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A Welcome Back Message From Chairman Jim Stacey

A Welcome Back Message From Chairman Jim Stacey

Alan Bell3 Sep 2016 - 08:22
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https://www.kingswoodrfc.co.uk

It's been a summer of developments, both on and off the field.

I am also pleased to announce that subscriptions have been maintained at last season’s level across the board and we have introduced an additional player package solution and as a club we are now able to formally recognise the contribution our coaches mak
- Jim Stacey - Chairman

It’s with great anticipation and excitement that I welcome all Kingswood RFC members back to the club at the start of the new season. We have a cracking weekend of rugby ahead.

Saturday see’s the club starting with two senior sides at home. The first XV in the cup v Old Costonians and the 2nd XV entertaining our near neighbours, and long-time rivals, Barton Hill (nothing gets the blood going like a local Derby).

Kick off for both games is at 2.30pm to allow players, supporters, parents and junior players to get in the bar early to ensure everybody gets the opportunity to enjoy the long awaited return of Bristol RFC to the premiership with the televised game against Harlequins. If you are not at Twickenham today, then Kingswood RFC is a great place to enjoy good rugby and a great atmosphere.

Sunday see’s the return of the Knights and the start to their season with a registration and fun day, with lots of activities planned. I have been reading the Facebook page every day and it looks like the anticipation is building nicely with some big announcements due to be made.

Lots has gone on over the close season and the club has continued to invest in both the infrastructure and the rugby. A significant amount of money has been spent on pitch improvements to ensure the pitches remain robust and able to cope with the high volume of rugby played on them over the course of the season. We will continue to invest in the pitches over the course of the season to ensure we limit the amount of cancelled games to as few as possible (let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a much dryer winter than last season). Training facilities have been sorted out for the winter for all sections of the club to ensure we have plans in place in case of bad weather. A significant amount of equipment has been purchased ready for the start of the season and further playing shirts have been ordered across the club.

The club has now also become an O2 touch centre and are working with the RFU to build on the success of our trophy winning touch team and to encourage more people to take up the sport and become part of the Big K Family.

The senior section have a new structure, selection policy and ethos in place and have welcomed several new members and a few old faces back to the fold. I am confident that with the commitment being shown and the processes and structure in place, we will have a consistent and more successful season this year. Who knows, we may even get to the point where we can run three sides again.

The Knights have also had a busy off season and I am sure you will hear lots more about this from Derek on Sunday.

Off the field the club have invested in a new till which will make getting served at the bar much quicker and we continue to make progress with regards to the future redevelopment of the clubhouse and facilities (more news to follow in the next few months).

I am also pleased to announce that subscriptions have been maintained at last season’s level across the board and we have introduced an additional Player Package solution and as a club we are now able to formally recognise the contribution our coaches make to the club on a Sunday to the success of the Knights section.

Please note subs need to be paid by the end of the month to benefit from the membership discounts and that it’s really important that as parents, social members and players you remember to bring your card to the club in order to benefit from the discounts we are offering to members.

We also recognise this is a very expensive time of the year, especially for parents with children going back to school and the need to purchase new uniforms and school stationary and equipment. We are very flexible in terms of payment of membership, so please speak to the membership secretaries (Nikki Honeywell for the senior section or Sharon Bryant and team for the junior section) or alternatively Derek and myself as we want to make sure everybody gets the opportunity to play rugby.

In conclusion, lots going on. It’s going to be another busy season and please keep your eyes on the Facebook pages for both Knights and Kingswood RFC along with the website and club noticeboard, so you are fully aware of what’s coming up.

Welcome back everybody and here’s to a great season ahead.

Regards,

Jim

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