As a member of the squad I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Stockport RUFC. I hope you and your parents enjoy many years here. Rugby and Rugby Clubs may be something you are new to so I have prepared this small package so that as you will then have something to refer to.

The Under 14’s squad is just one of 17 teams , yes 17 teams that this club turns out every weekend. It is very much one club from 1st XV down to Under 7. I often say to the lads on the team that is never about this week this month, or even this season. It’s about how many of them are playing rugby in 10 years time.

I have been helped out on the coaching front by a number of people over the years and for the forthcoming season I have brought in two new coaches. Rob Wellock and  Zak Hammond. Jim Crennigen and Mark Hiney will also be around. Jim and I will manage the 2 match day teams.

The objectives for all teams I have been associated have ALWAYS been the same:

The ball is your court guys, you can be sure that we will continue to give 100%. If you all give the same 100% then we will progress together very fast. All we want is for every member of the squad to achieve their full potential.

If training is on Sunday mornings and will start at 10.0 am prompt. It will end at approximately 12 noon.

When we have matches it will on Sundays. Home matches require you to be at the game venue wherever it is a minimum of 60 minutes before kick off. In fact that will be the same for away games as well.

I think that you have reached an age where every squad member should be responsible for making me aware of their availability for training and matches and not to not rely on other squad members or parents to pass the news on. Failure to do this will be taken into consideration when team selection is made for matches. As the season progresses it would be of great assistance if everyone who has access to the internet would become a regular user of their e-mail.

Remember, I have no axe to grind. I have no son amongst the team. When it comes to selection I will normally not refer to anyone except my coaching staff. Decisions will be made using a number of different criteria. In no particular order they are, amongst others: Player development, Reward for hard training, Desire to win games.

I will clearly state now that winning at all costs is not my agenda. When it comes to replacements on match days: I will do every I can to get everyone on the pitch. It is not always easy and I do not appreciate being questioned on this score especially while games are in progress, by players or parents. I don’t think the united bench go tapping Sir Alex on the shoulder during a nail biter with Chelsea...I think I’ve made my point. One last small point on this subject is that when we play Cheshire Cup games : all bets are off.
1) I select the best 22 players for the squad
2) I select the best 15 players to play
3) Only in exceptional circumstances will all 7 replacements be used.

You may be at a rugby playing school. I always expect all my players to give 100% top their school rugby. I will on occasions come and watch your school games to see how you are progressing. Let me know your fixtures as soon as possible.

A couple of small point to all parents. I expect all parents to be part of the team. Your sons need and deserve your support. I do not run a teenage crèche. Please just give positive support to all the players home and opposition. Try not to coach, cajole or criticise your off spring….Leave that to me…..It avoids confusion. Encourage the whole team and applaud good play by them and the opposition alike.

As I said before and I will repeat over and over again, “ This is not about this week or this month or even this season it’s about where this group of players is in 10 years+ from now. “The journey starts here. It’s long one.

Some may fall beside the wayside but many of you will get years of enjoyment from the game of rugby and with it,

friends for life. The future is bright the future is RED GREEN and WHITE