skewen
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Skewen
S
kewen RFC has been enjoying a fantastic season with a fine league performance complemented
by a terrific run in the SWALEC Plate. Their Secretary, Rachel Hopkins, took the time to give
us an insight into what has been behind their success.
Involvement
She started by telling us about her involvement with the club, saying,
“I’ve lived in Skewen all of my life and got involved with the club 7
years ago when my son joined a new U7s side. He was keen to get
involved in activities outside of school and being Welsh the obvious
game of choice was rugby!”
Yvonne Davies, Jnr Sec, was holding a mini/junior recruitment
drive and that was the start of the thriving section we have today.
I became team manager and ran the side for a number of years but
wasn’t content with that, I wanted to make our little voice heard in
the club so joined the Senior Committee. So loud was my voice that
when the Hon Sec decided to step down a few years ago I was asked
to replace him. I’m also the Club Safeguarding Officer.”
The Role
“Knowing that I play a small part in the running of a successful
local rugby club is the biggest reward for me. I guess that the most
obvious challenge would be being a woman in a male dominated
environment, but I don’t find that at all, though my little/loud voice
does help occasionally!
We have an amazing committee, including 2 other women, and we
all pull together as a team. Holding 2 volunteer roles around my
full time job is a challenge in itself, though manageable with the
committee working together as we do. I can also be found in the
kitchen on match days serving teas and coffees, and helping out with
the player’s food - our kitchen fronts
the pitch so we have the best seats in
the house, with the added bonus of
always being in the warm and dry, so
there’s another reward!”
Atmosphere
“There is a fantastic camaraderie
within the team and also amongst our
loyal supporters. This season has been
amazing for us; we are currently sitting
3rd in the league with 3 games in hand
and, for the first time in the history of
the club, we made it to the semi-final of
the SWALEC plate.
Another first for us this season was to
welcome a Ladies team to Skewen RFC.
They are top of the Premiership League
and playing in the Super Cup semi-final
at the end of April. They’ve brought
with them a new group of supporters
and a whole different atmosphere to
the quiet Sunday afternoon at the club!”
70 Issue 54