Rugby Club ISSUE 87 | Page 56

Cheddar Valley FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Cheddar Valley RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB It is an exciting time to be involved with Cheddar Valley RFC at the moment as the club looks to continue to progress over the coming years. Rugby Club Magazine recently caught up with their Chairman Neville Holmes to find out more. RC: How long have you been involved and what first attracted you to the club? NH: I have been involved for about ten years, first becoming involved when my son started playing as an excitable five-year- old. After standing on the touchline for a couple of seasons, I joined the coaching team and pulled on my boots again for the odd game after 15+ years away from the game. RC: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your role? NH: I am now involved in the club as a juniors coach, coaching coordinator and club chairman. Each of these roles has different 56 Issue 87 challenges and rewards but I would suggest the hardest part is to recruit and retain active volunteers to keep the club going. There are very many rewards but perhaps top amongst them is watching the kids have fun with their mates. RC: How’s the general mood down at the club at the moment? NH: The mood is generally very positive, there are of course challenges and as a small club, we have a constant battle to keep players, coaches and volunteers involved but we have been steadily growing for about five years and with some exciting plans on the horizon, are all pretty buoyed. RC: How would you say the year has gone for the club so far? NH: With the season coming to an end it is right to take stock and this year has been another hugely successful one both on and off the pitch. Our seniors performed well and our newly established 2nd XV had a great season. Our ladies team continues to grow and adds a great dynamic to the club. We have some gaps in the juniors age groups but a thriving minis section. Off the pitch, we have been successful with several bids for grants, have been re-accredited by the RFU and rewarded many players and volunteers for their services.