In the Beginning......

Colchester Rugby Club is a large rugby club. A very large rugby club. It runs teams for all ages of player from 5 to, shall we say "+50!" It regularly turns out four senior sides and has a First XV which plays in the London North East 1 division.

The Club has a first rate management structure headed by an extremely competent Executive Committee. It has in place short, medium and long term development plans and policies which will see it go from strength to strength in the years to come. This makes it extremely attractive to players and sponsors.

One of the Club's principal policies is its Youth Policy. The Club's, large, junior section provides first rate training and development opportunities for young players who, it is hoped, will remain with the Club to represent it at senior level. This policy is paying dividends and the Club is proud of the fact that a large percentage of players that have played at senior level, especially for the First and Second XV's are "home grown." This is a fantastic achievement and is extremely important in developing "club loyalty” which will help keep players at the club and further ensuring its success.

The problem with managing such a large organisation is making sure that the differing needs and issues of all of the sections are met and that Colchester RFC is seen as "One Club" and not a conglomerate of independently run teams and sections.

This is where I come in!

My role will not stop at being an ambassador for the Club. I will, also, ensure that all age groups see me as their President as well. I will be one of the threads running through the Club which helps to unify the different groups. My role is to represent, and to be there for, the Under 6s as much as the First XV. I will perform an important management function as well as the "ceremonial" aspects of a club president.

So how did I get the job? This question has been posed by various 4th team colleagues who are not quite sure of why the President's role has been landed by a non-drinking, non-smoking, non-former First XV Captain who still plays (a bit), referees and is still at least a decade and a half away from getting a bus pass.

A quick glance at my “Rugby C.V.” may help answer the question.

I was chairman of the Club's Mini Section for three years during which time I served on the Executive Committee. I have been the Club's Safeguarding Officer for the past five years as well as being a County Safeguarding Manager for Eastern Counties RFU. I am a product of the RFU's Leadership Academy and I am known to, probably, 80% of the clubs current membership.

In other words "it's what I know and who I know."

My profession demands that I am a good communicator, mediator and problem solver and I will be able to bring these attributes to the table as well. Being the proprietor of a business, I am able to understand the demands and expectations of the club’s sponsors as well, hopefully, as being able to assist the executive in the running of the club which, because of its nature, has to be run on a commercial / business basis.

Most importantly, however, is that I have a burning desire to see Colchester RFC continue to develop as one of the finest community rugby clubs in the country.

So, five days into my tenure and what have I achieved? I have let as many people as possible know that I am “in post” and will continue to get my face known between now and the start of the new season. I will, with the assistance of the club’s commercial / sponsorship team, be looking at ways in which I can help bring in more sponsorship as well as serving the club’s existing sponsors (whose contribution to the club is highly valued.) Being a “community club,” CRFC does involve itself in charitable and other projects for the benefit of various organisations. I will be delighted to promote these works and am giving thought to how to maximise the benefit that the club can offer community groups.

I will keep this “diary” as up to date as possible and I welcome comments (rugby related or otherwise!) from anyone.

Finally, I cannot sign off without mentioning two people.

Firstly my predecessor, Dave Wright who is going to be a very hard act to follow. Dave gave 100% to the Club and has been an extremely “visible” President. This has been noted and appreciated by all involved with CRFC. I am sure that I will be seeking his guidance from time to time.

Secondly, Rod Craig who recently passed away. I had known Rod since he was manager of the Under 9’s (the present U17s.) He was a fantastic coach and manager and a true club man which was rewarded by his recent recognition as one of the club’s “Volunteers of the Year.” Rod also refereed the 4ths for most home games and accepted the banter that was very much a part of those games with good grace (occasionally joining in!) There will only ever be one Rod Craig and he will be sadly missed.