A strategic plan covering the next five years in the history of Jersey Rugby Football Club has been published.
Entitled 'Fortress Jersey - Building a Sustainable Future', the plan outlines the core values and ambitions of JRFC for the next five seasons. Written by Nigel Smith, CEO of Ora Charitable Trust, the document reflects the club’s successes of the past, the challenges of the present and identifies opportunities for the future.
Jersey RFC Chairman Bill Dempsey paid tribute to Nigel Smith's thorough work in speaking to a range of stakeholders in compiling the report, and said the strategy was one he fully endorsed and commended to JRFC members.
"The club is a very special community and has an illustrious history, but we cannot stand still and we certainly cannot be complacent," Mr Dempsey said. "This strategy sets out the Club’s vision and objectives and we have shared it with our key stakeholders to demonstrate how we intend to keep moving forward. We will closely and regularly monitor our progress and we encourage stakeholders to do the same – we welcome their continued inspiration and support."
Vice-Chairman Mark Morgan spoke to members at a launch event at the JRFC clubhouse, outlining the intention to build a sustainable future, emphasising some of the key goals:
Mr Morgan said: "The strategy is encapsulated in the ambition of our mission statement, which is to enrich Island life by achieving consistent success on the rugby pitch, underwritten by a viable business model."
In pursuit of the club's mission statement, a series of strategic objectives have been set. Rugby is the starting point, with JRFC targeting successful and enjoyable rugby at all levels from the youngest mini rugby age group to the 1st XV, where the goal is to sustain a viable Championship position year-on-year.
The objectives encompass off-field ambitions involving members, sponsors and key stakeholders, as well as covering the club's employees and volunteers. Other features include the commercial activities that will ensure sustainability, the development of the ground at St Peter, and engagement with the Island community.
Bill Dempsey concluded: "On behalf of the Executive Committee, I'd like to thank Nigel Smith for his efforts in researching and writing this report, and the support of the Club's main sponsor, Ora Limited. It leaves us with a clear idea of how to tackle the challenges of the next five years."
Copies of the strategic plan were distributed to members at the launch event, and the document is also available in PDF form by clicking on the link below.