Rugby Club Issue 47 | Page 75

THE BRITISH WELLS AEROPLANE COMPANY Integration “As I mentioned, we have changed the emphasis on rugby in the club for 16yr olds and above. They do a pretty tough pre-season and the first 8 to 10 weeks of the season in age groups and then we look to move those who are eligible and capable upwards. The vast majority of the current 1st XV came up through the Junior ranks, so the model was there, but will hopefully only get better in the future.” Community “We are a community club in every sense of the word – Minis to Juniors to Colts to Seniors plus our growing Girls set up – all excellent stuff. We also have links with schools such as Wells Blue, Wells Cathedral, King’s Bruton and Downside but geographically speaking it is difficult for us.” Commercial “We have an outstanding group of people who are volunteers actively looking at raising sponsorship. This has generated literally tens of thousands of pounds in the last 3 years and continues to amaze me. Being successful on the field often leads to crowds of around 3-400 turning up!” Challenges/Ambitions “SW1 is a massive step up for us. We acknowledge we will be playing against clubs who have Premiership Academy players dual registered, Overseas Players and Coaches and budgets far greater than ours. But we have pride in the club badge and ethos and if we front up as we did in Western Counties against the likes of Hornets (Weston super Mare) we will give a number a fright. We want to achieve stability in SW1 and who knows we may even win the Somerset Senior Cup sometime soon – if it is still played!” www.rugbyclub.biz 75