Sheppey
who started life as junior members. We also aim to take our
rugby message into the local schools.
The overall aim of junior rugby is too keep them coming
back every week to enjoy each Sunday morning. If they can do
that into their teenage years then the likelihood is that they will
make a smooth transition to adult rugby.
In this respect we also have to ensure that we also retain
the adults as coaches and mentors. We do apply great effort
into achieving this aim, by ensuring that all coaches have all the
necessary training and certification themselves.”
Commercial
“We have a wide variety of club sponsors, who contribute to
the club via advertising boards around the pitch, and also via the
match day program. During the summer we host large events
which can attract 3000 people such as this years ‘Freemasons’
event from which we receive substantial donations.
We also have a VP club which attracts members who wish
to contribute to the club and receive invitations to ‘Pre-match
lunches’. These are a very popular way of also getting more
spectators who hopefully will make use of our bar.”
Challenges/Ambitions
“I believe the biggest challenge is to improve our overall
standard of rugby. The Isle of Sheppey does not have any
schools which actively promote a rugby culture in their sports.
We are trying to address this, but it is very difficult.
With 125 years behind us we intend to carry on improving
our rugby skills, improving our facilities and providing a
community based club which will carry on for another 125
years.”
Sheppey Rugby Club’s
‘Little Lambs’
Sheppey Rugby Club’s ‘Little
Lambs’ micro rugby team is going
from strength to strength now that,
thanks to two island businesses,
they have their very own rugby shirts!
Sheppey’s kit supplier, Tyline Rugby
Wear and club merchandiser Jacqui
Barham have designed and created
their tiniest kit to date for the team
whose ages range from 2 to 6 years
old.
Local business women Michelle
Morley from Daisychains Nursery
Minster along with Ria Crawford
and Sam Cook from CCG Sales
(Children’s character clothing and
goodies) Sheerness Broadway were
keen to support Sheppey Rugby
Club’s newly formed mini team which
was the brainchild of club secretary
and junior coach Karen Gray.
Micro rugby is becoming
increasingly popular across the
country, the tiny players can learn
valuable skills at an early age
that will better prepare and equip
them for their lives ahead. Besides
important physical skills such as
hand-eye coordination, catching/
throwing and balance, they also
learn valuable social skills such as
good sportsmanship, teamwork
and leadership. The Little Lambs
train every Sunday from 10.45 –
11.45am, new team members are
always welcome.
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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