In short the weathers not supporting us at the moment and unfortunately we had to cancel fixtures this weekend for the first time in the season, however with the great coaching teams we have it was good to see squads training. The next two weekends are scheduled to be training sessions for all age groups as half term always cases fluctuating numbers. Please let your age group co-ordinators know if you can’t make a session so coaches can adapt their plans accordingly.

Tomorrow evening we kick off our planning for the rugby world cup, thank you to the single volunteer from the M&J section! As a members club we rely on individuals stepping up if you can spare sometime in supporting the club, section or age group it will be greatly appreciated.

This month’s newsletter is dedicated to the topic of volunteering as with only twelve weekends left of the season we need to ensure the 2015/16 season builds on the foundation of this and previous years.

I’m aware of many tours being planned and I hope you all get a chance to experience either a full blown weekend or squad days out to celebrate the season, this activity is traditional in rugby and supports the building of relationships within the squad which ultimately builds on their ability to connect as a team on the pitch.

Mark
Mini & Junior Chairperson

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VOLUNTEERS!

Coaching
Under 6 Coaches! Next season the current coaching team will be moving up to the U7s as of yet we will not have an Under 6s group unless we have a group to support this, we will provide the support from a training, equipment perspective all we ask is for "enthusiasm" it works well when a group oif two or three can support collectively and co-ordinate/deliver the sunday morning sessions.

Committee Positions: why volunteer?
We will be holding an AGM at the end of the season to formerly appoint a new team, we curently have many volunteers supporting behind the scene some have already indicated wish to stay on and some stepping down. The section has grown & grown over the last few seasons, and the resources required to support has also increased, we have identified a structure to build but need individuals to become involved and keep the momentum going. Not involved before in rugby is not important there are certain roles that would benefit from external volunteers joining & being part of this social and sporting institution.

The Club currently runs three senior men’s teams, an occasional vets, senior ladies and has age group rugby for 6 year olds to 17 year olds.

Many hands make light work and we need more who are willing to step up and make a difference. Most of the existing committee at OLs are fulfilling two, three or even more roles – they do it because they enjoy it, because they want the club to succeed and if only more people got involved we’d all enjoy it even more!

Successful rugby clubs are more than just victorious teams on the pitch. Players and coaches are vitally important but so are the many dedicated volunteers who work hard behind the scenes to help a club function.

You don’t have to be a rugby expert to get involved, just a lover of the game and a realisation that any input would have a beneficial effect.

Benefits of Becoming a Volunteer
•Building self-esteem and confidence
•Learning and developing new skills
•Being active and improving health and wellbeing
•Meeting new people and broadening your social network
•Giving something back to the game you love
•Enhancing work experience and building a CV
•Making a difference in the community
•Having fun!

Enthusiasm is the key, as long as you have some, we’ll count ourselves lucky to have you. You can make a difference.

We will also offer indviduals the chance, through RFU courses, first aid courses, referee courses etc to ‘rubber stamp’ and help fulfil that role and gain a sense of achievement. Plus automatically be part of the club and all that entails, including priority for International tickets.

Current M&J Comittee structure, this is not set in stone and anybody who feels they can add value and support please let us know, its not an exclusive club!

•Chairperson - Volunteers Please
•Vice Chairman - Volunteers Please
•M&J Coaching co-ordinator
•Child welfare officer - Club appointment
•Membership Secretary
•Fixture Secretary – Minis - thank you Simon for stepping forward
•Fixture Secretary – juniors
•Junior referee co-ordinator
•Club-School Liaison
•Kitchen manager
•Social Secretary
•Volunteer coordinator

SPONSORS!
Thank you again to our two M&J section sponsors, if you are able to or are interested in finding out more information to the various sponsorship opportunities please contact Mike Vallance