Well, what a year! New challenges, problem solving, keeping our players and parents safe meant adapting to the ever-changing government and RFU Covid guidelines. We had Club awards in a very different way by home visits and socially distanced or virtual events meant we were able to give out the players awards for the junior section for 2019-2020. This year I was hoping we could do one big presentation, but this was not to be, and we have had to keep to individual age groups. After an abrupt end of season and no summer touch training, we all managed to return to play in September, socially distancing and keeping safe. We were successful in getting sponsorship from a local company Hants Health Care Ltd to purchase shirts for U9'S for which we thank you once again.

This season has been a very broken one with training but all our volunteers in the junior section have been awesome, very resilient and adjusting to the new ways of training and keeping the players motivated and interested. Not always an easy task, but we have retained our players and even had new players starting after the last lockdown. The line out shack has gone from strength to strength and is used by all ages for hot drinks and refreshments. Many people have enjoyed sausage and or egg baps on a Sunday morning whilst watching their child play rugby. Today we are in profit as a charity with £756 after paying out for the trophies. I really hope we can continue the good work by Sam - thank you Sam for your hard work. There is currently a vacancy as a manager coordinating the running of the line out shack, this could be a job share. Fancy running a little café?!!!!

The junior section continues to raise funds and supports our players with the option of purchasing 2nd hand boots and clothing. Such a great help as our children never stay the same size for long. Placing a small donation or swapping a pair of rugby boots is a great way to help each other out. After the last lockdown we have been able to play on from where we left off, which is great news for everyone being able to return to training and the Fawley rugby family. Most of our players have returned and many new players started, and we are even getting some football players joining and playing on a Wednesday night. Moving forward... we have loads to look forward to, a new season, fixtures, training sessions and friendlies all arranged by your coaches and team managers. Please support them as much as you can. We really need more 1st Aiders and assistant coaches to help your coaches with training sessions The more the merrier. You would be fully supported, and the club would pay for your courses.

This year all age groups will start the season with new reversible player shirts. It will be such a great thing to see the players in all the same kit. These cost £35 to purchase and the players will look absolutely great. These are for use during the season, and we will ask for them to be returned at the end of season.

The season will return after the six week holidays. Registration will be on Sunday 5th September 09.30am for U6 – U11’s and from 10.00am U12 – 16’s. We continue to look for new players of all ages and have a Girls team starting for U13’s (school years 7/8). If you know anyone who would like to join, bring them along, they will get two free trial sessions.

But of course, along with players we need parents as well. We need more volunteers to help run the juniors, where roles can be shared. Any training courses are paid for by the club, some can be done webinars, others locally and some I hope to arrange some in a group here at Gangwarily. The more people we have the easier it can be for all.

Vacancies:

Line Out shack Coordinator (Start Aug- prep for 2021/22)

Vice Chair

1st Aiders – all age groups

Assistant Coaches or parent helpers – U8’s (Start Sept 21)

Team Managers - U8’s (Start Sept 21) & U9’s (Start Sept 21)

Thank you to Caroline Jenks for her years of support and hard work. Denise Walley will be taking over as safeguarding officer. Thank you also to Richard Hewlett-Curl for your last 8 years as a coach.

The New Club House is taking shape, Grants are being applied for and sponsorship events have occurred throughout this last year: Jurassic Walk, Non-uniform day at Noadswood and the cake sale. Next year we will have a programme of fundraising events to work towards the total goal of £150K. Tender Packages have been put together and sent out to Mildren Construction, Gracelands and one other for quotations. Some of you have already come forward about how you can help move this project forward. Please continue to come forward if you can offer any help.

Sponsorship – Sponsorship – at no cost to you, we encourage you when you purchase items online to do so via Easyfundraising. So far 39 supporters have raised £156.00 just by shopping as they usually would but going to the online sites by the Easyfundraising portal

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES:

1.DAY OF ACTION - Sun 15/08/21 10am-1pm

Fawley Rugby Club – getting ready for the start of the season

2. COMMUNITY EVENT - 07/08/21 10-4pm

Hythe Village centre

3.START OF SEASON - Sun 05/09/21 - 0930 - U6-U11’s

FawleyRugby Club - 1000 - U12-U16’s

4. MARCHWOOD FETE - Sat 11/09/21 12-4pm -

Lloyds Rec, Marchwood