Everyone involved with Forrester RFC wants to see the club progress up the leagues, improve the standard of play and increase the player base, both in the Club, and in West Edinburgh in general. With an increased player base, comes strength in depth - a must for any club hoping for a sustained improvement in its performance and league status. Having recently dropped from BT National Division 2 to BT National Division 3, it has become even more important that we continue to take bold steps to ensure the future of our club, at the highest possible level.
Through R.2.R we created a post for a full time Community Development Officer (CDO) from season 2004/2005 onwards. We have committed substantial time, our energy and monies, together with those of our various benefactors and supporters. We endeavour to ensure that the individual occupying the post of CDO has the highest credentials. The CDO works closely with Active Schools Co-ordinators and PE Departments in local High Schools, to reintroduce schools rugby in our locality. There has been a large amount of success in this area, most notably, the combined Craigmount/Forrester team reaching the semi finals of the Bell Lawrie Bowl competition. They run rugby clinics after school and during the school holidays. The CDO possesses a high level of interpersonal skills and represents and promotes Forrester RFC throughout the community.
We are pleased to announce the
appointment of Neil Hunter as our new Community Development Officer.
Neil takes up duty on the 3rd August
2009. Before that, to gain an understanding of the work we do in the community,
Neil will be attending two of our Rugby Festivals, to be held in the Summer.
Neil brings with him a wealth of
coaching and rugby experience. Currently undertaking his UKCC level 111, He has
also delivered coaching in various schools together with being Head Coach for
the University of
Central Lancashire. Neil
is also a level 11 Referee.
Rugby experience includes playing for the following clubs:
• Gloucester RFC
• Sale Sharks RFC
• Waterloo RFC
• Fylde RFC
As well as the above, Neil has
received playing honours with England U16 and U18 and Scotland U21.
Neil will be managed by Glen Hume,
with his work schedule being drawn up with the very experienced Bill Smith.
The Trust would like to
extend a very warm welcome to Neil and we look forward to working together to
grow the game of rugby union in Scotland.
But that's not all that R2R does! We have recruited experienced coaches who have undertaken not only to coach the senior teams but also 'coach the coaches' in the various youth sections (micro, mini and midi). At the moment the coaches basically do the work on a 'voluntary basis' but are remunerated their expenses. R.2.R is very appreciative of the time, effort and commitment that the coaches give to further the aims of both the club and R.2.R.
These posts add to the financial cost of R.2.R and with salary and expenses taken into account, the overall cost is currently around £30,000 per year. Unlike other clubs who have spent susbstantial monies in contracting coaches and players, the Trustees of R.2.R believe the money we raise should go towards developing and supporting youth through sport, raising the awareness of healthy living and social awareness. By doing that, it is our aim that our youths will develop into responsible adults and, a bonus for the club is, that they may want to continue their playing careers with us.
We meet much of this cost through grants from trusts and charitable bodies, who look favourably upon the fact that we are developing team and social skills in youngsters through our Youth Section and taking rugby into what are, traditionally, non rugby areas.
A landmark was reached in 2006 when the SRU became an official partner in the project, contributing a portion of funding, management expertise and, of course, kudos. Indeed, so highly regarded is R.2.R that it has been adopted by the SRU as a model for promoting youth rugby and is now replicated at many other clubs in Scotland.
Grants, however do not cover the full cost and some major fundraising takes place throughout the year to ensure the longevity of this project It is heartening to know that within the club and the community there is support for our own fundrasing events. The task of approaching other bodies to raise funds was given to Jerry Saunders, of Muirhall Management, who has many years of experience in this field.
If it is to continue working, it is important that everyone associated with Forrester RFC wholeheartedly supports this ambitious project.
The project was launched under the title "Forrester React -2-Rugby".