RUGBY: Bosses at Kings Norton Rugby Club are to bolster their community links with the help of a team of specialists.

Tryhard Sports Management Company has been appointed to manage the commercial activities of the Hopwood-based club and develop a five-year programme of community sports in an area that also includes Alvechurch, Barnt Green and South Birmingham.

The ambitious club, whose first team retained the North Midlands Vase and gained promotion at the end of last season, already runs a number of rugby teams ranging from senior to junior level.

And their 13-acre venue in Ash Lane has already played host to other sports. It has been the base for the the Redditch Arrows American football team for the past eight years and Gaelic football and rugby league teams have also shown an interest in using the facilities.

Tryhard managing director Phil Maynard, former director of rugby at National One side Pertemps Bees, is overseeing the coaching at Kings Norton this season and has also been involved in the successful Sports for Kids Summer Camp held at Hopwood Park.

A second camp is being arranged for later in the school holidays and more details are available from Tryhard on 01564 784644.