Last week end saw the Annual Alton Rugby Club Age Grade Festival. The day was an outstanding success with hundreds of children between the ages of 7 and 12 took part in an enjoyable and competitive festival of rugby.

These days do not happen by accident! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers for giving their time, willingly and without being forced or paid to do so, to make this event such a resounding success. Pitches were marked and marshalled, cars were parked in 3 different locations! Food and drink was dispensed, games refereed, players cheered and encouraged. This list of tasks goes on and on!

There are too many people to name check everyone but please accept this as a blanket ‘Thank You’ to everyone that played a part , no matter how big or small, in the smooth running of the event. This does really move us towards our overall mission of ‘being the best Rugby experience in Hampshire’. Days like this meet the Core values of the club - Inclusivity, Respect, Enjoyment, Nurture and Excellence in equal measure across the event.

I would like to especially thank Matt Arrowsmith for all of his work organising the event. He has quietly drawn people together over the weeks up to the Festival. Building a team of volunteers that has delivered a day of Rugby that our children (and those of the other clubs attending) will remember fondly! Thank You Matt!

The Executive Committee are planning Volunteer ‘Thank You’ events over the season. Watch out for further details. These events will be to recognise and reward our volunteers over the season and will be for everyone that has volunteered at Alton Rugby Club.

Steve Jenkins
Chair
Alton RFC