We last updated you all in Mid-March just before the lockdown and as we know since then daily updates and government decisions have made us all have to adapt with of course our own health and family support the priority. We hope you are all safe and supporting our NHS and key workers through this crisis.

In an effort to provide a further club update on where we are, we feel it is important to provide some additional detail around club business since the last update.

In terms of the Senior section the RFU have decided that the 1st XV will finish 4th in the league, one better than last year, with Wolverhampton getting promoted. Staffs cup final dates have yet to be re arranged or decided upon. Our 2nd XV team, we await the local league decision and as we know our successful Colts team finished top of their league, we anticipate the 3rd XV merit league position to remain as they finished. Our successful girls section had another great season both at under 15 and under 18yrs.

Unfortunately, all the Mini festivals we believe will not take place this season but again all teams have developed and kept moving forward. Based on a number of factors we would hope to have presentation events at some stage during the year but only when safe and following government advice. Thank you to all the children, parents/carers/coaches.
Like many other community organisations the financial impact of the restrictions and temporary closure of all club facilities leaves us in a challenging position.

As a committee we set up a CV core group based on roles and knowledge very early on with the aim to ensure we continue to serve the Leek rugby community and our wider supporters to the best of our ability. Clearly we have had to review all income and outgoing and ensure the facilities are managed during the coming months. We have taken up the support to furlough one member of staff and have used the support on offer by the RFU and Government in terms of grants to support our own internal club membership/sponsor support to ensure we come through this crisis as best as possible . We await some of those bid decisions. Thank you to the Mini/Junior section and Members /Sponsors who have continued to pay their monthly DD and the support of the call in of monies to help the club through this period of change.

On a positive note we have hired out the club kitchen to a local couple who have set up a deliver to your door meal business called Gallagher’s home kitchen – view their Facebook page – the feedback seems excellent .

The Just giving page we set up in mid-March as so far raised approx. £900 – a massive thank you to both members and non-members who have supported this .
We do appreciate that members have greater priorities at this time of national crisis, but should you feel you can help us please see the link:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leekrufcfightagainstcoronavirus?utm_term=xbjn8ZkPa

We do ask where we may have vulnerable members /friends of the club that contact is made via telephone /social distancing to provide any support as we really need to use our community spirit and the core values of rugby.

Based on some best practice taking place in the wider rugby community we are appealing for a couple of volunteers to assist in taking the lead on a couple of tasks which all helps both income and some fun:

1. A 200 club organiser which basically looks to set up a monthly draw for members who pay into this

2. Club Quiz night lead using Social media channels either weekly or monthly.

Any other help members feel they can offer would also be much appreciated. Please do contact us with any thoughts and any persons who are willing to take the above tasks on.

Please stay safe and keep talking to your teams/players/parents.

Mark Hardern Ian Byrne
Club Chairman Mini/junior Chairmain