JERSEY RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB YOUTH TEAM
Aurigny Junior Team Award Winners
Thank you to award sponsors Sportingbet. Thank you to the media
who without, there would be no wider record of team
success.
First and foremost I would like to congratulate all our squad
members, the team themselves - motivated, enthusiastic, prepared to
work hard for each other, performing to a high level. A team who
work well together, who clearly enjoy each other's company and have
a strong sense of fun. They have earned the award through hard work
and determination and should rightly be proud of themselves.
Rugby Club Youth Team:
Jersey Youth Team (the Colts) 42 registered players this year who
turn out for training rain or shine twice a week throughout the
season. This in itself is some achievement due to the competing
demands of school (most are currently studying for exams)
A team confident of their ability & performance, proud of
their club and the 1st first team. (a team they all want to play
in).
Currently Hampshire League Leaders (This year we are the team to
beat).
We have a number in our Youth team who have gone through the
Academy from the age of seven and have developed an outstanding
technical ability.
However our team is not just about ability, it's about attitude.
Our latest signing has only been with us and playing rugby a matter
of weeks, what he lacks in ability he makes up for in enthusiasm
and a desire to learn.
A team that is inclusive. To their credit our coaching team were
firm on the concept that if you put in the training you got a
league game. Already this season everyone who wanted a game has had
a game (and we are still league leaders)
Four of the team are representing the Island at County level.
Charlie Hubert, Luke Huelin, James Voss & Chris Levesley
selected for the U18 Hampshire squad. Chris has also been selected
for London & South-East Divisional trials.
U17's have Hampshire County trials soon. (12th February)
Six who train alongside or play for the 1st team. A huge
achievement for any young player to aspire to and an indication of
the fantastic opportunities available to all of our Academy
players.
Not just about the game but about giving something back.
Five of the team turn up on a Sunday morning to coach with
academy volunteers, passing on their rugby skills to the younger
age groups
Four of the team have gained a refereeing qualification to
help other teams get a game.
A team who collectively give up their free time to work with our
sponsors Bedell to raise money for our chosen charity 'Brighter
Futures' Working with Bedell allows us to equate the concept of
team with the concept of community where winning is defined by
making a difference to the lives of others.
Like everyone else that were nominated for an award the
Youth Team had a lot of help along the way. The team on the pitch
are suported by a much larger team. Those who guide and support us
within the Club & the Academy
The respective Chairmen, Bill Dempsey (Jersey Rugby Club) &
Kevin Lemansey (Rugby Club Academy) two of the many who have a
passion for helping and guiding others. I know neither Bill nor
Kevin count the hours, and the effort they dedicate to the
promotion of Island rugby and support of all our teams. They
perfectly exemplify what the spirit of rugby is all about.
The Coaching Team - Our team have access to top quality
coaching. Club Lead Coach Ben Harvey (winner of the coach of the
year). Youth Team Coaches led by Ash Elphinston, Graham Howgate,
Donovan Saunders, James Copesey, teaching important lessons in
attitude and technique - not only about the game. They ensure that
striving for success becomes a common character trait and hopefully
something our young players take with them on the journey through
life. Not only great coaches but great role models and great
ambassadors for the game.
All the others who contribute and support our team. Particularly
Chris Fuller in his second season as team manager and does a huge
amount of work to ensure the team runs smoothly. Marcus Cochrane
who does so much to ensure all the age groups reach their potential
at County level. Jane Baines who tirelessly scrutinises the team
budgets in order to maximise trips to play against other teams and
all the others who help out in so many ways and perfectly exemplify
what the spirit of rugby is about.
Obviously the award the Youth Team were presented with is part
of a much bigger picture. The future ripple effect of the Youth
Team success serves as another challenge for those either moving
into the team next year and indeed to all the Academy age groups.
Something else for them to aspire to and want to emulate. The
foundation of any good team is one, which inspires and encourages
others to succeed.
There are so many people who made this possible. Thank you to
all of them.
Alan Williamson
Brighter Futures
The objectives of the charity remain the foundation upon which all
work and developments are based:
To give children, families and young people in Jersey the
opportunity to be safe, healthy, happy and aspirational
To support children, families and young people in Jersey to engage
in life changing opportunities, especially in times of difficulties
and challenge
To fundraise in order to develop the opportunities and resources
available to those accessing support from Brighter Futures
