Chris Rawlings, Parent Coach
Experienced Coaches have said that the 13- 15 year old teams often struggle as the boys mature. Some have a change of heart and move in a different direction, some become passionate about the game. Some parents bring their lads along to try and give them a focus, a physical outlet or to give them a direction in which to find themselves. Our team has struggled with these challenges and as Coaches we have deliberately sought to develop the team with a focus on the RFU core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship (TREDS).
One of our focuses was to bond the team. We have visited Leicester Tigers for a morning of being coached by the Leicester coaches and an afternoon watching the first team play Northampton followed by KFC and a very memorable sing along karaoke minibus ride home. We’ve been to watch Oxford University play too. These activities build comradeship and enhance the TREDS ethos.
Going on “Tour” as a rugby team has long been held in high regard in building and maintaining the team. However, this all costs and inevitably some struggle but this is a team, and we don’t want to leave anyone behind due to financial difficulties. Therefore, we must fundraise, so a Fundraising Committee was formed which in turn has brought the parents together.
We started with the famous Cake bake and sought other ideas. We were offered the chance of a Bingo evening when Nicky Clargo and her Oxfordshire Stars team (who run their own regular and successful fundraising bingo in Witney for Marie Curie) offered to run one for us on the proviso that we collected the bingo prizes.
Posters were designed and printed as well as a letter written to present to local businesses before we set about asking Witney shops and Trades. Twelve players, about half of our team, proudly wearing their Witney RFC club shirts, along with 6 parents anxiously approached hotels, cafes, shops and businesses. With each plea, the players confidence grew, working together, politely asking strangers for help. They were having fun, laughing and jostling with each other while bit by bit, they were rewarded with donations of stock from sunglasses to noodles as well as vouchers for haircuts, meals, even fruit and veg. This was repeated the following week in Carterton and again in Burford.
Rugby is more than a game; it is a community. The players were heartened when they realised that the people they approached, wanted to speak to them about what they were up to and found common ground with ex-players, parents pf players or just rugby enthusiasts not to mention how generous the local businesses have been. We have collected a surprising range of prizes which, I’m sure, will help make this bingo a successful fundraising event. This has been a wonderful experience for the players, reinforcing the TREDS values we hold dear. We as parents and coaches have been heartened to hear the lovely, positive comments members of the public have given us about how politely and maturely our 14 year old sons have conducted themselves. This is the next generation in action.
For information or to donate, please contact Coach Chris Rawlings 07958 499811 or email chris@familyrawlings.com
