We
are currently one of the most vibrant clubs in the south-east with circa
300 members from the minis just returned with most of the spoils from the
tour of Dorchester on 8/9th April 2006. The five
year plan continues
the work of Oz, mick burford, ian bent and ginger longstaff, to name a
few.
Tony Ellis' (the proposed new Club Chairman 06-07) current U14 squad is to be the ultimate product of this plan as his “colts” will roll out of their youth status and become seniors around 2010-11. A five - year plan is intended to remove a little pressure on the 1st XV for immediate results.
This 06/07 season Rick Lancaster’s colts will be our first squad of colts for many years and the other coaches whose squads will roll out in subsequent seasons, messrs Wilkinson, Krasij, Rogers, and Ellis, agree to promote colts rugby and follow into senior rugby. The mini coaches with whom I have spoken support the blueprint.
If voted in I, as Director of Rugby, will concentrate initially on 1st XV success and offer the colts and youth players a first team place as their aspiration, hopefully playing in London league Rugby. The 1st XV and colts XV will train together 06/07 season, share experience, club calls, quality coaching and will wear the same distinctive shirt that denotes their equal status as the elite of the youth and the seniors and they will together effectively become the “development squad” rolling over the next five years.
Dominic Collins will captain the 1st xv 06/07 and the Colts captain will be named soon. Overseas players are being recruited, a rota of experienced Medway and guest coaches will be used (see Matt Riches; liaison for the rota) until a full time coach is appointed. Training for the club will begin on Tuesday 25th July 2006, do make it, 7.20pm start. Coaching courses are paid for by the Club, do qualify and help (Geoff Kempt is liaison).
“Sacrifice” is the watchword for the senior captains and players, for the benefit of the 1st XV. A league triumph for the 2nd XV and 3rd XV is to be congratulated, however as the 1st XV finish bottom of their league and are relegated in the same season, I remind the members that the 1st XV results are those published in the press, and we must “attract” new players as well as “grow” them.
A new Poster is being designed for each member to display locally and further, the Club now asks you all to also display a Club car badge always. A higher profile trumpeting the Club’s talent and, in my opinion, unrivalled overall Club success is required and each section must begin to fill the newspapers with photos and reports.
There is much to do……………..your club now needs you, help with fresh ideas, administration, press reports, social, sponsorship, fund raising, coaching and much more is sought, don’t leave it to others……
Mark Marriott – 079444-62881.