alresford
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Alresford
A
lresford RFC was first established by a group of lads looking to play the game and although going was tough early
on they have developed into a thriving community establishment. Their Chairman, Chris Day took the time to tell
us more about the good work that has been getting done at the club lately.
He started by telling us about his involvement with the
club, saying, “I actually played in the Clubs’ first match
in September 1991. When I came training with them I was
immediately impressed by the attitude and friendliness
I experienced here, as I did not know any of the
players having recently married and moved
down from the Midlands. I continued to
play right through to 2010 and I was also
the initial 2nd Team Captain when we
launched a 2nd XV in the 1993/94 season.
“The most challenging part of my
role is trying to keep a group of hard
working volunteers (the Committee)
working together and pulling towards
a common goal, whilst keeping the rest
of the Club happy. We have also built a
close working relationship with the local
community, including the Town Council,
and this provides challenges as we need to
appreciate other needs for the community and
not just Rugby.
“Similar to many other small rugby clubs we have
had a number of high’s and low’s, over the past
few years, and now we are on an ‘up’ with
2 new pitches, a clubhouse next door and
more players joining this is one of the
most rewarding periods to be associated
with the Club.
“The mood at present is extremely
positive. For the first time in the Club’s
history we have 2 pitches, in the centre
of Alresford Town, next door to our
shared clubhouse. We have had an influx
of new players and there is a great spirit
in the Club, both on and off the pitch. We
have a set of coaches to support the players
and the Mini’s section has also benefited from
the recent development of these new pitches.
“We are definitely a community club. Due to all the hard
work and support the Club members have given to local
events we were able to reap the rewards of local support to
raise the necessary funding for the pitches in Alresford.
“Having won just 2 games in the previous season
the 1st XV won nine this season so it was a
marked improvement. Likewise the 2nd XV
completed more fixtures than the previous
season and were also more successful. The
Mini’s were able to attend and compete
in more tournaments and continue to go
from strength to strength.
“Youth development is extremely
important. Currently we have the mini’s
from ages 5-12 and within our long term
plan, 5 - 10 years, we want to establish
a junior section as well as a Colts Team.
This off-season we are looking to develop a
stronger base of Senior Players plus additional
support and resource for the mini’s section.
Likewise through events such as the Webb Ellis
Trophy we hope to publicise the name of Alresford
RUFC across Hampshire.
“Our ambitions over the next five years include;
Promotion for the 1st XV into Hampshire
Division 1, promotion for the 2nd XV into
Hampshire Merit Table 2, establishing
either a youth or Colt’s Team and ensuring
the Club has a sound financial base to cope
with the additional costs of maintaining
two quality playing pitches.
“I would encourage anyone with an
interest to the game to come along and see
what we have to offer as no matter what
experience or skills you have at rugby you
will always be made to feel welcome at the
Club.”
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