Harlequins Community team travelled to Kolkata in India for a week to continue to develop relationships between themselves and the charity Future Hope, writes Stephanie Gagne.

During their trip community development manager Richard Varney and community development officer Ben Thurlow spent time coaching, refereeing and learning more about Future Hope.

Future Hope provides a home, medical aid, education and opportunity to the street children of Kolkata.

Richard and Ben's visit coincided with the Bengal State Games Rugby Sevens tournament, in which Future Hope Harlequins were taking part along with teams from the Kolkata Police Force, the Indian Army and another local team called The Jungle Crows. On the day Quins not only worked as referees but also provided prizes for the teams such as signed shirts and balls.

The Future Hope Harlequins team is made up from the senior boys of Future Hope and all are former street children.

The team came second in the competition losing to the Indian Army side 5-0 in the final, after playing in extreme conditions from baking sunshine to a monsoon.

With obvious disappointment from the team there was no blame or amateur dramatics after the final whistle just a few reflective words from rugby manager and former Harlequins Community Development Officer, Nick Hyde.

The team members get on with things in the face of adversity which is why their future looks bright.

"We just love playing competitive matches and seeing how far this team can develop," said captain Laki.

"Cricket gets all the country's attention even during rugby season. More fixtures are needed and more people should play this exciting sport."

British Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Wilson was there to award the prizes and said, "This tournament has brought many sectors of the community together which is not only good for the game but also for the vibrant city of Kolkata."

The senior boys of Future Hope also invited both Ben and Richard to taste the real delights of India with a home cooked authentic curry which was eaten in true Indian fashion with their hands.

This was followed by one of the students performing a trio of songs with the aid of a guitar that he recently had learned to play.

Not only did they spend time with the older children of Future Hope but they also reached out to the younger children, Ben Thurlow took up to 30 primary school aged children in a rugby coaching session on the Maidan (India's equivalent of Hyde Park), while Richard turned back the years and lead a 20-a-side football match.

Community Development Manager Richard Varney commented, "The trip was hugely beneficial towards learning more about the work of Future Hope and how Harlequins can compliment the work of the charity."

As a professional club Harlequins are recognising the achievements of an emerging nation such as India and the good work that the charity and rugby is doing for underprivileged children across the world.

For further details on the charity please visit their website www.futurehope.net