Holbrook
Holbrook
Holbrook
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RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
“I am fixture secretary at the club, having started playing for them in 1998 when they were the social club of Royal
Sun Alliance. My family are all into Rugby, with my wife being a tigers fan and my son’s play for Horsham minis.
I became a sponsor of Holbrook three years ago and get to games whenever I can. Last year was difficult, I feel if
the International team aren’t doing well interest in rugby drops and it’s a struggle to get players but things are looking
more positive this year.
I recently celebrated my 40th birthday and was so pleased to have so many people there that have played for
Holbrook, it’s like a big social family.”
James Lowe, Aquaclean Fabrics
Holbrook RFC has been working hard during the offseason to
make sure that they are able to enjoy a positive campaign this time
around. Rugby Club Magazine recently caught up with their 1st team
captain Simon Loader to find out more about the good work that
they’ve been doing lately.
He told us, “I have been at the club for two years
now having been introduced by my brother
in law. It was the friendly atmosphere
at the club that attracted me to
joining as well as the fact that it
is conveniently located!
“This will be my first
season as club captain, so
far I can forsee that the
most challenging aspects
will
be
managing
the captaincy whilst
keeping my focus on
playing to the best of
my own ability. The
most rewarding part
of my role is seeing
new players to the club
growing and improving
in confidence every week.
“The team is very fired
up for the season ahead and
we can’t wait to get out on the
pitch. We feel it’s an exciting time
at the club as we are rebuilding with a
lot of activity off the field to help us move
forward again.
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“It’s been very positive off-season with the playing
squad growing steadily, the team have built
a new sponsorship fence and dug outs,
along with new kit and sponsors
coming on board. The club
now also has club charity for
the first time in the club’s
history and a lot of events
being planned for the
season ahead which will
help boost team and
club morale as well
as creating a positive
atmosphere for all.
“The plan for 2019
is to integrate the new
players into the squad
and work on producing
positive
performances
and results on the field.
We also hope to plan a
number of special events for
home games for the players,
their families and supporters.
“We don’t have a youth section
in the club as we are a senior team club
only, but we are always looking to attract young
or inexperienced players to the club and introduce them
to the sport. Every preseason the coach goes back to
basics so players all start from the same point. Also, our
senior players have been given the extra responsibility
to help players integrate into the team and support them
with learning the basic skills. As a social club we have
a number of nights out to help the team socialise and
become friends outside the club, not just on the pitch.
“We are part of a community sports club at the
Holbrook Club and are committed to playing an
important role in the local area, we have also made links
and relationships with companies and businesses in the
local town.
“Recruiting new players is always a challenge due to
only having a senior team. We hope to rebuild the club
on and off the field with a regular first team, it would
be great if we could also have the possibility of an
occasional second team as we look to progress further.”
“My son simon is the captain and his
son in law also plays for Holbrook while
I played for them in my early to mid-
30s before going on to coach at other
teams including London Wasps and East
Grinstead RFC. This is my second year
coaching at Holbrook.
I have been at both ends of the scale,
the higher end where players get paid to
play and there is a massive pressure for
results and now at Holbrook which is a
social club, with a group of lads coming
together, enjoying each other’s company
and that love playing rugby.
Four generations of my family are
there on a Saturday filling various roles
including coaching, playing, videoing and
supporting. I love giving back to rugby
as rugby has given me so much over the
years.”
Paul Loader,
Micheles Driving School
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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