Rugby Club Issue 52 | Page 27

atherstone Ross Salt – Junior Section Representative “Youth rugby is extremely important to us as this will be our future first and second team player conveyer belt. Ensuring a smooth transition into senior rugy isn’t always easy but following RFU guidelines helps them, even though, some may think they are ready sooner than we do. We have had 7 of our U14 side progress to the North Warwickshire district side with one of them having Warwickshire county trials. The most rewarding part of my role is seeing players that 5 years ago were playing junior rugby and have now progressed to playing both first and second XV rugby as this is the future of our club. Seeing the club progress is good and when we have presentation days etc. we are starting to come together as a club more and more rather than being two separate sections. We want to be stable and ensure that our club continues to function as an enjoyable place to be around, attain RFU accreditation, secure funding for development of our ground/facilities, and to ensure that we continue to promote Rugby in our community.” Vince McCabe – Club President “As president, keeping a good momentum in the club and fundraising are both challenging issues. I find it rewarding to see the club continue to progress. Our aim is to stay in Midlands 4 West (South) league this year as well as trying to encourage more old players to share their experiences and continue “I’ve been involved for 6 years, my grandfather helped to get the club started and my dad and uncle both played for the club for a number of years. The mood in the club is good at the moment; we have been trying to overcome some big obstacles this season with regards to coaching and training facilities and are so far succeeding. The club has always had a family orientated approach where anyone feels welcome.” Tom Aherne – Player / Social Committee to participate in social activities. We also need to continue to promote the club to encourage new players to join. Promotion of Rugby in Atherstone and surrounding villages will be important over the coming years so that we can put out more teams including a ladies side. We will continue to invest in the junior section to attract more youth off the streets. Securing the leases of the pitches to ensure the clubs security will be a considerable boost as will celebrating the clubs 50th anniversary.” “I’ve been involved here since 1981/82 – initially I came down to watch my brother play before getting involved in playing. I got hooked on the sport and have never looked back. I have always been and always will be Atherstone RFC through and through. My ambitions for the future are to ensuring the club has enough money to survive without making players pay too much in terms of annual and match subs. I want the club to continue to play competitive rugby, to continue to grow both senior and junior section and for everyone involved to enjoy being a part of what we have here.” Chairman – George Bartlam www.pitchero.com/clubs/atherstonerfc - Twitter : @Atherstone_RFC www.sportip.biz 27