Herb Howell, our visiting rugby scribe from America, gives his latest observations after visiting Caernarfon RFC.
A profile of the linkages between town and team suddenly emerged while awaiting the upcoming match between the host Caernarfon “Cofis” and the visitors from Nant Conway.
My original orientation began when I was given a copy of the First Thirty Years (1973-2003) by the hardworking grounds man, Sunday Bartender, and general Clubman Myfyr Jones with other duties as needed: like running touch. From my first scan of that well written historical account, I was aware of the depth the community is imbedded in the very fiber of the Rugby Club.
“Without the club, without the players, without the members, without the supporters, without the Committee there would have not have been (30) years of history to record. The records were not able to portray the whole story”
Clive James, editor, 2003
To the usual tourist to Caernarfon, it is all about the ancient 13th Century Castle, the Roman Occupation, and The Prince of Wales, Then there is the Welsh Highlands Railway, that goes through Beddgelert to Portmadog. But for the most part none of this is associated with the rugby club. Tourists get only a small picture of the real vitality of the community.
Since the first home match in December of 1973 v. neighboring Llangefni, the club has grown to become one of the town’s busiest venues in contributing much more than just rugby.
The Youth Programs are flourishing with more than 300 children participating in the programs, from ages U-7 through the U-19 Youth! The Youth pay no dues at all and this is seen as inclusive, with no economic separations. In America, this is the opposite with high fees for elite level youth sports, which is eliminating participation is many sports like baseball and soccer, for example!
The Women’s program is currently the focus WRU program for player development for higher levels of competition, before advancing to RGC competition. The women’s program, in Caernarfon continues to contribute to the Welsh Nation team and for International play.
But the real and dynamic issue is the Club’s contribution to and the making their facilities available to a vast array of community programs, at no cost!
An example of the community organisations that are hosted at the Rugby Cub on a regular basis, throughout the year is listed below:
Stroke Club for ten years
Gafael LLaw Charity Run
Hospice at Home Program
Local Children’s Football Club
Only Boys Aloud – a Boys Choir practice in the clubhouse
After discussions with Rugby Club Chairman Alun Roberts, Club Secretary Ann Hopcyn and others at the club, I was able to begin to understand the driving force behind the volunteers and the community at large. I comes down to just one word: INCLUSIVE. The rugby club is for all not matter the age, gender or economic station in life!
This is a very benevolent approach to supporting your community and give credit to rugby as a civic organisation and without expecting anything in return!
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