hartlepool
rovers
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such people. Younger volunteers continue to slip quietly and
effectively around the place, mending and fixing irritating jobs
that often go unnoticed. Our hard working committee raise funds
through sponsorships and rely on kind, generous members to
contribute.
“The cash to complete most of the earlier jobs was given by 107
former and current members. Some businesses in the town are
approached by our Fund Raising Manager and projects like the
recent two new bars are put into action. Money and time are
always stumbling blocks that need to be climbed.
“The off season has seen the two new bars completed with just a
little bit of finishing off to do. Already mentioned, a number of
social events have taken place which has helped to keep the cash
flow healthy. Families and friends using the Club pre-season
makes a massive monetary difference for us. This is all down to
the hard work of our stewardess, the Events’ Manager and Bar
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Manager.
“Rovers are a community club because we allow the use of the
Club for various meetings from a number of organisations free
of charge. The Headland Housing Committee holds regular
meetings and enjoy a cuppa into the bargain. Schools in the area
are visited by our junior coaching team of volunteers offering the
use of the New Friarage ground for the kids to come and train
and play during the week and at week-ends.
“Kids parties are a regular feature inside the Club. Girls/ladies
are also made welcome with teams available for them to play in.
Local hospices/charities have benefited from Rovers’ generosity
by receiving money taken from functions specifically organised
by the Club on their behalf.
“Youth rugby is the most important part of the Club. The kids of
today are the life blood of the Club in future years. The highest
number of kids ever turned up last Sunday for the first coaching
session of the season with the promise of more to come when
holidays are finished.
“There is a 12 strong, all fully qualified group of ex-players who
are guided by our Head Junior Coach. They travel miles each
week training and coaching the kids. We also have a supportive
band of parents who supply encouragement and presence at
every game/training session. All age groups are shirt sponsored.
The group hold functions in the Club to raise money for other
essentials. The Junior Section is going from strength to strength.
We also aim to develop a girls’ U13 squad and a women’s side as
Rovers are now an RFU Focus Club.
“The biggest challenges and ambitions for the next 5 years tend
to run hand in hand. Obviously, to keep Rovers playing rugby at
all levels is the main essential point as the ever changing society
nowadays is so unpredictable. Attitudes to the game have
changed dramatically and if the trend continues who knows
what will happen in the future?
“Keeping players fit and available as well as those leaving the
Club are always massive problems to overcome. We have a
number of projects on the back burner to develop in the near
future that will hopefully make us an attractive, pleasant place
that people want to be a part of.
“We must be positive in everything we do and try to encourage
members to stay rather than leave to find pastures new. Facilities
will continue to improve for social and playing members.
To make our club a real family base is a great ambition for all
concerned.
“Our plan for this season on the playing field at all levels is to
improve, attract more players, support the coaches, use the Club
more and watch all teams play. Off the field it is to keep social
functions going and support them, improve facilities with project
1 – 3 implemented and to enjoy ourselves.”