ELY TIGERS
ELY TIGERS
Ely Tigers RUFC are a great example of the vital
role that a club can play in their local community
and they have some exciting plans in place to
further the good work that they have been doing.
Club President Wayne Marshall took the time to
tell us more.
Good Times
He told us, “I’ve many excellent memories, most of
them associated with matches. It is always good to
beat Newmarket at any time and we have done this
at Development level over recent years. It is good to
see the U7s grow into excellent rugby players and
play for the senior squads. Youngsters grow up in the
club and the changes can be dramatic.
My two key memories was my daughter being
selected and playing for the Eastern Region at U18s
and my son playing his first senior game against
Cambridge in the final game of last season. They
were both very proud and memorable moments for
me.”
Atmosphere
“The club has aspirations to move up the leagues in
the senior sections and under the guidance of Paul
Coulson it is a dream we know we can achieve. So
the main mood is that of positive aspirations. The
mini and youth sections are very positive and are
coached by outstanding coaches who give their time
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freely and show such commitment. We are a community
club and have a reliance on the local area to provide
players, coaches and sponsors.”
Youth
“We are a grass roots club and rely 100% on our youth
section coming through to populate our senior squads.
Without youth rugby we would not progress and or
survive. They are mentored by senior players and one
of the development team vice captains played youth
rugby last year so is on their wave length and will assist
with their transition. He will be their voice at meetings
and help the club to understand how to reduce churn in
such players.”
Progression
“Our current U15s have shown excellent promise with
their coach Simon Cross. We have several players who
have gained youth and senior county honours. Sam
Benzie, who joined the Navy, has played for combined
services at Twickenham in his first season (2013-2014)
and we are all very proud of him and what he has and
will go on to achieve.”
Challenges/Ambitions
“Our biggest challenge is finances, being able to keep
going. We need to ensure we keep the pitches in a state
that allows rugby to be played and that we can recruit
players to the club that will assist us to take it forwards.
The key aspect will always be people (volunteers) as
without them we do not have a club. We hope to gain
promotion to the London leagues and to have a player
play at international level.”