Hi All
The days are finally lengthening and there is an air of
spring around. In my email today, I'll mention how we're doing on the pitch and
mention some events off the pitch.
On the Pitch
We had a very successful weekend last week from a team
appearances point of view with the full three Men's teams out and the Women's'
team also out. The results weren't ideal but these will improve as I feel we're
in a transition that all clubs go through where a new base of players has
arrived and are linking together.
Following a tough January, the 1s have a bit of a battle in
Essex 1 but I'm heartened by the depth of players that we now have and with a
bit of an effort, we'll finish strongly. Flex tells me we're up to 800 player
appearances this year and have already exceeded last season. Venus are doing a
fantastic job of attracting and developing players and are well worth their
nomination of Senior Team of the Year at the Canary Wharf Sports Awards. Don't
forget to tell friends and colleagues about us. Victoria Park remains
unplayable after the Olympics but we're doing our best with Tower Hamlets
Sports to secure it for home games.
A Message to New Players and Members
Welcome first of all. Secondly, please feel free to make
this your club. We're not steeped in unchangeable traditions at Millwall and
are open to improving things. Once you've paid your membership you have the
same rights to change the club as someone who has been here for years and
coming from me, who has been here 8 years, I know your ideas will be very
welcome by the longer term members.
Rocky testimonial, St Patricks
Weekend and James Eason Leaving
As new members join, we'll be sad to see a number of players
go and wish them well. Rocky (Jamie Rockman) has moved even further away this
year and will find it hard to attend regularly so bids us farewell from regular
playing. We're having his testimonial on Saturday March
16th which most of you will know is St Patrick's Weekend. Maybe we
should we make the Chairman play as a leprechaun? It's bound to be an
impressive day out.
The game and general day is open to
everyone, regardless of whether you know Rocky or not, and there are no planned
club games that day. Sign up via the team sheet below, don't worry which side,
we'll rotate them on the day and we'll have specially made jerseys which you
can put your name down for. Contact Larry McCabe larry@millwallrugby.com
for further details or see Facebook.
Team Sheet
James Eason is moving to Asia to take up a new role and
would like to see you for a drink before he goes at Mary Janes, 124 - 127
Minories, London, England on Friday February 22.
Your last chance to see if he really can box (though you might want to do it
outside!). Facebook Event.
Floodlights
Following a very welcome donation by a member (thanks
indeed), we gathered enough funds to make the application for matching funds
from the RFU for a total of £10,000 and are now waiting for news from the RFU
Trustees.
6 Nations & Millwall Involvement
I know at least Barry, Anton and I were in
Dublin for a rather damp game last weekend which was no doubt brilliant if you
were an England supporter, deservedly winning there after 10 years of losses
there (Chairman ducks). Last weekend also saw an international cap for our own
club member Leigh Dargan who turned out for the Ireland team against England,
having a very successful 25-0 start, well done Leigh, further details here. Before
that we sent a merry bunch to Wales and all returned safer and
wiser.
Women's Team
Venus were deservedly nominated for
Senior Team of the Year at the recent Canary Wharf Sports award and
subsequently made it into the RFU's Touchline
magazine which goes out nationally. Men - pay attention, they are doing
something really well.
RugbyFirst
We were also mentioned in Touchline for the RugbyFirst event
and, for anyone who didn't see the Sky
Sports coverage live from our own clubhouse, you can catch up here via
Facebook (and see some very still Millwall Bar staff namley Shaf, Garetha
and Scott).
Youths
Scott has been working very hard with the RFU to bring new
young players into the sport of rugby and to us in Millwall. We've hosted two
event at the clubhouse this week and both have been a great success, firstly
the Tower Hamlets U15 competition was attended by 5 schools (70 children) and
went very well- this lead to discussions about a possible Saturday school
league and possible u15 district team.
Secondly the next RFU schools event took place on Wednesday
and had another 50 kids at the clubhouse. Again, this went very well and things
are looking very positive for the future of our youth section.
On top of this Scott has confirmed coaches for the youth
section relaunch on Sunday March 3rd and the following 3 Sundays- any help on
these Sundays would be much appreciated!! Contact youthchair@millwallrugby.com
Coaching
The healthy numbers attending training show Dave and Anton's
quality coaching is working and will improve your playing. We're investing in
the development of coaches and 6 of us were on the Recent Rugby Ready training
course. Scott is arranging another event which will this time be organised
through the club so payment and paperwork will be easier. Sign up via Facebook or
contact Scott, youthchair@millwallrugby.com
We're also looking to recruit more coaches given our plans
for next year. See the club blog
Annual Dinner and Awards in the
Houses of Parliament - May 11
The social highlight of the Year will be back once again in
the Houses of Parliament courtesy of our President, Mr Jim Fitzpatrick MP. Save
the date and watch out for more announcements or contact Brigitte socialsecretary@millwallrugby.com
Touch
We're in the process of becoming an official RFU O2 Touch
Partner. This brings a significant investment in terms of funds and help from
the RFU to develop touch rugby. Its particularly useful given the number of
people who work in Canary Wharf who would enjoy touch rugby. Watch out for
further details and get involved.
Support Our Sponsors
Don't forget to support our sponsors who help allow you to
play and support rugby, Byblos Harbour Lebanese Restaurant in Millharbour and
The Gaylord Indian Restaurant, both of which offer excellent food on our
doorstep, and your club membership earns you a discount.
Survey
Most years, we ask you the members directly for feedback and
we'll be arranging a survey soon.
First Aid
Andrea will be arranging the course soon, email firstaid@millwallrugby.com
to sign up and get further details.
AGM
The AGM is pencilled in for April 27th this year. Being on the
committee takes a little work but gives a great sense of making a difference to
the club and giving something back to a great sport. Next year will be a
exciting year for us as both the club and the RFU build towards the World Cup
in 2015, speak to current officers for more details. This is also an
opportunity to understand the club, make changes to its running including the
constitution (which can be changed in other ways outside the AGM).
Contact Paul for further details secretary@millwallrugby.com
Facebook
As you'll have noticed from the above, the club does have a
very active Facebook page. While Flex writes a program and we do use email,
Twitter, the website and blogs, we'll use what ever you find useful and
Facebook does make updates very easy so hopefully any non Facebook users will
understand.
Good luck until next time,
Tim
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