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"State of the Nation" by A&C Chairman Spike Stevens

"State of the Nation" by A&C Chairman Spike Stevens

Tony Coyle20 Jan 2015 - 13:07
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"I promised to update our membership within a few months of becoming Chairman, so here's what we’ve been up to since last August."

We have focussed on:
1. reviewing our structure to ensure it is compatible with our aims
2. assessing our playing and funding needs
3. ensuring we have the Club we all want

We have a series of challenges ahead which include:
attracting a greater number of senior players as our four senior teams have struggled to fulfill their fixtures
continuing the progression of Colts into our senior teams
introducing more volunteer help from within the club to help us run it
balancing the books: we have a deficit from recent important capital projects which substantially improved the Club’s infrastructure - pitch drainage, irrigation system, clubhouse improvements, better car park areas and upgraded floodlights
binding the mini, junior and senior club activities together.

Addressing these will make us a Club run by members for the members. We want to be here for a good time and a long time. To do this we need to change.

SUMMARY

Positives
we have the best pitches, coaching and playing infrastructure in the county
our Mini and Junior sections continue to thrive with a greater number of players and supporters; more and better qualified coaches; and commitment to the RFU’s principal values – Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship
we enjoy a comprehensive, regular and fully inclusive Mini and Junior tournament schedule - nearly all, if not every one of our Minis and Juniors has represented the Club in tournaments
our Academy for talented U13s through to Colts is the envy of all our local rival clubs
our First XV plays at the highest standard within the county - we are the only Club at National League level in Bucks

Areas for improvement
this season our club is, as budgeted, running a small surplus; however recent infra-structure investments mean we have a deficit which must be addressed without using a bank overdraft
we have an excellent and hard working management team, all busy people who give up their free time to help run out club. We need more volunteers and they musn’t feel burdened or overwhelmed. One hour a week or one hour a month will help massively
more connection between our Minis, Juniors and Seniors to achieve a single club mentality
greater use of the clubhouse for inter-club and community events
more interaction with our local community
further improving our coaching standards with monthly coaching Continuing Professional Development courses

ACTIONS

We’ve just overhauled our management structure, substantially dispensing with the historic committees and have introduced small teams focussed on three areas, to sit alongside our Rugby
Committee:
1. day-to-day running of the club – bar, kitchen and financial administration
2. cost saving and interrogation
3. revenue generation and volunteer commitment

we’ll make a big effort to fill our club through the Six Nations campaign as a dry-run for the Rugby World Cup in the autumn with our doors open to members and non-members. The RW Cup comes to England this year. We want our club to be the local focal point
opportunities at every First XV home game for Minis and Juniors to attend as ball boys, lunch guests, mascots
building on the attendance and coaching assistance from our Senior players at Sunday sessions
we have introduced a suggestion box to hear what you want to see improve - please use it; and the management team will become more available, mixing throughout the Club at all levels.

May I wish you a healthy, prosperous and happy 2015. Thank you for your support and commitment and for enjoying being a part of our wonderful Club.

Spike Stevens
Chairman
Amersham & Chiltern RFC

Further reading