Since the club’s birth in 1972 I have had many conversations with organisers of other sports and youth clubs. All have told me how impossible it is to involve youngsters of different ages together in activities. Perhaps our club is unique but we have always had an atmosphere where adults help youngsters, 15 year olds help 11 year olds who in turn help the 9 year olds. It works. Many is the time when I have listened to “Jack” teaching a younger member to push and thinking that I used exactly the same words when I taught Jack years ago. We have set up a club where we all have a part to play and where we can all rightly share in whatever achievements any member records.
With a club that has been running so long it is inevitable that we look back at past members. One exciting era was when, after much success at County and National level for our girl members, we had our first crop of England ranked boys. David Johnson, Stuart Kurle, David Matthews (son of Hugh and Cherry) and Mark Williams (son of Estyn) all appeared on the scene together (not a coincidence) and brought much glory to the club which we all enjoyed. However, another name from about that time also stands out. David ‘X’ did not have the talent of his peers but had other advantages that were just as important for our club. He was committed, he worked hard and practised, he had a winning personality and he had time. This enabled him to climb the League ladder (he probably ended up at 3rd division level) and to encourage and be responsible for the younger players in the club who had more natural talent but had David ‘X’ to thank for the time he put in to them and the wonderful role model he provided for them. Members like David ‘X’ are as essential to our club as those with the talent to quickly accelerate through the League and it brings me to the main point of this month’s comment that every member we have is important to us and you all have a role to play. We hope all of you aspire to follow Tom Brocklehurst, Luke Hobbins and Chris Mulligan who all started with us as 11 year olds and are now playing at the highest local level but remember we need coaches (and the best coaches are not always the best players), team managers and organisers and they are just as essential if we are to become a club of which we can all be proud.
Shortly, we will be asking you to fill in a form telling us whether you want to play in the League next season. When the replies are in, the other coaches and me will sit down and place our teams as strategically as we can to guarantee that those who are improving quickly get the opportunity to play at as high a level as possible. If we think we can compose a side that will challenge for promotion, that is what we will do. Thus, we will look at current League averages to see where each one of you is at the present time. We will factor in how much we think you will improve in the next few months and then decide whether you are a player who is ready for a few hammerings at a higher level or whether you need a season where you are winning to build your confidence. Wherever we place you I want you to remember that you are all important members of our club. It matters not whether you play for the A team or the X team, we will value you for what you contribute to the club and give you the support you deserve. It is a philosophy that has served our club well in the past and one to which so many have responded.
Phil
