At the beginning of March, more than 100 children will once again rekindle friendships through their community sports club, Bassetlaw Bulldogs RLFC, as the 2025 season kicks off. Based in East Markham, the Bulldogs have built a family-focused club from scratch and are now entering their seventh year. During that time, the emergence and growth of the club have been impressive, and it is not hard to see why.
Starting with just one team, the club has expanded to include nine different age groups. In 2023, the Bulldogs were named Midlands Junior Rugby League Club of the Year, while their U15s girls were awarded Team of the Year. In 2024, Chairman and founder, Phil Abbott, was voted Midlands Junior Rugby League Volunteer of the Year and made the three-person shortlist for the Rugby Football League’s National Award. While these accolades are heartwarming and appreciated, they are not what drives the club to grow the sport of Rugby League in Nottinghamshire – a somewhat unexpected location for a sport typically thriving in the M62 corridor.
The club welcomes players aged three to 17 in its junior ranks. Last year saw the introduction of the new ‘Pups’ group – designed for three- to five-year-olds – to develop multi-skills across a range of sporting activities. While many players are male, the club also runs a successful U15s girls’ team, which competes in the RFL’s flagship girls’ league in Yorkshire. Additionally, the U17s boys will take part in the Midlands Merit League competition this year, while all other age groups compete more locally.
In addition to its junior teams, the Bulldogs also run a Masters team – designed for players over 35 to roll back the years and participate in a fun, non-competitive format of the game. Some players are approaching 70, which speaks to the inclusivity and adaptability of Masters Rugby League. Depending on their age, players wear different coloured shorts, which determine how they can be tackled (or tagged) during matches. More than just a sport, Masters RL is designed to be a social experience, where players value the camaraderie off the field just as much as on it.
“Masters is a great way for players of all abilities and experiences to have some fun, stay fit, and improve their mental health,” said Chairman Phil Abbott. “We have a great bunch of gents who don’t take themselves too seriously but love each other’s company. Every game of Masters RL finishes 0-0, and then we have a pint and a bite to eat with our opposition.”
The club is always on the lookout for the next Martin Offiah to emerge through its ranks and progress into the professional game.
“We’re always happy to welcome new participants. Anyone who wants to try Rugby League is welcome to attend a couple of free taster sessions to see if it’s something they’d like to pursue,” added Abbott.
For more information, contact the club at bassetlawbulldogs@btinternet.com or visit www.bassetlawbulldogs.co.uk.