Rugby Club Issue 45 | Page 8

PENRITH PENRITH The Role Youth Facilities “I am secretary, a director and junior vice president at the club. All these roles in their different ways are challenging from a time consuming point of view and if I wasn’t retired and had an understanding wife(!) then I doubt I would be able to hold them all down. The most rewarding aspects are to see the club progress over the years to now become one of the foremost, if not the foremost, in the County.” “Youth rugby is the lifeblood of the club. Without it we would not be half the club we are. We are already seeing the benefits of running junior sides (we have around 250 players) with several members of our Academy team making their 1st XV debuts this season and not only that but making their mark and becoming established senior team members.” “We have an excellent clubhouse at Penrith. Opened in 1997 and providing excellent facilities including renowned pre match lunches envied by all who visit us. We also have excellent and well used conference facilities and a superb car park. We are also a venue for social events e.g. weddings, parties etc. and this is something we are presently looking to improve upon.” Progression Challenges “There are a number of players who are showing tremendous promise with one or two of our youth players already on Newcastle Falcons radar. The club has produced several players who have gone on to higher levels in the rugby field not least of which is Stuart Lancaster, the current England Coach. Will Addison played at the club and is now at Sale Sharks as did Mike Ellery who is a current member of the England 7’s squad.” “Our biggest challenge is maintaining the level of commitment to the playing of rugby at Penrith at all levels. Financially this represents an enormous challenge to the club as each year passes and the number of players at the club increases.” Atmosphere “As far as senior rugby is concerned there is a ͕