Dear all,
I’ve been privileged to have chaired the Royals with your executive committee through what is my second year at the helm. It’s fair to say this year has been particularly challenging on a number of fronts. Putting aside those challenges for a moment, the success on the pitch and on the training paddocks is pretty much unrivalled in Junior Rugby League circles. It constantly amazes me how year after year, the team performances, the level of core skill development, the cup wins and final appearances, the Royals always deliver. This has to be down to a combination of the fantastic effort our coaches put in during the week and game day at the weekends, the support from parents reps, touchline managers, first aiders, parents and all you volunteers who maybe play a small part but together it makes a significant impact. This season we have seen record number of juniors signing scholarships for professional clubs, we have seen over half a dozen U16’s sign professional contracts and many of those touring Australia with great success. I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to you all.
Off the pitch as I mentioned there have been challenges, in times of austerity the local authority have shut St Augustine’s all weather facility, the changing rooms are also closing down which leaves us with limited winter training options and come game day next year limited changing room facilities. The School pitches were locked down and access for the Royals denied until we could satisfy lengthy processes around Health and Safety. I guess that’s the world we live in now sadly. The months of negotiation have paid off and we will be able to use those pitches next year. I and other committee members will be meeting the local authority later this month to discuss other changing room options.
There was a period of time during the season where coaching positions became vacant. We advertised through social media and within the Blackbrook Rugby and Recreational Club links, we managed to fill those posts and are very pleased to welcome the new coaches and their support team to the Royals. Come January we will be seeking new coaches for our Cubs and Newbies, if you have child who plays at those age groups please do consider helping out and getting involved.
Over the last few months you may have seen some of the highlighted problems our Open Age encountered, it was an opportunity for the Royals Committee to look at how well we interacted with them and that of the actual Recreational Club. After a series of hastily arranged meetings with the RFL ( National Conference League ) in October and November the great news is that the Open Age, Blackbrook Rugby Club will start afresh next season in the NCL with closer links to our Royals junior section and more support wrapped around from the Club. A more joined up approach, not only on the playing front, but also from the social and community events that are planned will only stand us in good stead. Whilst we may have Football, Senior Rugby & Junior Rugby all under the Blackbrook Rugby & Recreational Club banner we need to become ‘one team one club’, this will be a priority for next year off the field.
There is never a dull moment being a ‘Royal’ it’s rewards far out-weigh the challenges, I’d welcome more support, guidance and expertise to help pushing the boundaries of success, we can’t afford to sit back, we have to keep driving forward with innovation and improving or others will catch us up. If you have a few hours spare each month, to add value or expertise in any particular field that is remotely rugby related please get in touch.
Have a great presentation afternoon, enjoy your Sunday’s off, have a think about my invite and then let’s get ready again for 2018 and continue to lead the way in junior rugby league player development.
Graham Roberts
Chair
Blackbrook Royals JRLFC
