Swaffham struggled to carry significant numbers of those players through the youth section into the senior sides . However , with an influx of players this season , we have a new youth chair and he , together with his team of youth coaches , is really getting some momentum in the youth s e c t i o n . Hopefully , it won ’ t be too many years until some of these players are playing for the senior teams .
The club has a 1st and 2nd XV . The 1st XV play in the Eastern Counties Greene King Division One North League and the 2nd XV in the Eastern Counties Greene King Division Three North League .
Following tough last seasons which saw the loss of a number of players through retirement or family or other commitments , it is fair to say that the senior teams are going through something of a re-building process . The re-structuring of the leagues into North and South leagues will help by reducing the amount of travelling .
This , together with a renewed enthusiasm amongst the teams , will hopefully be reflected on the pitch . The start of the season has been “ patchy ”, but a strong performance against one of the league ’ s stronger sides gives cause for optimism .
Clearly , the plan for the rest of the season is to build on this and really develop the cohesion within the squads , especially given the larger squad sizes now needed in order to regularly field teams as players often have to balance the conflicting demands on their time .
The club remains busy through the offseason . This year the club hosted a 7s and 10s tournament – the 7s for the elite teams and the 10s for the more social sides . The club also hosted a Leicester Tigers Rugby Camp , as it has done for a number of years .
The club also has a good social side , too . Amongst other things , the club holds half a dozen VP club house lunches throughout the season .
As one of the few clubs in Norfolk that is within walking distance of the town centre , the club can and does play a part in the
community . The club runs a fireworks display that has been held for a number of years now , which will be followed shortly after by a grand auction night .
The club has also forged links with local charities and organisations , for example , one of the club ’ s VPs has recently completed a 140 mile walk with funds raised split jointly between the club and a local hospice and last Valentine ’ s day the first team coach and a number of players visited a local nursing home close to the club to bring some cheer to the residents . The club has also provided a welcome stop-off on a number of charity cycle rides .
The club is supported by a number of local businesses , many of whom have family links to the town and the club .
In common with many clubs , Swaffham faces a number a challenges , not least of which is player retention . The club ’ s challenge is to see the players developed though our minis and youth programmes move into the senior game . Hopefully , in five years ’ time , the club will be reaping
the rewards both on and off the pitch .
Images courtesy of Eric Nye www . rugbyclubmag . com 55