Alnwick
is in the highest position it has ever
been within this league, the 2nd and
3rd XVs are in the semi-finals of their
cup competitions and the Colts side is
going well. The junior and mini rugby
side, which is outwith my remit, is
extremely well supported and
well run by very well
organised junior coaches.
“Our plans for the
rest of the season
are fairly straight
forward. We want
to win all of our
remaining league
games and see
what
happens,
and we would be
pleased to see the
2nd and 3rd XVs
through to their
respective cup finals.
“Youth
Rugby
is
very
important
to us, and this fact is
emphasised by the fact that
young players within the Colts
set up are integrated into the second
and third teams at this time of year as a
number of senior players are taken out
with farming commitments (Lambing,
crop sowing etc.).
“The presence of the younger players
enables them to break into senior rugby
with a good support of senior players and
for them to become aware of the step up in
physicality into the main playing group.
“To enable this smooth transition our
current Colts set up is run almost entirely
by retired players, some of whom are just
retired and are keen to put something
back into the game. There is also a good
link with the junior rugby set up so that
there is a good continuity of players on to
the senior rugby numbers.
“Unfortunately, our area suffers from
the fact that after University or further
education, there is not a lot employment
available to retain young people in this
area. However, we still benefit
from the farming
connection
of
those who choose
to follow fathers
on to farms or who seek
employment in agricultural or
construction based service and supply
trades.
“The club is definitely considered to
be a community club. As well as it being
a focus for activities outside rugby, it is
definitely a hub for many social functions,
and in the summer it hosts numerous
caravan rallies to support local seasonal
activities such as The Music Festival and
activities taking place at the Alnwick
Gardens.
“We have several challenges facing us
in the next five years;
1. To extend our rugby playing
capabilities as far as possible to enable all
teams to play at the highest level possible
and achieve the greatest success, and with
success, enjoyment.
2. To maintain the current high
standards in the stewardship of the
club, through which financial stability
is obtained by sustainable expenditure
and the creation of greater income
through fund raising activities
and a healthy through put
in the club’s bar takings.
At the present time
I believe we have
an excellent team
guiding the club
through gradual
and sustainable
growth
and
consolidation.
3. To try and
create, with or
without
ERU
support,
some
sort of all-weather
playing surface for
senior training and
for minis and juniors to
use at week-ends.
Of course there will be
many other goals, but I think
we genuinely believe the above are
achievable.”
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