Rugby Club Issue 61 | Page 59

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.” www.sportip.biz 59