Rugby Club Issue 61 | Page 29

Aylesbury consistency in training numbers and match day availability; mainly due to the pressures on players from other areas of their work-life balance. Every coach wants more players, better players and time. Unfortunately, the results-driven nature of the Head Coach role sometimes means we are responsible for under-par performances when the fundamental fault is that not all players can train and play week-in-week.” Atmosphere “We have got a lot to be happy about. Our facility is fantastic and has been potentially selected as one of the 6 trial sites by the RFU to have an Artificial Grass Pitch for the 20162017 season. Our Senior Section teams are performing well and everyone seems to be enjoying the experience. Under that, our Junior Section has renewed focus on what they are doing and appear to be benefitting from the investment.” This Season “Our 1st XV currently sit in 2nd place and enter the business stage of the season with the challenge of securing a promotion play-off position. Our 2nd XV are currently 8th after achieving two successive promotions. Our 3rd XV are currently top of their league and also providing several Colts and Students with an opportunity to enjoy the senior game. Our Juniors are enjoying a season of focus towards skill development and game understanding. We see this as far more important than basing the season purely on results. We aim to continue to improve our performances and enjoy ourselves. It would be disrespectful towards every opposing team to think we can win a certain number of games at each level. However, if we focus on continual development and enjoyment the score will take care of itself.” Youth “Youth development is paramount to our very existence as a community club. They are our future lifeblood and therefore worth the investment. Every youth player at Aylesbury RFC should strive to play 1st XV rugby for the club. Ensuring young players enjoy a smooth transition into the senior game is an area that requires considerable investment; most notably a volunteer to act as a Transition Manager. We www.sportip.biz 29