A message from our Chair
Firstly and most importantly thank you to our loyal members and rugby family for continuing to support Stockton RFC. Without your support and the unbelievable efforts you have made to fundraise, I doubt we would be having this conversation and instead would be looking at the demise of our community rugby club.
To be writing this in the knowledge that our club remains safe and that we can continue to develop the facilities for our future, gives me a sense of both pride and relief. Sadly there is no manual for running a rugby club in a global pandemic, and every day and every decision brings new challenges. I have no doubt mistakes have been made, and as your Chair I take full responsibility, however I also see how we have pulled together to support each other, fitness challenges, zoom quizzes, socially distant walks , coaches contacting players and friends to check in, vulnerable members supported, all of this makes me proud to be a part of this family.
We are not over the line yet and we remain in lockdown, cut off from the social and physical interactions that make our sport so special. However with the vaccination programme and spring approaching we can start to dream of a return to some semblance of normality. It is likely we will be playing through spring into the summer, however we will work with our members, especially the younger ones, to ensure they don’t miss out on their summer sports. The more choice they have the more enjoyable it will be, after a difficult and often frightening year.
When we return you will see some changes to ensure your safety, we will have support in place to ensure you can access the facilities without any concerns. Procedures will be in place to support social distancing, to ensure those on site are symptom free and to managing any risk of infection, through thorough cleaning and disinfection. We want you to be able to relax and enjoy the summer in the knowledge that your safety is our primary concern.
Hopefully we will be able to have some of the social events that are unique to our game, as we come together to celebrate all things rugby. The purchase of the marquee and mobile bar does give us outdoor options, which are perhaps safer in the current climate, but we should never lose site that the clubhouse is our social hub and a place where we can meet and enjoy each other’s company, knowing we are also supporting the club financially
Despite the difficulties it remains the honour of my life to chair the club I grew up at, and the knowledge that you are ensuring it will remain a part of the community for another 150 years and beyond is a source of comfort in these uncertain times.
Until we can meet again, please take care, stay safe and look after each other
Yours in rugby
Graham
Chair
Stockton RFC