Issue 90 | Page 22

Anselmians

2
Jim McKenzie is the Executive Director and former player of Anselmians Rugby Club .
1
3

Jim played the majority of his rugby at a higher level mostly for Richmond in their glory days . Former CEO of Edinburgh Rugby he returned to the Club in 1989 as a player-coach and has worked in the administration of the club ever since . During his spell as Chairman approx 10 years ago , he started the ball rolling for the development of the new clubhouse and grounds . He recently spoke to Rugby Club magazine about the great efforts that have gone into delivering the club to where it is today ,

” Anselmians RUFC was formed in 1947 by a group of former pupils of St . Anselm ’ s College . As we witness the rewards of our redevelopment which started , 9 years ago , it great to see our 1st 1V sitting at the top of Nth2 West still undefeated . Our redevelopment and our temporary relocate to Vauxhall ’ s Sports and Social Club to play the 2018 - 19
PHOTOS
1 Scrum-half and Captain , Liam Sadler v . Birkenhead Park , 6 November . This was a County Cup game against a team currently 3rd in level 6 , which we won convincingly , 32-3 .
2 High level image of the new clubhouse .
3 Clubhouse across the No1 pitch .
4 Internal views of clubroom .
5 Tight head prop and player head coach , Derek ( Degsy ) Salisbury .
6 Jim McKenzie - Executive Director .
7 New chairman , this season , Roy Brennan . season was not ideal but now that we are back where we belong we are experiencing a real energy and freshness around the club like never before with our membership numbers increasing by 50 %.
We were always aware that our new facilities would be a great help to us in an area with 11 other clubs drinking from the same trough ! So collaborating with our local council and the work we have carried out together has really helped increase , in particular , our social membership and although we were hampered by the opening up and subsequent closing down of our facilities , brought about by the challenges of lockdown , we are now enjoying the fruits of our labours both on and off the field .
Players naturally want to progress as far as they can and challenge themselves to become better , so we have a responsibility to show them a clear and higher pathway to achieve their goal . Within our club this has to be a given if we wish to retain them , I believe . Our forward plans include the installation of all-weather pitches and to drive revenue into the club as much as we can . Currently we provide a number of very attractive sponsorship opportunities , sponsors lunches and a networking breakfast where local companies can meet to share ideas and connect with each other in a comfortable environment .
The feedback we receive from those within our club and those visiting is very positive and we are often described as offering a very family centred and friendly atmosphere . Its very important for us that our seniors are competing well and that the rest of the club can experience this when possible . One of the ways we do this is by inviting parents and players from our 2nds , 3rds , U15`s etc down to watch our 1st 1V on matchdays whilst enjoying a pre match lunch .
As a club we are indebted
4 to many Key personnel like our Head Coach Derek ( Degsy ) Salisbury a formidable Tight-Head Prop formerly with Caldy ( L3 ) and Cheshire who can only be described as a talismanic leader who has instilled a new discipline and structure to our squad . Backs Coach , Tommy Banks , wing / centre who is also formerly with Caldy and has brought innovative attack plays and much more to our team . And of course Roy Brennan the clubs New Board Chairman this season , a retired local estate agent , sponsor and very good past player . There are many unsung hero`s at our club from all genders and ages who are too many to mention here but who without their support would make us less of a rugby force in the Wirral and further afield .
Anselmians Rugby Club is a great place to relax in a very inclusive and welcoming environment and we all look forward to seeing this fabulous club continue to grow and provide a place where our local community can meet whilst enjoying great rugby and great companionship !”
CONTACT THE CLUB Anselmians RUFC Ltd Eastham Village Road Eastham Wirral CH62 0AN
0151 458 0504 www . anselmiansrufc . com
5
6
7
22