As you may or may not be aware, Cramlington Rockets RLFC has made the decision to relocate the club to Astley Community High School, Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, NE25 0BP and I wanted to take a moment to explain the logic behind the move.

Having moved to Cramlington Sporting Club in 2009 we have seen a surge of interest in rugby league which we are truly humbled to be recipients of. The club and the Rockets Family has continued to go from strength to strength over the years and as we have grown, so have our need for facilities.

Excellent as the facilities are at the Sporting Club, we have had an increasing issue over space due to the large amounts of football played and difficulty in accessing the rugby pitch, which has also been moved throughout the season to accommodate cricket and football activities.

By moving to Astley we have an opportunity to operate in a space dedicated to rugby league with a rugby pitch that is of the appropriate dimensions, something which was not the case at Cramlington. As well as the main pitch there are several other training areas and classroom and indoor facilities. It also means the teams can train next to each other rather than spread across several areas, something which we hope will lead to better interaction between teams and make everyone feel more like part of the club rather than an individual team.

Community coach Lee Carbutt has formed the Astley Academy, a dedicated organisation for aspiring rugby league players in the 6th form who wish to use their talent on-the-pitch to develop their talent off it. By moving to Astley it also means we would have greater access to Lee’s professional coaching and the equipment used by the Academy.

Lastly, and most obviously, there is cost. The move to Astley dramatically reduces the cost to the club and thus means we can use the funds freed up for more equipment and events to boost the overall experience and environment of the club. Cramlington Rockets are a not-for-profit organisation and all money received is re-invested in the club.

We appreciate many of you have came to the Rockets due to living in the nearby area and the move to Astley represents a significant increase in travel time for some. We ask therefore that if this presents issues to anyone with regards to transport to then please let us know. We do not wish to leave anyone behind and will do all we can to ensure both players and parents can join us for the next part of the history of Cramlington Rockets at Astley High. If you have any queries or comments, please do not hesitate to contact your age groups coach.