Fans and players from Midlands Hurricanes come together to make first community event a success
Fans and aspiring players were given the chance to be put through their paces as they joined players from the region's only professional Rugby League team for a special community event.
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Be a Cane for a Day was the first opportunity for Midlands Hurricanes to invite fans to meet and train with the players as part of its community outreach work.
The event took place at Avery Fields, the home of Bournville Rugby Club, in Bearwood on Saturday, with those taking part going through a full training session with players from the League One club.
After being put through some warm-up drills by the conditioning team, the group, which included chairman Mike Lomas, were then taken through ball handling and tackling drills by head coach Mark Dunning.
Members of the playing squad also took part in the session, offering help and support along the way to the participants, including two very young fans who were cheered on by everyone.
After the drills, there followed a very competitive game of touch and pass, with the players restricted to walking pace, which saw older and younger participants elicit loud cheers for their passing and running.
The on-field activity was conducted in a fun and friendly atmosphere, with Hurricanes mascot Gus T Hurricane making an appearance, while there were also free t-shirts for those taking part.
The day concluded with a full Q&A session with chairman Mike Lomas, managing director Eorl Crabtree, head coach Mark Dunning and assistant head coach Leigh Beattie, which touched on the vision of the club, its aims going forward and what other community events were being planned.
Eorl Crabtree said the day had been fantastic and spoke about wanting to do more in the future.
He said: "It was an incredible afternoon that brought together players, coaches, staff and, most importantly, our fans.
"From the moment the conditioning team kicked things off with warm-ups, through to the on-field drills run by our first-team players, the energy was electric.
"Fans of all ages got stuck in, tested their skills, and even stood shoulder to shoulder with the players in a game of touch and pass, a real highlight that captured the spirit of togetherness we’re building at this club.
"We rounded off the day with a brilliant Q&A session featuring Head Coach, Assistant Coach, myself, and club owner Mike Lomas.
"It was a chance to share our vision, answer questions, and connect even more deeply with the Hurricanes community and there were smiles all around and a real sense of belonging.
"This event was just the beginning as we’re committed to growing these opportunities for connection and making the Hurricanes a club the entire region can feel part of.
"We can’t wait to take things to the next level."
