Hampton Rovers are rallying around the local RSL in a bid to save it from closure. The football club is hoping RSL Victoria steps back from its plan to merge Hampton RSL with the Beaumaris sub-branch (link: RSLs call to arms. Bayside Leader 4/11/08). Rovers president Tim Wilson is encouraging the clubs 1000 players and supporters to answer the RSLs call to arms. Mr Wilson said his family had always been members, and wanted others to join to give the Holyrood St club some financial strength. ?I have been going there since I was a young kid, with my father and grandparents,? Mr Wilson said. ?Everyone needs to get behind the push to keep it open, as local people wouldn?t go to a Beaumaris super-club.? He said anyone can attend the RSL, not just former Diggers. Hampton RSL life-member Bill Mirabito said encouraging Hampton and other Bayside residents to use the sub-branch could help keep the club open. Mr Mirabito said a business plan was being put together, but the clubs voice would be stronger if they could add to their 600 members. Dozens had joined up since news of the potential closure had broken, he said. ?There are so many people in the community that can enjoy the RSL. We just want them to get on board,? Mr Mirabito said. RSL Victoria state president David McLachlan said he would meet the Hampton RSL committee this week to ?discuss a business plan so the sub-branch can proceed on a viable basis.
Jon Andrews
Hampton Rovers members are encouraged to become a member of the Hampton RSL. More details will be posted on the Rovers website shortly. Visit the RSL in Holyrood St in Hampton (off Hampton St). Click Here to view a map.
