It only seems like yesterday that we were elected as co-chairs at the Annual General Meeting in June but here we are, well into pre-season friendlies and soon to be starting our respective league campaigns.

During the close season we’ve said goodbye to some familiar faces, had some former players return, and encouragingly, been able to recruit some new people through the door. We also say hello to our new Vixens coach Lee Gash. To all new and returning players, welcome to the East London family. Get down to training and enjoy the season ahead.

This season we will again be putting out three men’s teams and a Vixens ladies’ side. Hopefully, the Vixens Cubs and Junior Titans will also be getting some much-needed match time. Many other clubs look at us with envy.

We are in this fortunate position thanks to the work we do in attracting sponsorship. You can see some of those who support us on the shirt board in the small bar. You too play a part by paying your membership subscriptions and match fees. Please continue to do so promptly; we have bills to pay on a monthly basis – rent, matchday food, laundry, coach travel, physiotherapy, and referees to name but a few. Talk to your captains or a member of the management committee if you are having difficulty paying – we will never let money be a barrier to playing the game we love.

This season, for the first time, all players, men and women, have to be registered with the Rugby Football Union to be eligible to play. We will be punished if we do not fulfil fixtures because we do not have enough people registered. If you are unsure about the process and what to do, speak to Director of Rugby Eddie Gooby, coach Darragh O’Kelly or Vixen Nicki Barlex.

There is a lot of information available on our website (www.eastlondonrfc.com) about how the club is run. This includes our Constitution, management committee roles and responsibilities, fees, and rules and regulations document, which is a useful reminder of the behaviours and moral values we expect of ourselves when representing the club on and off the pitch, in the clubhouse and its surrounds and in community situations. Above everything, we treat each other and those around us with the utmost respect, and that includes zero tolerance towards bullying, discrimination and use of illegal drugs amongst others. A ban will ensue for any person not complying. This will be enforced by us and our landlords East London Community Sports Association.

We are always looking to improve the club and we value the opinions of every member. If there are things you would like to see happen or done differently, please join the conversation by completing the survey which has recently been posted on the various What’s App groups. It’s anonymous so feel free to speak as you find.

Enjoy the season ahead. We should all be very excited about where it could take us; lots of wins and fun to be had by all. Wear the club badge with pride.

Sic parvis magna!

Nick and Kat
Co-Chairs
East London RFC

pdf

Season 2024/25 - Newsletter from Co-Chairs Nick Parrott and Kat Salthouse - 01 Summer

184.5KB

Download