Eccles RFC

Eccles RFC Club President, Alan Bent, has been recognised with a Citizen’s Award for services to the Salford community.  

Alan began playing at the club in 1972 and since hanging up his boots has devoted his time and efforts to teaching the next generation of players.  The former scrum-half has now been coaching the minis and juniors for 23 continuous years,  encouraging more than 500 girls and boys with many of them going on to play competitive rugby at higher levels.  When Alan is not coaching, he can be found cleaning the showers and getting the pitches ready for the weekend fixtures, and has championed Monday night Walking Rugby, leading its development at the club, since inception 6 years ago.  

The Citizen’s Award was presented to Alan on Wednesday 30th July by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Heather Fletcher, who made this statement on his recognition  “The best thing about being the Ceremonial Mayor of this great city is that I get to meet wonderful people like Alan. His devotion to the community and Eccles Rugby Club deserves to be formally recognised. It is people like Alan in our communities that make this city such a wonderful place to live. Keeping young people fit and healthy, in constructive activities and teaching them all about teamwork and discipline is a key part of growing up. It will push them to future successes. So thank you Alan for all you do.”  

Club Chairman Chris Gaffey added “Eccles RFC is run by volunteers for the benefit of our community. We don’t have a wealthy benefactor, we thrive through sustained effort and enthusiasm, an attitude that's epitomised by our President. Alan maybe short in stature but he’s big in character and not shy in coming forward with his views. However, he is man of genuine modesty and humility who withdraws from any spotlight of personal praise. As such, I am delighted Alan's dedicated commitment, and the significant contribution he has made to the lives of so many young people of Salford over so many years, has been recognised by the city.  It is well deserved. Congratulations Benty.”