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Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club seek new home after eight years at Northfleet Family Hub

A wheelchair rugby club are “desperate” to find a new home after being forced to leave their former base with just two weeks’ notice.

Gravesend Dynamite (GDWRC) had trained at the former Northfleet Youth Centre, now Northfleet Family Hub, for eight years free of charge.

The club was told it could no longer use the hall
The club was told it could no longer use the hall

However, the club were informed by Kent County Council (KCC), which owns the building, they 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”.

In 2023, KCC decided it would adopt the government-led scheme to bring essential services under one umbrella called family hubs.

A KCC spokesperson told KentOnline it allowed the GDWRC use of the facility, in Hall Road, under the condition it offered sessions to children and families as part of the new model.

The authority claimed the club’s committee members “indicated they are not committed to this aim”.

The spokesperson added: “As KCC family hubs do not provide space for private leisure purposes, instead focusing on activities that benefit children and families, the GDWRC committee recommended that KCC do not continue the agreement.”

However, the club’s founder and chairman, Jason Owen, explained the committee had told KCC it had two members under the age of 18, not that it did not want to continue the informal agreement.

The head coach, who set up the club in 2013, added: “We knew there would be a time when we would need to move out. I understand the decision as it is there for the community to be a family hub and we no longer meet the criteria.

“The staff at the Northfleet Youth Centre have been absolutely fantastic to us for the past eight years. They have gone over and above to support us and we are incredibly grateful.”

GDWRC’s vice chairman, Daniel Grant, says the decision has left the club without anywhere to train for the start of the season and they are now seeking new, affordable premises.

Vice chairman Daniel Grant, left, and player Lewis Brown
Vice chairman Daniel Grant, left, and player Lewis Brown
The building has now become a family hub
The building has now become a family hub

They have 23 players and used the hall for training, playing their South Regional League games at Northfleet School for Girls.

Although the committee has been able to find sports halls, some of which are outside the borough, the biggest challenge is securing somewhere with enough storage for around 20 wheelchairs and rugby equipment.

Daniel said: “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.”

The club are looking for a new premises. Picture: Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club
The club are looking for a new premises. Picture: Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club
The biggest issue the club are facing is storage facilities. Picture: Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club
The biggest issue the club are facing is storage facilities. Picture: Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club

Lewis Brown, who has been a player for the Dynamites for around three years, said the team was “desperate to find somewhere” so they continue playing the sport they love.

“We have several players for whom this club is their freedom and escape, it is how they get out of the house,” he added. “It is not just about playing sport but socialisation.”

If you know of any sports facilities that could accommodate the team, contact GDWRC on wheelchair.rugby@yahoo.co.uk.

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