Grimsby
Tom Bright is a winger and utility back for Grimsby Rugby
Club. He recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine about his
positive association with the club, saying “It was really through
a work friend that I was encouraged to train at Grimsby Rugby
Club and I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly welcome
and the club’s high standards on and off the pitch.
“I played most of my rugby in the Midlands having attended
school in Worksop where I played rugby for the schools 1st
XV and enjoyed competing in cricket and swimming also.
When I left school my love of motorsport took up most of my
interest until I joined Grimsby where I immediately enjoyed the
camaraderie and the positive improvements they were looking
to achieve.
“Unfortunately, due to work commitments I was unable to
make the last few games of the season but nevertheless I was
very proud to see the lads win the league and cup double. Tom
Roberts, our player coach, was excellent all season finding
time in his own busy life to commit to the club. Many of our
lads have taken on coaching courses to develop our junior
players and the development of ladies rugby can only add to
the already great atmosphere we enjoy.
“This coming season has already shown a commitment
from players who are already disciplining their beer intake on
a Friday night to ensure they are at their best for Saturdays
match.
“My company, Truck Links, are delighted to be the club’s
main sponsor and grateful to be associated with such a
vibrant club. I would like to congratulate everyone at Grimsby
Rugby Club on being chosen to appear within Rugby Club
Magazine and looking forward to playing with my mates again
this coming season!”
RC: How important is youth rugby to the club?
AP: Very Important, if you have any hopes of
longevity as a club you must run a mini, junior and
youth section to produce your next generation of senior
players.
Some of the current first team players have been put
through their coaching award and coach the U13s to U17s.
This has given senior rugby an introduction to
the youth section, and vice versa. The U16s
and U17s are also invited to train with
the seniors, non-contact sessions. Its
already had a benefit with a good
number of youth players coming
to watch their coaches at home
games and getting to know
the senior players. So, when
they’re eligible for senior rugby
they will not be as intimidated.
RC: Would you consider yours
to be a community club?
AP: Very much so, we have a
number groups and societies using
the club and grounds for their activities
and meetings, such as the cycling club,
boogie bounce, the local dog club and many more.
Also, this year the club became the Air Ambulance and
Coastguard appointed landing site for the local hospital.
We also loan the grounds out for charity events free of
charge.
• Vehicle Hire • Trailer Hire • Van Hire
Tel: 01472 352333 | Web: www.trucklinks.co.uk
Truck Links Ltd: Links House,
Estate Road No. 2, Grimsby, DN31 2TG.
RC: What do you believe could be some of the biggest
challenges the club may face in the coming years?
AP: Finance. With reduced grass roots support from
the governing body due to their own financial pressures,
each club will need to work hard to cover the shortfall
along with continued cost rises in utilities and supplier
cost rises. It’s a double whammy with less income and
rising costs.
Players. Recruitment, finding active
youngsters for your Junior section and
keeping them interested. Keeping
the senior players with increased
pressures from work and family
is another challenge.
RC: What are the clubs
ambitions for the next five
years?
AP: On the paddock we
believe the present senior
players with the introduction
of our youth players have at least
another promotion in them, in the
next five years.
We also want the Youth section to
continue to expand, the Grimsby Lynx women’s
rugby to establish themselves as a league side and for
the refurbishment/rebuilding of the changing rooms,
showers etc to be completed.
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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