US Portsmouth – Investing in the Future

US Portsmouth RFC Youth, complete with White Ensign, at the recent England v Fiji International. Image courtesy of Si Burns / US Portsmouth RFC

When I work in performance environments I am often asked about what drives success.  Too many people are seduced in to looking for the answer in terms of infrastructure or money.  The answer is people make success, people with a passion for the cause they are working for.  You need look no further than US Portsmouth RFC where the infrastructure remains unchanged but the club is enjoying a renaissance not seen for far too long.  Why?  Well one of the key reasons is their Director of Rugby, Si Burns.

I have posted a couple of articles about US Portsmouth before and was naturally delighted to receive this recent communique from the club.  The RFU accreditation is an excellent milestone and also testament to the RNRU’s vision in partly funding a rugby development officer – well done one and all.

United Services RFC Receive the RFU Club Accreditation Award

Si Burns, holding the RFU Accredited Club emblem with Kev Robertson (Club Chairman) and Des Donworth (US Portsmouth Youth Chairman).  Image courtesy of Si Burns / US Portsmouth RFC

Recently United Services Portsmouth received the prestigious RFU Club Accreditation Award for all levels, Seniors, Juniors and Women.

The award has been set up to provide a framework to help clubs become stronger, more effective, more efficient and more enjoyable places to play rugby union.

It judges the club on areas such as retaining and developing players, recruiting and keeping new players, high-quality coaches, volunteers and referees, effective facilities, management and integration with the local community.

This is a big step forward for the Service Club. The club would like to thank CPO Ady Cherrington for working closely with United Services and all the hard work he has put in. The club has many volunteers both Service and Civilian and is grateful for the time and hard work they have put into this great Club.

 

United Services Youth Experience of Twickenham. England Vs Fiji Saturday 10th Nov 2012

 

The United Service Rugby Club, mini, midi and youth sections took four coach loads of players, coaches, referees and parents  to Twickenham for  the England Fiji match as a thank you for the hard work and commitment they all put into the club every year.

What a way to say thank you! Perhaps a future Navy Cap is in the photograph. Image courtesy of Si Burns / US Portsmouth RFC

One Hundred and one players from 7 to 16 years of age were paid for by the club as were nearly twenty five coaches and referees to say a huge thank you for the effort, commitment and dedication to the club that they show every week.  Their numbers were added to by over 55 parents who paid to come along making this a fantastic fully inclusive club day out capturing the spirit of community rugby.

For many this was the first time they had been to Twickenham or even  to see a professional game and the enjoyment was obvious to see, a fantastic score line from England meant that everyone were on their feet dancing in celebration more than sitting to watch.  Some expert explanations and coaching was heard throughout the stands from our coaches trying to explain decision making and tactics to the lads and explaining how they want to see this in our next matches!

The excitement was so great that the BBC presenter Jason Mohamed was surrounded by our players wanting an autograph on their hats and banners. They had no idea who he was, but he was on the pitch so had to be important to rugby!

So a hundred and one tired players all turned up for rugby training and matches the following day truly inspired to play better and one day represent their country themselves.

 

Notes:

Main article and images provided by US Portsmouth RFC.  For the most up todate information on US Portsmouth RFC visit their website at:  http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/unitedservicesportsmouth/

2 Responses

  1. John Walton
    | Reply

    Nice article
    Good to see US Pompy prospering again

    • Geraint
      | Reply

      Yes both Devonport Services and US Portsmouth have some good news stories coming from them. It was a petty that the match between them had to be postponed. Hopefully they will manage to rearrange it as it is a historic fixture in a number of ways. Geraint

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