IT was an extraordinary 2019 for the newly-formed Velcrocity tag rugby team, who made massive strides on the national and international stage.

The team consists of several Leeds and Bradford players, as well as two from Riddlesden, Hafa Karim and Laura Elliot, and one from Wilsden, in Craig Churchyard.

The individuals involved have played tag rugby before, but this was the first time that they had come together to form what has quickly developed into a “superteam”.

Velcrocity were tournament tag champions in Coventry, Manchester and Yorkshire last season, with 11 of the squad representing Yorkshire in the UK Tag Nationals in September.

Seven of those made up the mixed open team, who made it all the way to the final down in London.

Eight of the Velcrocity players were also selected for the Great Britain training squad, with Dave Wilkinson, from Allerton, named as GB male player of the year.

The players are also giving back to the West Yorkshire community by delivering coaching sessions.

The aim of these is to tutor trainee teachers from Bradford and beyond how to play and deliver tag and touch rugby sessions.

The players have also had fundraising support from the Baildon Line Dancers at Baildon Link, who have raised over £300 doing raffles for the team.

It promises to be another exciting year in 2020. After a well-earned winter break, competitions start again with the Wasps Tournament in London on April 4.

There will be Tagfest tournaments for the team throughout the year, while some key dates include the British and Irish Cup in Dublin on August 8, then the chance to go one better at the UK Tag Nationals in London on September 12.

In terms of individuals, Wilsden teenager Churchyard is only 15 and he was the youngest player in the Yorkshire and GB mixed open squad when he was selected last year.

Meanwhile, Riddlesden’s Karim is the team manager, coach and a player, while Wilkinson also has a dual role.

Both have played for Great Britain at the World Cup in Australia and are widely considered to both be fantastic mentors, friends, and incredible ambassadors of the sport.

If any companies or people would like to sponsor the team or individual players, they can contact Karim on 07752546716.

  • Velcrocity squad:

Bex Duggleby - Yorkshire, GB; Cheryl Woodman - Yorkshire, GB; Callam Warman - Yorkshire; Craig Churchyard - Yorkshire, GB; Dave Wilkinson - Yorkshire, GB; Emily Charlsworth - Yorkshire; Hafa Karim - Yorkshire, GB; James Spofford; Laura Elliot - Yorkshire, GB; Leanne Jennings - Yorkshire, GB; Marcus Lampkin - Yorkshire, GB; Millie Barraclough - Yorkshire, GB; Nathan Beebe and Robbie Kirkwood