Chairmans Report for the 2024 – 2025 Season
Playing
Following our promotion from League 7, considerable planning was done in the spring and summer of 2024 in order to ensure that we not only survived in League 6 but thrived.
Led by our DoR, Dylan, we established baselines for things like recruitment, the mindset and fitness of our squad. We were successful in recruiting a number of players, all of whom had experience at level 6 and above. Our performances during the year were, as we expected, largely positive. We played some superb attacking rugby and competed with the very best of the league. Whilst a double against Eton Manor may be the headline, our team spirit, defence and determination gave rise to many outstanding performances.
Our 2nd team benefitted from the recruitment of new players and the emergence of Academy players. They too had many outstanding performances against established sides and the only negative, is the number of clubs in their league who were unable to field a 2nd team.
Our 3rd team also benefitted as above and had some outstanding performances. It remains to our credit that we can field 3 adult sides. We have a flourishing boys Youth section with good numbers registered from U13 to Colts. At WRFC we instill the core RFU values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship and provide an inclusive and fun environment along with excellent coaching and skills development, plus enjoyment of competition as the players grow through their teenage years.
We foster a strong “One Club” approach with support between the age groups and close ties with the senior section of the Club. The Colts have had ten players make senior debut. Getting the players to transition from youth to senior Rugby is great to see and we continue to build on this.
We have three age groups on end of season tours. These rugby experiences cement relationships and foster team spirit. U13s will be travelling to Cheltenham and are playing Chosen Hill RFC & Old Richians RFC. They will also be finding time for Ninja warrior and taking in the Gloucester v Bristol Bears. U14s are saying in the New Forest for two nights playing a game against Fordingbridge on Saturday and a game on Sunday against Romsey. U15s are off to Bath and hosted by Avon RFC as well as watching Bath V Quins
Our minis section continues to thrive and travel to Ventnor RFC for their now annual spring tour. Whilst there are sides with more children at each age group, we field healthy numbers every week, and most importantly, our coach to child ratio gives us the ability to coach each child properly – working on their individual strengths and weaknesses. We look very forward to what next season brings.
Ground
Our two floodlit pitches have once again sustained significant use, with all age groups being able to experience the pleasure of playing on them. We are aware of the repetitive nature of the cost of maintaining this primary asset and have budgeted for the necessary expenditure going forward, using a prudent mix of professional and volunteer labour.
We continue to enjoy the lease arrangement which has secured Wensleydale for the longer term.
Clubhouse
Our toilet facilities have been dramatically upgraded and improved during the year. A mixture of Grants and funding from our cash reserves, ensured that the project came in on time and budget. 2024 also saw the renovation of the 1st team changing room enabled by the generosity of the Kaye family.
Finances
The 2023 – 2024 Accounts showed that the prudent management of our finances resulted in a small profit and the retention of significant cash reserves. The issue with our utility supplier being unable to provide us with accurate billing for a number of years, has been resolved. A single payment, made from our reserves, eliminated the debt and allowed us to move onto a beneficial tariff.
President
During the year it has been my pleasure to represent the club throughout the region. We are highly regarded, by both our opponents (most) and the County, as a successful, well run and welcoming club. As ever, we rely upon volunteers, parents and supporters to ensure that our fixtures are fulfilled and our players, especially the minis and juniors, experience the pleasure of team sport and lasting friendships. My thanks to them all.
Management
We are still working towards a transition to a Limited Company but in the meantime, the management of the club remains with the management team for the day-to-day decisions, overseen by the Board, who will step up as and when we transition. During the year, our Safeguarding Officer was appointed as an Essex Safeguarding Manager. The management of the club is of paramount importance to the well-being and success of all aspects of our activities. The burden on members of the management team is considerable and we rely as always upon volunteers. I am grateful to all of those who have contributed to the running of our club and for the successes that have been enabled.
James Cull
Wanstead RFC Chairman
