Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club

In June of 2002, the 75th Anniversary celebrations started with a highly successful Summer Ball held in a marquee at the club. On the playing side Darren Collingwood, the new Club Captain, appealed for support in this special year, stressing the need for the more experienced players to encourage the increasing number of youngsters within the club. Colin Edwards became the Club Coach. Colin having played at National Three level had been coaching our neighbours Woodrush RFC. The new season starts on August 17th with the Annual XV-a-side competition continuing into the new league and hoping for a successful campaign leading to promotion.

The lottery Sub-Committee consisting of Debbie Wood, Julie Peach, Richard Walker and Brian Hope are now preparing a new application for a Sports Council grant to improve the facilities generally but particularly the changing rooms. The aim is to raise between thirty and forty thousand pounds ourselves in order to secure a successful application for funds totalling approximately 120,000.

The launch of this programme celebrating seventy-five eventful years is set to coincide with Vice Presidents Day when we are matched with our first ever opponents Dixonians. We look forward to a successful future in an uncertain world especially in these difficult times for junior rugby clubs like ourselves. The recruitment of young players is our single most important objective. The game of rugby is constantly changing with new standards set and a fresh attacking approach fuelled by Englands national success. The gap between the successful professional elite of the top clubs, which consist of just a first team squad and development squad, and the junior clubs is growing. We, like every club, should aspire to play at as high a level as possible but there is a price to pay. There are differences in the clubhouse atmosphere of a typical Old Boys side and an up and coming ambitious outfit where the teams enjoy a relaxing drink away from the crowded spectators bar.. Whatever happens in the twenty-five year period until our centenary, we can only hope that we will continue to thrive and retain our competitive attitude on the field and our friendly and hospitable nature in the clubhouse.

It all starts this season, which will be difficult, as we try to overcome the low blow dealt to us by the league system and try to achieve promotion. Whatever happens will depend just as much upon the large number of unpaid and often unsung people who support the players on the field, as the players themselves.

Finally, in this special year, we would like to welcome our members, guests, visiting teams and their supporters to what we hope will be a year to remember.