Rugby Club ISSUE 86 | Page 45

Barry “I’ve been sponsoring the club for more than five years now; we first got involved when the club approached the company and we were happy to help when we can. I always keep up with how the teams are doing and would like to congratulate them on their promotion this season. We are proud to be associated with such a great club and wish them all the best for the future.” James Davies We have a reputation for outstanding independent eye care and investing in the latest diagnostic technologies. Our philosophy on spectacles is to bring the latest, stunning, high quality frames which are mainly available in boutique city practices to Barry and Penarth. We provide these at affordable and competitive prices with expert advice from qualified dispensing opticians. I also want to mention the mini and junior secretary John and financial secretary Chris Briard as they work so hard to support the section through finding funding, attending meetings, managing the section kit stock and organising section events that are attended by all age groups and make the club feel warm and welcoming.” Integration “The WRU are currently looking at running U17s age group at club level. It’s something that we are interested in doing and hopefully this can be achieved next season. It’s still in development. It is a big step for some as they haven’t developed as quickly as others and can come up against a two- year age gap. We’ve always encouraged the youth to be part of the seniors training sessions so that their made to feel welcome and be part of the squad. They get to see the changes early on in preseason and are encouraged to play when able for the seniors side, 2nd team rugby or 1st. Being able to play on the weekend is the bait.” Community “I would like to think we are seen as part of the community. We have always invited to the community to be part of the club. We have other sports teams who use the facilities for their presentation and tournaments. We have also put on a fireworks event for the last few years which always draws a huge crowd. No club should close themselves off from the community. You can’t rely on rugby alone these days. As chairman for the mini and junior section I would like to hope we do relate to the local community and people are talking about how the club is developing young players girls and boys and hopefully reinforcing the positive attributes we can offer. “We also have summer fun days and bring senior and junior rugby together through the mini section playing as curtain raisers for the senior matches. Senior players also assist to coach the mini and junior section as part of the link between the seniors and mini and junior section.” Tel: 01446 735551 www.arbuthnotopticians.co.uk 6 Broad St, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 7XP with most councils they’re all feeling a squeeze on their purses and pass that onto us. We as a club attempt to keep registration fees for players and members as low as possible. We do apply for sports grants and community funds to help fund coaching courses and equipment. Age groups are encouraged on the weekends to run cake stalls and fundraise for bespoke equipment and kit.” Ambitions “By end of this season we will have hoped to have been promoted to Division 1. With this in mind the club will want to maintain this position for a few years to come. It’s going to be hard but with promotion comes recognition and attracts other players. We’re a family club with local players who grew up playing with Barry. We have some amazing talent coming through the age groups, who knows we could produce the next international player, Male or female. I’d Just like to thank all those involved in the club, some go about their work without recognition. The club is one club. Everyone has their roles to play to make it their home. I would say that it’s the best club in Wales, but then that’s because I wouldn’t want to play or coach anywhere else.” Challenges “As with most community clubs, financial stability is key. We have to work with the council on pitch maintenance and www.rugbyclubmag.com 45