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.
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
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