Eager to learn about a rugby club with a rich history? Today we are standing in front of Don Bosco Rugby. It is more formally known as Ateneo Cultural y Deportivo Don Bosco. This club is not just about rugby. It is a story of community and athletic passion.
Don Bosco Rugby began on March 21 1967. Dr. Norberto Chindemi founded it at Colegio San Francisco de Sales. The goal was simple. He wanted young people to have more activities outside of school. Rugby was his answer.
In 1969 Don Bosco became a legally recognized institution. They acquired land in 1971. It was on Ruta 3 km 40 in Virrey del Pino. But nothing was built there initially. It wasn’t until 1977 that things progressed. Four hectares were obtained on Ruta Provincial 53. This became their sports field. Their first field was inaugurated in 1981.
The club expanded over the years. In 1999 they gained a site in Quilmes Oeste. It was called “El Campito”. All divisions trained there except the youngest ones. In 2003 they established their headquarters. It was located on 9 de Julio n. 345 Bernal. By late 2006 they secured another four-hectare site. It was next to the Bernal tollbooth on the Buenos Aires-La Plata highway. This area is still being developed. It will provide more spaces for rugby and other sports.
July 2008 marked a change. The Anexo Quilmes was sold. The youth divisions temporarily trained at a site near Racing Club.
An important day arrived on July 1 2017. The “haches” were raised. This finalized preparations for the inauguration of the Bernal field. October 13 2017 was a day of celebration. The new home of Don Bosco Rugby was inaugurated.
Victories marked the occasion. The pre-intermediate team won 54-0. The intermediate team followed with a 17-8 victory. The first team triumphed 50-36 over St Brendan’s. This was in the first division C of the URBA tournament. That same year Don Bosco achieved promotion. They moved up to the 1st division B of the URBA Tournament.
Don Bosco Rugby has a strong presence today. Over 100 children participate in the youth divisions. More than 130 players are registered in the first division team. The club also has a veterans team called “Ocelotes”. And recently they created their first women’s rugby team.
The club is well-established in Bernal. There are three fields approved for tournaments. There are also training areas, a restaurant, and a barbecue area. You can find a “Third Time” gathering space and comfortable locker rooms. A gym and ample parking complete the facilities.
During the challenging times of the pandemic Don Bosco played a crucial role. The club offered its Bernal site to municipal and provincial authorities. It was used for special operations and logistics. Helicopters landed and took off from here. Ambulances and fire trucks were stationed. They were ready to respond to emergencies.
In Quilmes the matches between Don Bosco and CUQ are a classic. They promote camaraderie and respect. There are meetings between youth divisions and directors. This reinforces the good relationship between the two clubs.
Don Bosco Rugby continues to be a vibrant club. It provides a place for sport community and growth. Its history shows dedication. Its present demonstrates a commitment to the future.