Rugby Club ISSUE 87 | Page 79

PENARTH are predominantly from or live in Penarth and as a focal point in the town. It’s amazing how many people you bump into who take an interest in the club’s results and how it’s going. Until very recently we were the only club in the town with a junior section and I think that the fact that everyone seems to have a connection to us whether that be having played for the club, or having a dad, grandad, son or daughter involved really helps. It is our aim to grow that further and really provide somewhere where people want to come and get involved. “Funding is always an issue but participation is key to our success. Both from getting younger kids involved, older kids to stay involved and ensure that there is progression to senior rugby is key to our future success. We would love to field a 2nd XV next season but in times when there are so many other options and distractions for people at all ages it is something that really has to be proactively managed. “Our ambitions over the next five years are to build on the local talent we have and nurture the current junior and youth players through the club and into senior rugby to enable us to move up at least 1 division and maybe see some of those players go further and even into representative honours.” Head Coach Matt Bolton also took the time to speak with us, saying, “I have now completed three seasons at the club. I wasn’t involved with any club at the time and Sean O’Sullivan set up a meeting between myself and the main committee men. “The most challenging part of my role is the chasing of players to turn out on a Saturday. The most rewarding is seeing a team turn a corner and Amanda Thomas of Molson Coors would like to congratulate everybody associated with Penarth RFC on a great season and best wishes for the 2019/2020 campaign! www.rugbyclubmag.com 79