Welcome back to those of you who have been with us for a number of seasons and a warm welcome to all players new to the club... whatever age group you are with I am sure you will have a thoroughly enjoyable season with us, and hopefully many more seasons to come.

Our aim is to provide a safe, fun and competitive rugby environment for players of all abilities. We have outstanding facilities and will have some of the best in this area, excellent coaches and some pretty fine players too.

There are a few things I need to draw your attention to.

1. SPONSOR: We would like to thank Recycling Management for their sponsorship of the M&Js. Their support, financial and in many other ways, helps the club function. Recycling Management are also the main sponsor for the Senior Club.

2. MEMBERSHIP FEES: Membership for M&J’s, Colts, Seniors and parents/supporters can now be facilitated through Silhillians RUFC website. https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/silhillians/payments

3. VOLUNTEERS: Like all rugby clubs we are dependent on volunteers to make it all happen. This season we need someone to take on the role of Fixtures Secretary for the Juniors, fixtures are already in place for this season but it’s critical the post is filled as soon as possible. We also need the roles of Secretary and Treasurer to be filled by the end of the season. Please let me know if you can help with any of these areas.

4. FESTIVAL: Our Mini & Junior rugby festival is on Sunday 22nd March 2015. It is widely regarded as one of the best rugby festivals in the area with 700+ children playing competitive and fun rugby. It is also one of our major fund raising events.
We need your support for the event in terms of taking out advertising in the programme and providing raffle prizes. If you think you can help please contact the organiser, Simon Albrighton at simon.albrighton@kpmg.co.uk.

6. ANNUAL DINNER: Our annual dinner is on November 8th, and will be held at Copt Heath Golf Club. Usually age groups book tables so ask your lead coach. If not, then contact the organiser, Doug Walker at walkerdouglasj@btinternet.com

7. MONEY / INVESTMENT: Just a quick note about money. All the income from registration fees, the profit from the shop, festival, annual dinner help to fund the running of the Mini & Junior rugby club. We use these funds to buy new training equipment, provide coaches with training and first aid courses, and subsidise tours etc. We also have to pay a sizable rent to the Old Silhillians Association for use of the pitches, changing rooms and clubhouse.

8. CLUBHOUSE FUTURE: There has been significant development with regard to the proposed alterations and extension to the clubhouse. In August the Care Home was given planning approval, an important part of the plans for the extension as it is partially funded by the sale of the site for the Care Home. All being well the clubhouse will re-open 17 November 2014 and the full redevelopment should be complete by January 2015. We all look forward to a fantastic new facility that will be one of the best in the area.

9. WEBSITE: We have a rugby club website – www.silhillians.com. The Mini and Junior Section lists all the club’s main officials’ contact details, numerous club policies and documents, and a page for each age group, please register on the site.

10. PARKING: Always a challenge, but in particular during this phase of the redevelopment. During this refurbishment U16’s are using the facilities at Camp Hill, U15’s are at Arden School, Colts are play on a Sunday afternoon, U6 – U10 have the use of Solihull School and U11 –U14’s at Silhillians. There are usually car park attendants to help but please do not park where you might obstruct an emergency vehicle and car share where possible.
Parking on Jacobean Lane is not recommended as local residents have complained to the police in the past.

11. FIRST AID: There are usually plenty of people with relevant First Aid qualifications at the Sils on a Sunday morning. All coaches know the First Aid drill and will act accordingly. If though you find yourself in the position of being the first to an incident – if in any doubt call for an ambulance – our address is Warwick Road, Copt Heath, Knowle B93 9LW, by Junction 5 of M42.

12. SUPPORTERS: Vigorous support from the touchline is encouraged... but we will not tolerate any abuse – verbal or otherwise – of players, referees, supporters, and coaches. Please familiarise yourself with the club codes on the web site and on the Safeguarding Noticeboard.

13. COACHES: We have 40+ coaches at the Sils, most with Level 1 or Level 2 coaching badges and we had a number doing the foundation Rugby Ready course in September. If you find yourself getting restless on the touchline and want to get more involved we always welcome more coaches... the club will pay for your coaching qualifications. Please let me or any of the lead coaches know.

14. MAIN CLUB: The Senior club runs 3 teams. The 1st XV compete in Midlands One (West), playing on Saturday afternoons. The 2nds play in Warwickshire 1 and the 3rds play friendlies. Your support is welcome – details of matches are on the website. The Senior club are always looking for new members, training is on a Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm; if you or anyone you know are interested in getting involved please contact Andrew Clutterbuck on 07866 733180. Players from the 1st XV have volunteered to help the M&J’s on Sunday mornings, if your age group would like to take advantage of this offer please let me know.
And that’s it. I do hope you have a thoroughly enjoyable season ahead, with lots of success on the field and plenty of fun off it.

Best wishes

Dave Fleming
Chairman
davemfleming@aol.com
07966 174256