After a successful 2016/17 season which saw promotion and silverware for Little Melton-based Crusaders Rugby Football Club, developments are beginning in preparation for the coming season.

The season will see Crusaders pitted against local rivals Wymondham RFC in a newly created London 3 EC league among many names familiar to Rugby supporters across Norfolk.

The creation of this new league was both to reward teams playing at a higher level than previously recognised, and in an attempt by both Eastern Counties Rugby and the RFU to develop grass-roots rugby, by reducing travel times and expenses of clubs in large counties such as Norfolk.

Grassroots rugby is of paramount importance currently, with many clubs in the county running at least one less side than perhaps they have done in their past.

Crusaders is of no exception.

Formed in 1960 the club has in the past run successfully as many as six sides, today only two.

The truth behind this is perhaps more a damming indictment of current society than it is how well a club is run, with many keen sportsmen and women now working Saturdays and having commitments both work and family that make committing to and training with a sports club nigh-on impossible. However, where possible Crusaders Rugby Club is both surviving and attempting to change.

With an already successful youth policy which sees sides ranging from U7 to U16 and so many turning up for Sunday sessions that the car park is bursting, so the future of the club is looking strong, but what of today?

Well CRFC is currently redeveloping both its clubhouse and changing facilities to become more accessible to both youth and female players, this development begun in the close season will be a four part process, where initially the changing rooms have reduced from four small rooms into two large rooms, with further development planned to have four RFU-compliant changing rooms and a larger club house.

The club, is a friendly club with new members, supporters and players welcome and regardless of your prowess on the field you are guaranteed a warm reception.

With this year to be momentous in the club's history and competition for places rife the club are looking to achieve new support and players, so if you fancy dusting off your boots and reliving the greatness of your youth then why not give Crusaders rugby a try?