WELCOME TO THE 2009-2010 SEASON

The 2008- 2009 season was one of the most successful in the Club's history. In the Junior section the U16s and U18s both won their leagues whilst in the Seniors the Ex1st won their league and the 1st XV came a very credible 5th in their first season in London 3 South West. In addition we have had a very good Sevens season – Winners of a national trophy (Guinness Cup) at the Bournemouth tournament, Runners up at the Dover Seven’s, Winners of the plate competition at the Canterbury Sevens. All this was achieved with a group of very young players which demonstrates our strength in the Academy section.

During the closed season there was lots of activity on the coaching and recruitment front with quality recruits from many local clubs.   We welcome Bill Maynard from Croydon who will establish a new coaching structure.  Player expectations are high and to quote Bill "My brow will start its furrow in late August and will not be lifted until I know we are in London 1!"

But success is not just about winning it's also about how the Club projects its self in the Community, how it is perceived by our peers on the Rugby pitch and how we cope with failure. Whereever I go in the County, Warlingham Rugby Club is respected and in some cases envied - not only for its facilities but also for the support the club generates and the way we embrace the numerous rules and regulations that come out of Rugby Headquarters. We are perceived as one of the leading junior Clubs in the County. All this would not be achieved without the dedication and hard work of all the Club members that work so hard on a voluntary basis to make Warlingham the great Club that it is. So a big thank you to our hard working volunteers

The phenomenal growth of the game in the Mini and Junior arena has seen an ever increasing demand by the RFU for Clubs to meet more and more requirements not only in the area of Health and Safety but also as to how the Clubs manage themselves and achieve the various standards that show that a Club has achieved them.  To maintain our impetus we now need Volunteers for two important roles if we are going to maintain our accreditations i.e. Referees Co-ordinator and a Volunteers Co-ordinator. These are not arduous roles and further details can be obtained from the Mini and Junior Chair persons.

Over the next few months we have to prepare a ‘Whole Club Development Plan’ for the RFU. This consists of two parts - a long tern plan (at least three years) focused on the club’s vision for the future and the broad objectives that support it and an Action Plan which is a short term plan which prioritises the short term actions required to get the club achieving its longer term objectives and vision.  In addition the RFU are advising all Clubs that they should be ‘Incorporated’ i.e. become a Limited Liability company. Work has started on deciding on what is the best structure for the Club and all members will be kept informed over the coming months as to progress.

A new Club Caterer (Function Foods) has been appointed so come along on the 12th September and try their fare at our first Home league match of the season against Old Dunstonians.  A great season of entertainments which include a Race Night, Halloween Party, Burns Night and the ever popular Golden Oldies have been organised so put the dates in your diaries now.

Have fun and enjoy the season. I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

John Collins
Chairman