Dear Members,

When I was voted into office, one request stood out: “Keep us updated."

These messages are part of that commitment — sharing what is happening around the club, where we are heading and, importantly, the progress we are making together.

Rugby Is Back

After a long, hot summer, it has been great to see rugby return to The Crofts.

Our Senior Men began their pre-season against Southam, securing a win on a memorable, stormy Thursday night. More important than the result was the commitment on the pitch, the number of players involved and the support from the touchline. They continue their preparations with their next pre-season fixture this weekend.

The club also recently hosted JessFest, with our Women’s team taking centre stage in the showcase match and recording a convincing win against a spirited Camp Hill side.

The Ladies followed that performance with another excellent win against Kidderminster Carolians last Sunday — a very encouraging start as they prepare for the season ahead.

Both our Men’s and Women’s squads have shown encouraging numbers, with a great mix of established players and new faces — including many who have progressed through our own age-grade rugby.

I have asked our Directors of Rugby to provide separate updates about their sections, giving members a more detailed insight into squad numbers, preparations and opportunities for the season ahead.

Our age-grade rugby also returned on Sunday 6 September, bringing even more activity back to The Crofts.

It really does feel as though the club is coming back to life for another season.

Please look out for the revised senior fixture lists and follow our social channels for the latest fixtures, team news and updates from across the club.

What Does OLs Mean to You?

Old Leamingtonians means different things to different people.

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to play at and visit many rugby clubs. Every club has its own character, but what makes OLs special is that it is about more than the rugby, clubhouse or pitches.

It is about the people and the sense of belonging.

When the Committee discussed our vision and priorities, we asked a simple question: What does Old Leamingtonians mean to you?

We talked about rugby, players, success and fun. Then someone made an important point:
"It’s great talking about players and putting the focus on rugby, but for me, as a non-player, the club is about enjoyment.”*

That helped shape our thinking.
Rugby will always be at the heart of OLs, but a rugby club is about far more than 80 minutes on a Saturday or Sunday.

It is about players and coaches, but also parents, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, patrons and social members. It is somewhere to catch up with friends and former teammates — and reminisce about matches in which, inevitably, you played slightly better every time the story is retold!

From those conversations came our vision:

ONE CLUB. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE STANDARD.

Creating the best environment for everyone to enjoy, play, volunteer and succeed.

Our Priorities

A vision only means something if we turn it into action. The Committee has agreed five priorities for the club:

1. Build Financial Sustainability
2. Improve Facilities — Floodlights
3. Encourage and Increase Community Participation
4. Improve the Player Experience
5. Increase and Develop Our Volunteer Community

I will share more about each priority over the coming months and, importantly, keep you updated on what we actually deliver.

Financial sustainability comes first because it underpins everything else. We need to grow our income, develop sponsorship and grant opportunities, increase membership and manage our resources carefully. This will allow us to continue investing in our rugby, our people and our facilities.

With just five years to go until our Centenary, now is the time to think about the club we want to pass on to the next generation.

Our history was built by generations of members and volunteers. We should be proud of that legacy, respect it and continue building upon it.

Membership Is Open

Whether you play, coach, volunteer, sponsor, support from the touchline or simply come down to catch up with friends, you are part of Old Leamingtonians and our Gold and Blue family.

Membership for the new season is now open, with the option to pay in full or by Direct Debit to spread the cost.

Membership is about more than paying to play. It supports the whole club and helps us provide the rugby, facilities and welcoming environment we all enjoy.

If you have not yet renewed, please do so and support your club.

Facilities Update

There has also been good progress behind the scenes.

Our new gym has now been signed off by Building Control and is fully operational. The changing-room project is also back on track following several setbacks.

A particular thank you must go to Mike Robertson and Tim O’Toole for leading these projects.

Improvements like these do not simply happen. They happen because people are prepared to give their time, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the club.

South Warwickshire Local Plan

Please also take a few minutes to read our previous message about the South Warwickshire Local Plan and respond to the consultation.

The proposals could have a significant impact on the future of our club and the surrounding area. Every individual response matters, so please make your views known using the information and consultation link provided in that message.

More Than 80 Minutes

Old Leamingtonians is more than 80 minutes of rugby.

It is about creating a club people want to visit and be part of — whether to play, coach, volunteer, support, socialise or simply meet old friends.

There should be a place here for everyone.

If you take nothing else away from this message, I hope it reassures you that we care about the club and are working hard to make progress. We are a volunteer team, however, and we need your support wherever you are able to give it.

Finally, please keep the feedback coming. Tell me what you would like to hear about in future updates — and don’t be afraid to tell me when they are too long!

With so much happening around the club, deciding what to leave out is often the hardest part.
One Club. One Community. One Standard.

Mark Edwards
Chair
Old Leamingtonians RFC