Presidential Newsletter
Jul
After a summer of mixed weather (didn't manage to get on the golf course as much as I wanted!!), senior players are back in pre-season training, having started at the beginning of July. I understand Reg has been very gently easing them all back into the swing of things! The team start off their competitive outings with a 10's tournament at Ellon. Asides from local clubs, Highland and Burghmuir
It will be good to see Ev back at training and on the pitch. I am sure all our thoughts remain with Ev, Rob and their family.
On the development side, we are very pleased to welcome Chris Lawson as our new Rugby Development Officer to the club. Chris joins us officially from the 1 August 2009. He is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University, with a degree in Sports Science and Exercise (Sports Coaching) and is a former player with Gala RFC, being a 1st team squad member from 2004-2007, when his studies took over. He has played age grade rugby for Scotland through to under 19 level. Hopefully Chris can continue with the good foundations laid by Rob and Ev Donaghue last year, and pass some of his knowledge and experience to our players and coaches, and enthuse all those he will be coaching at the various schools to help increase our club player base.
As a club, we could not provide such a service to the schools without the generous support of our sponsors. Once again, Lawrence of Kemnay are providing cars for our Development Officer and Community Coach, so look out for the distinctively liveried vehicles. Other sponsors providing financial assistance include Mi Swaco, Ferguson Modular, Baker Oil Tools, Bon Accord Landscapes, Ttawse Tyres and IKM Testing. We also receive welcome support from the SRU and Sportsmatch financially, and additional practical support from SRU regional manager, Peter Young. Please support our sponsors as and when you can. Look out for club incentives with Alpha Plus shortly.
From a playing point of view, unfortunately Garioch have dropped down a league and will be playing in Caledonia Division 2 North East. This will provide fixtures through to mid January (weather permitting). At the time of writing, we do not know how the play-off process will take place. Discussions are ongoing with a desire (certainly by Garioch) to have the process comprise the top three teams from North East and North West leagues take part in a mini league providing a further 6 games for Garioch (always provided we finish in the top three - over to the players!!). A home and away play-off will then take place between Midlands and North champions.
Further talks are underway regarding the league set-up for the next three years, with proposals to split Midlands from North, countered by a linear (all inclusive) league set up for Caledonia 1 and 2. As soon as I know the answer, I will pass it on to you.
The first team squad will be resplendent in new shirts this year. Our thanks go to sponsors Alpha Plus for their continued support. Hopefully the new "Brumbies" style shirts will encourage a similar style of play on the pitch!
With our Youth and Junior sections, we hope to progress on the good work of last year, and drive onwards with our membership through increased participation schools coaching. There have been one or two changes in coaching personnel. After helping with coaching and organisation for a number of years, Steve Portelly and John Reeve are taking time out from rugby to concentrate of other family interests. Our thanks to Steve and John for their valued contribution over the years, and trust they will enjoy their Saturdays off!
Off the field, Graeme Imrie and Mark Cowie are looking after the social events in the club. There will hopefully be a schedule of events on the calendar soon. If there are any ideas anyone has, let either Graeme, Mark or myself know.
As you may have seen from the SRU website, clubs will now receive 25% of the ticket value as a commission, so if you are looking to travel to any match, then think about buying them through the club first off.
Finally, Pete Thomson asked me to remind you all that the RAFFLE TICKETS will be getting printed in time for August. I know you have all been looking forward to that moment since the end of last season! We should not forget however, that the raffle is the only major fundraiser that we run at present, so until someone comes up with a better idea, lets support the raffle and raise as much as we can. Don't forget, the top prize is £1,000 - ideal for Christmas!
Well, that's all for now, but intend (unlike last year!) to get one or two more newsletters out this year. Let me know if I don't?
Stuart Archer
Club President
