Rugby Club Issue 70 | Page 77

Avonmouth Old Boys Over the past decade we have had a great link with Bristol RFC where players have brought their knowledge from playing the game at that level to Barracks Lane to begin their coaching lives. Players such as Saul Nelson (coaching at Old Reds RFC), Joe El Abd (coaching at Castres), Rob Higgitt (player/coach Thornbury RFC), current academy coaches Sean Marsden and Mark Irish both spent a good four seasons with us before moving on to Hartpury College. Most recently we have linked up with Marc Jones (now at Cotham Park RFC) and Will Cliff who were both part of the championship winning side to the premiership. Whether you’ve no previous experience of playing the game, just looking to get fit or are a seasoned pro come on down to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and good quality coaching.” Women’s/Girls “We have had a women’s team back in the 90’s which ran successfully for a number of seasons. This was looked to be revived recently by a core of ten women who wanted to try their hand at the game but unfortunately due to pregnancies and injuries this was unsuccessful. We now run two junior girls sides at under 13’s and under 15’s which is a first for us as a club and has been a great success.” Ambitions the South West One West league and compete/thrive at that level. On a junior level we look to continue the good work that’s been carried out to date and have a team at every age grade. As a club we are looking to constantly improve our facilities. We are in the process of developing land within our complex to ensure we have two further full size, fully flood lit pitches with drainage. This project has been driven by our mini/junior section over the last three years. We wish to make our home at Barracks Lane a great rugby facility so that our members and all visitors can enjoy them.” “Our aim over the next five years for the seniors is to reinstate ourselves into Branch SW/ 001732 PROUD SPONSORS OF AVONMOUTH OLD BOYS www.rugbyclub.biz 77