In June I was re-elected as Chairman of Staines RFC, as I enter my 2nd season heading up a fantastic team of people I wonder where we can take the Club.

New partnerships have been created, Tacklebag are supplying our kit, SNAP have been engaged to help with sourcing sponsorship, we have just moved over to Pitchero for our club website and we have teamed up with The Harlequins Foundation to launch Girls rugby through their SWITCH project. The changes made are small but have had positive impacts on our everyday operations and the quality of experience for our members.

We are riding a wave of positivity at the moment. The business aspect of the club is currently in a fantastic growth period, we are entering pre season on the back of the most positive league season in 5 years and generating lots of interest in growing our playing numbers in the Mini and Youth sections of the club.

Last night we entertained London Welsh in a pre season match – I believe that the new board have delivered another first – the first ever game under lights on our main pitch. A great evening, although I don’t feel the Scoreboard reflected the game, Welsh have recruited well after their promotion last season and we wish them all the best in their quest for another promotion. Our guys played some very attractive Rugby and showed that they are gelling well. I’m looking forward to supporting the senior section over the coming season.

We face challenges every week, some from our own people and others from external factors. These negative periods of my journey with Staines RFC often make me wonder why I give up my free time to support the club – but it’s moments like last night that bring it back in to perspective.

Is it hard to keep motivated when you face negativity – YES, especially when you are a volunteer. But the rewards far out way the negatives, events like last night and the look on my sons face when he gets to muck about with the senior players after the game on a Sunday all make the hard work and stresses worthwhile.

#doingwhatsneeded #oneclub