Our very own poet laureate and custodian of the club Ian 'Curly' Kershaw has written and performed a heart warming tribute to Rochdale Mayfield and Rugby League. It's been seen thousands of times around the internet and has really captured what it means to be part of the wider Rugby League family, whichever colours you follow.
Massive thanks go to another club stalwart Shelley Wood and her brother Jack who produced the media to accompany the performance. Big things are coming from Jack who is busy working on another exciting new venture for the club. Mayfield TV!
Curly's performance can be heard by clicking here
Ties That Bind:
I was born in 58, that's 63 years ago.
I've seen it all through the years, through sun, through rain, through snow.
I've seen kids come and play this game, this game that we call ours.
I've seen them rise through the ranks, seen them train for hours and hours.
You know me, you know me well and I'm here for you right now.
I've helped loads of kids from our town, some are up there with the greats.
But mostly I've loved seeing you playing rugby with your mates.
If you're not the best at what you do, that's all right by me.
All I ask of you my friend is to be the best that you can be.
You know me, you know me well and I'm here for you right now.
Kids come to me at any age and learn to play our game.
It matters not who you are I'll treat you all the same
I'll look you squarely in the eyes, you and all the rest.
As you run out there on that pitch and give your mates your best.
You know me, you know me well and I'm here for you right now.
When I see you standing friend by friend and I see the bonds that form.
Bonds of friendship growing strong, much stronger than the norm.
Lifelong friendships forged in blue, deep in every team.
While only those in Rugby League know truly what I mean.
You know me, you know me well and I'm here for you right now.
63 years have flown by since I first played this game.
But I remember every player by face and by their name.
The greatest asset that we have and we've kept through changing trends.
Is the ability I give to you of making lifelong friends.
You know me, you know me well and I'm here for you right now
It's the greatest game in the world, of that there is no doubt.
And I'll prepare you for each game before I send you out.
And you'll keep going to the end through pain and through fatigue.
Because you know me, you know me well, I AM MAYFIELD RUGBY LEAGUE!
Ian Kershaw (2021)
Comments