Well, what a year that was! The challenges of 2020 were certainly unexpected and have had a huge impact on our community and lives. Our thoughts are with all our club members and their families who have experienced first-hand the hardships this year has brought, be that from ill health or reduced income. I really hope that we have now seen the worst of this crisis and can start to reach a state of normality going into 2021.
As we are all aware there has been no rugby at ‘grass roots’ levels played since mid-March 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has left Yeovil Rugby and all the other clubs throughout our region without League competition, without spectators and without important social activities that generate much needed revenue. I think that if it wasn’t for the incredibly successful Crowdfunding campaign this summer and our monthly member’s lottery things would look much worse for us. As it stands we have managed to keep the club in a healthy financial position and used the down time to make huge improvements to our social areas, changing rooms and toilet facilities. We have also conducted significant electrical work and installed a new boiler in the John Merry Lounge.
I would like to thank everyone who has had to go above and beyond the call of duty during these tough times, both committee and volunteers, you are the heartbeat of our organisation and without your selfless commitment the club would not survive.
Our senior and junior players and coaching teams are amazing- literally through rain and shine, pitch rotation, hand sanitiser, dodgy floodlights and the uncertain future, you have achieved a huge amount in providing your players with a safe release from the confines of lockdown. The impact of the pandemic on mental health and wellbeing cannot be underestimated, so it has been great for players to have somewhere to let off steam and enjoy some outdoor fun and fitness with their teammates.
I was especially pleased to see our Girls Coach Les Medhurst nominated for the Mitsubishi Grass roots Rugby Volunteer Award and through the programme received a backpack, water bottle and certificate for his achievements “Well done Les”. Our coaches volunteer hundreds of hours and invest an incredible amount of time into their respective teams, and we are forever appreciative and thankful for their continued commitment to the club.
The impact the pandemic has caused this year has been huge, and hit all of us in some way or another. The beginning of the year seen volunteers within the club setting up a new initiative with our mixed ability teams. Working with IMAS and Bath to improve rugby for all, offering both a men’s and women’s mixed ability team to the community. The future of these teams is still promising, with a strong commitment to the team already being established by so many, and we are hopeful that this continues to grow and continues to be supported into the new year.
Looking forward, the prospect of returning to some local contact matches looks likely in the New Year, with a recent announcement by the RFU regarding cluster matches (both men’s & women) starting the weekend of 23rd/24th January. I know that teams have missed the more challenging environment of competitive rugby and are chomping at the bit to get back, albeit with law adaptations.
Please be assured that every decision made has been done so to ensure that we can return to rugby in a way that is not only compliant with government advice, but safe for players and their families.
Finally a massive thank you to our sponsors, not only our main sponsors, to whom we are indebted, but to all who sponsor the club in different ways including, pitch boards, player sponsorship and club maintenance tasks. Quite simply we would have really struggle without you.
Whatever your plans are this Christmas, we wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful time. We are working hard to make 2021 a fantastic, SAFE rugby-filled year
Merry Christmas & Wash Your Hands!
Paul McHugh
Club Chairman
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