Westbury-on-Severn
some available 2’s don’t get the game time, in
some ways a vicious circle when we’re
trying to attract players – on the positive
I’m hopeful we can string a few wins
together and get some 2’s games
on very soon so we can kick on.
We’re aiming to fulfil all of
our games, support our 1’s to
remain in the current league,
and to help promote our
club, with specific focus
on our mini and youth
section which is growing
and expanding. We also
want to ensure that the
club and the club set up for
the players and supporters
alike is fit for the future.”
Youth
“Youth rugby is very
important to me – we have to set
the scene for others to follow. We
have a small but growing youth team
(with both boys and girls) led by our Y&M
coach Jay Waters, which I support where I can.
The downside is in the geographical area we’re
in as we struggle to attract younger girls and boys and lose
them to the larger ‘town’ clubs who have larger cohorts of
players (who incidentally struggle to get games). Until we
find the magic ingredient required to share this player base
we’re always going to struggle – but in answer to the original
question youth rugby wherever it’s played is very important to
grass roots clubs.”
Integration
“We don’t push any players up the ranks; we support and
review as a selection committee and management team when
they will be ready. I have a good older cohort
of Vets players and Coaches that I rely on
to mentor and look after any younger
players – only when we’re satisfied
that they’re ready do we suggest
or offer a move up to the senior
game.”
Community
“We share a ground
(and clubhouse facilities)
with
a
number
of
sports clubs (Football,
Cricket and Community
bar) in a thriving local
rural
community.
Our
community
and
inclusiveness of all that
share with us is at the heart of
what I’m about – I personally
welcome and encourage anyone
who shows an interest to get
involved at any level.”
Challenges/Ambitions
“Our biggest challenge is to retain and attract
new blood, whether it’s on the field in our youth, mini,
senior or vets rugby or off the field in our committees, doing
fundraising and supporting the club. On a wider issue I think
the game (at all levels) needs to look at itself and come up with
more targeted local school based initiatives to work on grass
root rugby to promote local rugby clubs and the game in the
community.
In the short term our main ambition is surviving, longer term
developing, ultimately growing and expanding in all sectors to
climb the leagues and win trophies - all whilst ensuring that we
as a club don’t lose sight of why we play and are in involved in
this brutal, rewarding, entertaining, beautiful game!”
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