In 1861, a student at a west London military academy
named Edwin Ash decided to gather his friends together for a regular game of
football on Richmond Green. Since these modest beginnings, Ash’s club, Richmond
FC, has continued to break new ground and to achieve great things both on and
off the field. And on 12th November 2011, over 350 members
and friends as well as players past and present, gathered at 8 Northumberland
Avenue for a gala dinner, one of two highlights of a year of celebrations
marking Richmond’s 150th Anniversary, the second being the fantastic
game against The Barbarian FC played on 12th April 2011 and preceded
by a pre match supper for 600.
Richmond has had many forays into the record books
since this start although its history has not been without its dark times. In
March 1999, the Club very nearly ceased to exist when the then Premiership club
lost its major financial backer. But now, after a world record-breaking run
that propelled the 1st XV back up the leagues, Richmond is a leading club once more with the
men in the top of National 2 South League and the women reigning Premiership Champions.
Community rugby is flourishing at Richmond
with more than 830 people aged six to sixty registered to play for one of its
many sides. It fields six senior men’s
teams, including the Richmond Heavies, renowned for their touring ability and
four of which are top of their respective leagues, plus a Students/U21 XV, a Colts (U19) XV, and three
women’s teams. It is worthy of note that 127 Richmond
men and 53 Richmond women have attained
International honours whilst playing at Richmond.
And in addition the club runs one of the biggest Mini/Youth
sections in the country, covering age groups from U6 to U17 and providing well
coached, inclusive rugby for all ages and abilities for 600 players. Truly a
club for all as recognised in the RFU Whole Club Seal of Approval Award made by
the RFU President Willie Wildash to Richmond’s
Chairman Peter Moore at the 150th Dinner. What better way to start
the next 150 years!
By Jen Gadsby Peet –
Club Secretary
