The environment in which we break for Christmas this year, both in rugby and our wider lives, is the hardest that many of us have ever experienced. The challenges on the game we love and the removal of those close social bonds we have grown, as we put our bodies on the line for each other, are truly unique and can’t be replaced easily.

When looking for silver linings from this year there are few, our bodies may be less battered but our mental health has never been under such pressure. 40% of us have admitted to having struggled, I am sure there have been hard times for many more than that. People have lost livelihoods and loved ones and many wonder how 2021 will treat us.

As a club though and together as a family, we are resilient and optimistic in nature. It’s how we have approached this year under the rugby leadership of Greenie and an engaged and dedicated group of club officers. We have much to be proud of including;

- Regular training under all RFU stages for on average 60 members a session
- An amazing intra club touch tournament creating friendships across the squads
- Celebrations to mark 25 years of our fantastic club
- A new cohort of potential players joining a Covid secure Pathway.
- Engagement with our loyal and strong supporters with a plan in place to grow that group as rugby returns.

Our work off the pitch to ensure the club remains at the forefront of inclusion has been a key way we have adapted our focus. Within the club a great start and lots of work has been made by the diversity group. Externally with our leadership in the Trans Women ban debate and the RFU D&I delivery group we can be proud of what we stand for, there is plenty more to do though.

Now we look to the future, from the difficulties we’ve faced we are poised to rebuild and be stronger, as an organisation and against our opposition on the pitch. We’ll dig deep but every member is needed to ensure our success. So how can you contribute to that....

We’ll build, in early 2021, a rugby strategy that delivers for us all to go into next season, hungry for wins and the tools to deliver. We’ll prepare for an epic tour to Ottawa where we will represent the hundreds of members that have come before us in our 25years. We’ll celebrate the end of this difficult time as restrictions are removed and we’ll work hard to deliver on our values

So make sure you are part of that, we may not know when we will be back in West Ham as we go into Christmas, but we will be. So when that happens be present, train, bring back those unsure about returning, pay your membership fees and engage in our collective work.

I hope no matter where or how you are celebrating this festive time you manage to have a peaceful one. Do not feel alone or isolated, reach out if you are struggling as your wider rugby family is here for you.

On behalf of the whole board, Merry Christmas to all our members and followers and we can’t wait to see you in the New Year.

Yours in rugby

Matt
Chair
Kings Cross Steelers RFC

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