A wheelchair rugby club, which feared it could close when it was forced to leave its long-term venue, has secured a new contract.
Gravesend Dynamite (GDWRC) had been training at the former Northfleet Youth Centre, now Northfleet Family Hub, for eight years free of charge.
However, earlier this year, the club was informed by Kent County Council (KCC), which owns the building, that it would not be able to use the hall after the end of January.
The local authority said it was due to a “restructure and the implementation of the family hub model” which meant it no longer provided spaces for private leisure purposes.
A spokesperson explained it had allowed the GDWRC to use the facility, in Hall Road, under the condition it offered sessions to children and families as part of the new model.
They claimed that the club’s committee members “indicated they are not committed to this aim” and had recommended that they did not continue the agreement.
This was disputed by the GDWRC, but ultimately the decision left it without anywhere to train for the start of the season and in “desperate” search of new, affordable premises.
Speaking at the time, now-chairman, Daniel Grant, explained that the biggest challenge was securing somewhere with enough storage for around 20 wheelchairs plus rugby equipment.
He added: “We have been very, very lucky as we have had the venue in Northfleet free of charge. However, in a worst-case scenario, if we are not able to find somewhere, there will be nowhere for the club to train.
“Our members will have to look elsewhere for other clubs in the area and that is not what we are about. We are very much one club – a family.”
After months of uncertainty, Daniel has since confirmed that the GDWRC has renegotiated its contract following a change in its management committee.
The team is now back training at the Northfleet Family Hub, but is being charged to use the hall.
Daniel said: “We are thriving and are established again. We still have the club and our players who had left are now returning.
“For me, the reason I fought to keep it going was because we have young people who have challenging needs in their lives, and this is their club, their home.
“For them, they can get out of the house and feel included and not be made to feel different.
“Now we are back, the behaviour and the mental health changes are phenomenal, and that is why I did it and fought for the club.
“It is about breaking down the barriers, we are all treated the same, and it is absolutely incredible.”
The GDWRC, which has 19 players, will be hosting a charity picnic on Saturday, July 12 from 12pm to 4pm at Northfleet School for Girls.
There will be stalls, music and entertainment and a wheelchair rugby demo match and “give it a go” sessions.
All money raised will be split between the club and LooseHeadz Mental Health Charity, which aims to place a mental health lead at every rugby club.
