Ian's first point of contact with Crawley RFC was in 1999. He brought his five year old son up to the club to see if he wanted to take up the sport. He did! And Ian has been committed to the club ever since. He says that Crawley RFC has continued to grow in strength over the years, with greater integration between the teams and a growing emphasis on a family environment.

Ian is both a coach and player. He is a member of the Veterans team which began about eight years ago. The Vets currently feature around twenty-five to thirty members. Players are aged 35 upwards. Quite a few of their number include parents who bring their children to play at the club:
"Most veterans are returning to rugby after a few years break, there's no league - it's more of a social."

Ian values Crawley RFC for its real sense of belonging:
"It's a place where everyone can make friends and it's a network which keeps on growing."

He credits the tremendous work done by volunteers for making the club such a big success:
"People give their time with so much passion and commitment. Everyone's contribution makes a positive difference to the life of the club."

Leighton Eves supports CRFC's Sunday Socials but in addition has been interviewing the committee, members,sponsors and players over the last few months to add insight into the people who make Crawley Rugby Club what it is today. You can contact him at admin@thisis.org.uk