
There is alot of work and effort that goes into this trip. The Sharks have a dedicated committee (The French Committee) who plan all year round, raising money and keeping in touch with the French.
The Committee consists of Dougie Hird, Alan Lancaster, Alan Smith, Tracy Grimwood, Helen Whitworth, John Salisbury and Jonny Burland.
We would all like to thank these people along with sponsors and other people who give their free time up to organise this wonderful event.
The French Connection
FRENCH TOUR 2010
FRENCH MAN OF STEEL HONOURS
LEWIS SYKES (U16'S)
THOMAS RIPLEY (U15'S)
MANY THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF THE TOUR - GEORGE BROOK, UNISON, INK4U & LMB MECHANICAL SERVICES WITHOUT THESE PEOPLE WE COULD NOT HAVE SHIRTS AND JACKETS.
FORT JACKY & ALAIN DAURIAC
Minimes 2009
Cadets 2009
Benjamins 2009
And then...
In recent years, Shaw Cross have spread the word even wider by visiting developing countries for rugby league such as South Africa and the groundbreaking trip to Serbia & Montenegro in 2005. Other trips including the one to Australia also add to the fine history of the club internationally. In 2007 the club visited the Czech Republic.
Pictured above are the Sharks players Matthew Myers and Danny Smith along with Mick Turner who spread the word in South Africa on BARLA's Tour June 2007.
Long may the hard work, commitment and most important of all, the friendship continue between the Sharks and these countries.
And For The French!..
Pendant les années, des centaines de personnes ont soutenu cet échange, y compris plus de 1.700 jeunes treizistes. Tous les rugbymen ont pu bénéficier des visites culturelles et sportives au sein de leurs familles d’acceuil et ont pu voir aussi la vie de tous les jours dans les deux pays.
Au niveau rugby, les sélections françaises et anglaises comprennent toujours des « minimes » et des « cadets ». Les deux équipes jouent toutes les deux trois matchs, le dernier match étant contre les hôtes Shaw Cross ou Villeneuve la veille du voyage-retour.
Un échange comme celui-ci nécessite beaucoup d’organisation – les Comités des deux côtés de la Manche ont fort travaillé pour que l’échange soit un succès. Avec l’aide de tous ceux qui ont contribué pendant les années, le futur de l’échange est assuré, mais il reste du travail à faire pour continuer.
Côté anglais, la Comité comprend les membres suivants : Alan Smith, Dougie Hird, Alan Lancaster, Lisa Chandler et Jonny Burland.
A nous de leur dire tous un grand merci pour tout leur travail pendant les années de l’échange, également aux leaders et organisateurs français.
