Whitehall
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He told us, “There are all sorts of reasons players drift
away from playing rugby, so it can be challenging keeping
them at our club. The reward comes when I see them on the
field, playing for any of our three sides with great camaraderie
that continues in the clubhouse and beyond.”
“Whilst still President I would love to see us return to the
Western Counties North League. Over the next five years I
would like to continue as a club that has always been known
within the Bristol Combination, as a family friendly place to
enjoy rugby.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage all our
members to show loyalty, be welcoming to visitors, particularly
your opposition and at all times show respect to referees.”
Formerly a player, Colin Dicks began coaching when his
son was five years old. The team is now a well-grounded, tight
knit bunch of lads playing as U16s. We talked to him about the
club manage their young players.
He said, “Our approach to Youth Rugby is to try and
instil the five core principles of rugby; Teamwork, Respect,
Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. These values are
taught throughout the Youth teams, with most emphasis,
especially for any new players, on enjoyment. We encourage a
family friendly club, on and off the pitch.
“Nowadays there is a structured transition for the Youth
players. As soon as they are eligible they start training with the
seniors and progress through the teams as appropriate. About
¾ of our present club members played as juniors for Whitehall.
“There have been several players over the years that started
their rugby career at Whitehall and went on to play at what is
now Premiership level. We are very proud of Lucie Skuse, who
has recently been selected for the England Ladies U20 squad;
she learnt her rugby skills at Whitehall. I’m sure this will be a
big incentive to our growing girls section.
“I think the success of our youth rugby, is showing them
that whatever their ability, by upholding the core values of
our sport they are just the sort of players we want playing for
Whitehall. We are a club that thrives on home grown players.
“There are new young players waiting for their chance to
join our senior teams and take Whitehall back to a level they
believe is where they should be. I look forward to seeing this
happen.”
“My role as Junior Chairman started this season, however I have also been running the club for
the last eighteen years as club manager. The mood is really positive and family friendly and I look
forward to hopefully being in my role for a long time.
I hope that people stick with the club to continue the family atmosphere, credit to all coaches and
management at the club for running such a good operation and hope to work alongside everyone
for years to come.”
Gerry Pearcey, Junior Chairman
64 Issue 83