CHESTER Gladiators will celebrate the start of a new era this weekend.
During the close season the club relocated to the Cheshire County Sports Club in Upton, and the senior team are playing Orrell St James on Saturday in the first ever match at the club’s new home.
The Gladiators were formed in 2008 by rugby league enthusiasts living in the city, and the club currently has an adult team, an under 15s team and mini section for primary school-aged children.
The club has been trying to find a permanent base since it was formed, and has now agreed to base itself solely at the Cheshire County Sports Club.
A new dedicated rugby league pitch has been created, with Warrington-based Crosfields donating the posts, and will be used for the first time on Saturday.
Gladiators club development officer Paul Foster said: “There is a fantastic feeling around the club at the moment, because we now have our own home within Chester.
“The new pitch looks great and the players cannot wait to step onto it for the first time.”
The North West Men’s League match against Orrell St James will kick off at 2.30pm. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.
Chester Gladiators are hoping to run a second adult team in 2013 and new players are being sought.
The team would play in the entry division of the North West Men’s League, and anybody interested in trying rugby league is welcome to try out.
Players must be aged 16 or over, but no previous experience is needed and all training sessions are led by RFL qualified coaches.
For further details go to www.chestergladiators.com, email info@chestergladiators.com or call 07512 355396.
Chester Gladiators U15s player George Shaw has been selected in the Warrington Wolves U16s academy team. George, who captains the under 15s and attends Bishop Heber High School, played against Bradford Bulls on Saturday at Wilderspool.
