Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
I
lfracombe RFC enjoyed a terrific
season last time around as their
first team finished top of Devon 2.
We recently caught up with their Chair,
Claire Challacombe to gain an insight
into what has been behind their success.
Involvement
She told us, “I used to go up to the club
with my Stepdad Roger who has been a
part of Ilfracombe Rugby Club for many
years as a player, supporter and lifetime
member.
After a few years of being a sideline
supporter I joined the committee to help
him with organising and running Social
events to help bring in some funds.
Last summer I decided to go for the
Chairman role as I wanted to see the club
go forward and felt I could offer this in
that role.”
The Role
“The most challenging aspect of the
role is finding time to get things done.
Working a full time job and being a wife
and a mother to Nathan, spare time is
sometimes a rarity. Luckily my husband
Myke is very supportive and understands
that the club is my passion.
The most rewarding aspects are just
being there on a Saturday to cheer them
on. Having watched many of the players
over the years grow in age and experience
it was fantastic to see how pleased they
were at the end of the season last year as
champions of Devon 2.”
Atmosphere
“The mood at the club is very high at
the moment after topping Devon 2 at the
end of last season. The guys worked really
hard on the pitch and were rewarded with
the top spot for their efforts. Our junior
section, the ‘Sharks’, have also swelled
in numbers and we have around 120
registered with us. It’s also very exciting
as we have the drawings back to go for
planning on a new clubhouse.”
This Season
“When I started the Chairman role
within a few weeks our coach and captain
both stepped down after many years
of dedicated service, it certainly wasn’t
the start to the role that I was expecting.
Within a few weeks Adam Wyatt stepped
into the role of captain and James Creek
took on the role as coach.
Considering this the season has gone
well both on and off the pitch. We will
be going for planning shortly to build a
bigger clubhouse which will benefit the
whole town.”
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