On reflecting on the season so far, I think its clear that the club is in good fettle and going from strength to strength on and off the pitch.
The women’s 1sts were unfortunately narrowly between by Corstorphine in a very tight game. This must be put into context of our women winning the league twice in the last 2 years and just missed out on making it 3 in a row. They will come back stronger from this and no doubt will be fighting for the title again next year.
The men’s 1sts are currently second in the National 1, the 2nds are currently in the play-off place for the National Reserve League, the Mighty 3rds are undefeated and currently top of Caley Midland league 3, if they gain promotion then we will have some exciting games next season against the likes of Alloa, Hillfoots, Bannockburn, Howe Crusaders and Crieff.
The U18 Boys and U18 Girls won their respective Scottish Cup finals at Murrayfield at the weekend in two classic games for Rugby, whilst the U16 Boys just fell short in their shield final at Murrayfield against a strong Peebles team, the U16 Girls won their Shield Final against a very strong Dundee team.
This is testament to the many hours the Coaches, Players and Team Managers put in at all age grades, and I for one would like to personally thank them for all their hard work and commitment to this great club.
As you may know we put in place a new membership model this year to create a more sustainable model which will allow investment into the club at all age grades; this included offering a free breakfast to each mini after every Saturday session. This has been a huge success, indeed the membership at mini’s level has gone up by 20% since the start of the season, which will hold us in good stead going forward. I would like to thank Grahams Dairies for helping sponsor this initiative; this is exactly the type of partnership we are seeking to grow.
This model also helps the ages grades to tour again. I am delighted to announce that there will be tours to our twin town Villeneuve d’Acsq, Harrogate, Newcastle and Lampeter in South Wales.
We have been able to employ 2 new Modern Apprentices who work alongside our current DO in the local High schools and feeder Primary schools, as well as coaching at the club. This is already starting to bear fruit with new members joining.
Through our sponsorship with the Stirling Highland Hotel, we are covering the annual membership fees of individuals within the club’s youth system, identified by Team Managers as most benefiting from support. This venture is something we will seek to increase over the next year to encourage youth from all parts of the Stirling community
Off pitch, are continuing at a pace, the refurbishment program is ongoing, with the next steps planned; new WCS, extended food offering and the Macron shop along with a new changing village. We have strengthened our Comms by employing a part-time media and comms assistant as this was an area requiring improvement, with the person starting at the beginning of December, we have also employed an assistant events manager to help with the increase in bookings and events happening at the club.
We have been discussions with the SRU, Stirling University, the Council and the Cowane’s Trust, regarding a deeper partnership within the community, examples such as Forth Valley Hotel and Catering College working with the club to provide match day meals for all ages grade, the University regarding Scholarships and partnering with the council to host major events such as this year’s Hogmanay party and the Stirling 900 pipers event.
Police Scotland have held several international games at Bridgehaugh this year which were a great success in terms of rugby and support, we look forward to going this relationship further next year.
There are so many other things in the pipeline that will be announced over the next few months.
We have put in place our vision for 2030 for the club; a full refurbishment of the pitches, a new Scrum academy, continued refurbishment of the clubhouse will enable us to teach, nurture and promote Rugby and Sports within the Stirling area and give the children an opportunity to make the best of themselves in a safe and welcoming environment, This can only be done by the continuing support from our members, supporters, volunteers and the community.
The reconnection of Parents, players, members and supporters of old has brought much more than just numbers to the club; the heart of this club is well and truly beating strongly, and I look forward to this continuing at a pace next year. I promise I will do everything I can to make sure all of this happens for the club and the community.
All the good that is happening at the club isn’t going unnoticed by our peers and the SRU, and wider afield, which is testament to everyone connected with the club
With this, I would like to sincerely thank you for all your support over the year and going forward.
All that remains is for me is to thank everyone for the support and encouragement I have received since becoming President, and to wish everyone associated with the club a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all at the club again soon.
With best Regards
Ryan Fletcher
President, Stirling County RFC