Chairman's Update

Hello Members,

Firstly I just wanted welcome you all to the beginning of another exciting season at Millwall Rugby Club.

This weekends events:

England vs. Wales - Shown live in the Clubhouse on Saturday the 6^th of August at 14.30

Caribbean Night at the Clubhouse – tonight Friday the 5^th of August from 18.00. More details on Facebook.

Director of Rugby:

I’m delighted that we can start the 2011/12 season with the appointment of a Director of Rugby.

This professional position represents a real investment by the Club in the development and sustainability of Rugby at Millwall. This paid position is not just about running a training session, although this will continue to be a key part of the role, he will be focused on leading the Men’s training sessions.

In addition, an equally crucial component will be the professional development of our Coaches and looking at all aspects of coaching across the Club, which you asked for in last seasons Club survey.

Warren Abrahams is an IRB Level 2 qualified coach and brings experience of coaching and playing at the highest levels, working as a coach for London Irish and Harlequins as well as playing at a national level in the UK and South Africa he represented South Africa in the emerging Springboks Seven’s team.

Please feel free to introduce yourself to Warren, get to know him and welcome him to the Club.

Volunteers:

One of the things that makes any Club special is the involvement of you, it’s members and players in the running of the Club, no matter how big or small the contribution. We couldn’t do what we do without people like you helping.

We recognise that in the current climate finding time alongside work and home commitments is increasingly difficult but for our Club to keep the lights on, game teams out on the weekend and the ability to have a drink in the Clubhouse it’s vital that we get some more help from you. Whether it’s regularly volunteering 5 minutes or 5 hours a week your valuable time or some occasional expert advice/help, YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU!!. We are looking for ways to recognise your contribution to the club, more details to follow.

Please contact volunteer@millwallrugby.com if you can help.

Recruitment:

We are always looking for new members to participate in this great Club as a player or socially, so spread the word amongst your mates. The amazing mix of people at Millwall is one of the reasons that we are such a welcoming and dynamic Club. More details to follow on some upcoming Club organised recruitment events, but don’t just wait for us.

Venus:

Congratulations to Louise and the ladies for starting the 2011/12 season for Millwall, last weekend Venus took part in the Worthing Seven’s tournament. The event was the first opportunity to put all the hard work and skill gained at training into a game and although the team didn’t win, each match was an improvement on the last and was a great opportunity for the team to play together and develop as squad. Good luck for the rest of the season, I’m sure you’ll go from strength to strength.

Men:

With season rapidly approaching, we have less than a month to go to the first game for the men.

We are hosting a trial game against the Phantoms on the 3^rd of September on Millwall Park. This is a great opportunity for you meet the new players in the Club and show of your skills to Warren and the rest of the Club before the start of the regular season.

For the existing players out there if you haven't already done so it would be great if you could drop an email to the men's chair Randall Powell or to the relevant team mangers email address letting them know of your intentions for the season.

Details of training and upcoming fixtures will be on the clubs website.

I hope you have a great weekend and are looking forward to the World Cup and the coming season as much as I and the rest of the Committee are, I look forward to seeing you at game or down at the Clubhouse.

Regards

David Leftley

Chairman

Millwall Rugby Club