Southwold RFC Youth Proudly Unveils New Kit and Announces Challenging MND Charity Partnership

Young rugby players proudly wear their new shirts on Southwold Common as the club begins a two-year partnership supporting a cause close to the Southwold rugby family.

Southwold Rugby Club Youth Section is delighted to announce Challenging MND as its official charity partner for the 2026–2028 seasons, with the boys proudly wearing the charity's logo on their new black and amber playing shirts for the first time during their recent Sunday fixtures on Southwold Common.

The partnership is about much more than a logo on a rugby shirt. It represents a commitment from the Youth Section to raise awareness, support fundraising activities and encourage our young players to understand the importance of giving something back to the community.

The Challenging MND logo will feature on the Youth Section's new playing shirts throughout the 2026–2028 seasons.

Over the next two years, the Youth Section will look to organise fundraising events, sponsored challenges and community activities to help support the charity and raise awareness of MND.

We also hope to involve our young players, parents, coaches and supporters, creating opportunities for everyone to play their part.

A Cause Close to the Southwold Rugby Family

Behind the partnership is a very personal story that has touched many people at Southwold Rugby Club.

Our senior player and Under-13s coach, Daniel Gibson, has been a passionate supporter of his brother Alex Gibson, who is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Through Daniel, the club has followed Alex's remarkable journey with admiration, watching him continue to take on extraordinary challenges to raise awareness and funds for Challenging MND despite the increasing impact of the disease.

Most recently, Alex completed his 21st challenge since his diagnosis, an incredible 92km canoe expedition through Scotland over five days.

The expedition involved paddling between lochs, carrying canoes over land, wild camping and battling the elements. An extraordinary achievement made even more remarkable by the fact that MND has taken away Alex's voice and continues to restrict his mobility.

Alex explained that his challenge was about much more than completing a personal ambition. It was about showing others living with MND that life does not stop at diagnosis, while helping Challenging MND continue supporting people and their families to create precious memories together.

For everyone at Southwold RFC, Alex's determination and Daniel's unwavering support are a powerful reminder of the values that make rugby and its wider community so special.

More Than Just a Rugby Shirt

Daniel Culverwell, Youth Chair at Southwold Rugby Club, said:

"Seeing our young players running out onto Southwold Common wearing the Challenging MND logo on their new shirts is a really proud moment for everyone involved in the Youth Section.

"This partnership is about much more than rugby. It's about standing alongside one of our own rugby families and showing our young players what it really means to be part of a club and a community.

"We've watched Alex's achievements with absolute amazement, and through Daniel we've seen the incredible commitment and support that surrounds him.

"Rugby teaches young people about teamwork, respect, resilience and looking after one another. We couldn't think of a more fitting cause to support over the next two seasons.

"We hope every boy who pulls on a Southwold shirt will do so with pride, knowing they're representing something much bigger than the game itself."

Emma Robertson, Managing Director of Challenging MND, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to see the youth teams proudly wearing the Challenging MND logo on their new shirts. It means so much to us to have the support of the club and its young players, helping to raise awareness of motor neurone disease within the local community.

"At Challenging MND, we are passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people living with MND and their families, providing practical support, much-needed respite and opportunities to create lasting memories together.

"Seeing the next generation getting behind our charity is incredibly special. We hope the shirts will not only help raise awareness but also encourage conversations about MND and the importance of supporting those affected by this devastating disease.

"A huge thank you to everyone at the club for choosing to support Challenging MND. We look forward to coming along, meeting the teams and cheering them on!"

Rugby Coming Together for a Great Cause

The rugby community has already been doing some fantastic work supporting Challenging MND through charity matches and fundraising events.

One of these is the Gibbo Rugby Cup, taking place at Brentwood Rugby Club on Saturday 31 October 2026.

The event will see Brentwood/Barking Legends take on Essex Bishops, followed by Brentwood 1st XV against Bury St Edmunds Wolfhounds, with a full day of fundraising, entertainment and activities for the whole family.

It's another example of the rugby family coming together to support those who need it most.

Looking Forward

We are incredibly proud to have Challenging MND as our Youth Section charity partner and look forward to working together over the next two seasons.

We also look forward to welcoming Emma and Alex to Southwold Common to meet the players, coaches and families who will be supporting the charity.

For our young players, we hope this partnership will help demonstrate that being part of Southwold Rugby Club is about much more than playing rugby. It's about friendship, respect, looking after one another and being part of a community that stands together.

We wish Alex all the very best with his future challenges and look forward to doing our bit to support Challenging MND. Together, we can make a difference.

To find out more about Challenging MND and support Alex's fundraising efforts, visit:

https://givestar.io/gs/alex-gibson-92km-challenge