vagabonds
rufc
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Vagabonds
RUFC
V
agabonds RUFC is a terrific example of a well-run, community establishment that plays an important role in the
local area. Chairman Gordon Leece took the time to tell us more about the club.
He said, “I first became involved with
Vagabonds RUFC in the 1969-70 season
and was attracted to it due to two other
extended family members already playing
for the club. I had started playing rugby at
school and after leaving wanted to keep
up the interest. Unfortunately after only
a few seasons I had to step down from
the Club due to being unable to commit
to Saturday afternoon games as a result of
work commitments.
“After a number of years away from the
game, my youngest son wanted to take
up rugby and so Vagas was the obvious
choice. He started at Tag level and like
many parents I stayed and watched. I
knew the head coach at the time and
was asked if I wanted to become more
involved. I subsequently gained several
qualifications ending with Level 2 and
became the Youth Section Head Coach
and was able to watch my son progress
12 Issue 08
through the club together with several of
his friends.
“The most rewarding aspect of this
took place this season when, having
been elected Club Chairman, I was
able to see seven of my previous Youth
players progress to 1st and 2nd XV team
appearances – most of them having
started out at tag level.
“The youth section is very important to
the Club as it also helps to showcase our
fantastic facilities as at least two Island
wide tournaments take place each season
when approximately 300 young players
and their parents visit our ground.
“In my current role I am supported by
an excellent Committee and together we
try to enhance the Club experience for all
our members from the youngest youth
player to some of our older (now!) social
members most of whom take an active
role in the Club. One of the challenges
is to try and keep everyone happy as all
members are important with the huge
spread of opinions and experience that
they have.
“The 2015-16 season is the 50th
Anniversary of the founding of the Club,
which started life as the Douglas High
School Old Boys Rugby Club. Many of
the original members are still living in
the area and it is intended to hold several
events throughout the season to celebrate
this fantastic achievement.
“Our intention is to try and involve as
many of our past members in the events
and try to engage them in the Club and to
bring them back ‘into the fold’ if they have
drifted away. We intend to culminate the
season with an invitational game at our
ground followed by a dinner with a guest
rugby speaker.
“Our 1st XV Mens team play in the
South Lancs Cheshire Two League whilst
www.vagabondsiom.net - Twitter : @ VagabondsRUFC