RUGBY Union has been “my sport” for over 25 years from the day my dad took me along to Burnley RUFC as an 8 year old.

Involved in all sports as a child and still playing local Tennis through the summer, Rugby Union is my sport.

Playing the sport in a football mad town as seen numerous potential skilful players give the game a go and some real talent slip through the net.

However over the years locally the sport of rugby as developed and I have seen and played with very talented players representing the club, develop into county players and a few play North of England, with a couple going all the way and rugby being their profession.

Back to locally “my sport” helps children meet new friends, develop confidence and aim to instil RFU core values in children all the way through to adult rugby and life. It also brings different backgrounds together and once on the rugby field or having a pint in the bar people’s circumstances are immaterial.

Over the year’s rugby as changed massively most noticeable from an amateur game to being able to play it as your job. Unfortunately this is both a positive and negative development, with some players/clubs losing the rugby ethos for a quick fix.

Locally though all players taking part do so for love of the game whether junior or senior as they pay to play with weekly match fees, turning up on a muddy, cold, wet winter weekend for the love of the game and club.

So being part of rugby union locally there is also opportunities to travel far and wide playing the game with numerous tours organised and most junior and senior matches travelling all over the North West of England.

Therefore as the sport locally continues to grow at the club, in schools and colleges, there are chances for anybody to try a new sport from 6 years of age through to adult rugby catering for boys and girls.

Therefore the sport is developing all the time, and in 2015 you will be able to see the World Cup on your TV scenes which is happening within your country, so take a look and maybe “My Sport” will become “Your Sport”.

Rugby Union, Simon Finnan (head coach, Burnley RUFC)