By: Iain Macfarlane, Director

It’s not all about projects and clients. Sometimes we can post some great news stories about our community outreach. We’re incredibly proud to be one of the 2024/2025 season sponsors for Sandal Rugby Union Football Club’s (RUFC) Mini and Junior (M&J) section. Sandal RUFC is a long-established rugby club based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Above: Sandal U9s squad perform the role of mascots for the 1st XV’s opening fixture

Rugby has always been close to my heart, and if done correctly, is more than just a sport. Rugby can teach comradery, discipline, hard work and respect. It can foster lifelong friendships, unite people from different backgrounds, be responsible for belly laughs, and a wider sense of belonging to a team. There’s a place for everyone in a rugby team.

The ‘rugby club’, in various guises, has always been a safe haven to me throughout my life and has been a place to retreat during difficult times. There’s always a friendly face at the rugby club that lifts spirits and puts an arm around the shoulder, so when the opportunity arose to give back to the game and my local area, I jumped at the chance.

Below: The new 2024/2025 kit modelled by a member of the U9 squad

DFC can be found as a major sponsor on all the playing shirts of all the M&J squads this season, as they do battle across the north of England. Sandal RUFC has an impressive mini and junior section, with 17 squads across all age groups from Micros (U6 and below), U7s all the way up to U18. DFC is supporting them all, including at our Festival of Rugby on 13 October 2024 where 1,600 kids from 22 clubs will be taking part.

DFC and Sandal RUFC share many values. We are both inclusive organisations, we both support one another in our teams no matter what the situation. Both rugby and the engineering/construction world have been traditionally male-dominated environments, and we are both working hard to break down those barriers. DFC has a strong female team, as have Sandal RUFC. Both the U14 and U16 Girls teams made it to the National Cup final(s), the U16 girls won it, making them the best U16 girls’ team in the country.

Below: Sandal RUFC 2023/2024 U16G national cup winners squad

So, as we start this new relationship, you’ll likely find me pitch side every Sunday morning for the next decade or so!

If you fancy cheering on the boys and girls, want to get involved in sponsorship, want to work with DFC, or have a child interested in playing, please get in touch.

Here’s to a great season!