Monday's Musings

CWRFC AGM – PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Reflections on the 2014-15 Season

1.     2014 was a year of significant challenges for the men’s program, results would have taken us to relegation but for change in league rules which created this year’s regional qualification structure (four teams competing for three CDI premiership spots).

2.     Our 2014 Junior Boys & Girls & Minis numbers were way up, and most junior teams enjoyed #1 on the Island finishes!

3.     Community Engagement / Fundraising saw some improvements, including a successful tree-chipping and dinner at Victoria Golf Club.

4.     Organizationally, we had some big wins, including establishing a strategic plan for the club, establishing a leadership structure to support Senior Women’s rugby and securing a renewed commitment from Senior Men’s coaches, as well as the return of key Sponsors including our lead sponsors Penny Farthing and Carson Autogroup.

2015-2016

1.     We have six priorities in our strategic plan. We are making progress on all of these:

a.      Start and sustain a women’s program

b.     Reinvigorate the Men’s program

c.      Improve on-field competitiveness & player engagement (keep it fun)

d.     Keep our players safe

e.      Continue to improve communication & engagement of all stakeholders & create more cross-club connections

f.      Improve our organizational efficiency

2.     The Senior Women’s Program is already a HUGE success.  There is new energy at the clubhouse   & success on the field with a second placing in the Island League and play in the BCRU Premiership League underway.

3.     Junior Women’s Program is growing with more levels, and ever stronger numbers. Many players representing CW at Provincial and one player at the National level, (Caroline Crossley at the upcoming Dubai 7s)

4.     Senior Men’s Program is off to a great start, especially at the Premiership level.

a.      Ten players (current or ex) at RWC representing Canada

b.     New position – Club Captain – Riley Ilnicki

c.      Renewed and outstanding commitment from the Coaches

d.     Great returning talent, outstanding influx of new talent

e.      Prems look strong

5.     Juniors Boys are heading towards top three in the province finishes at all levels.

a.      Junior Boys U18 Tour – 3 & 0 vs. UK host teams

b.     Junior & Mini programs continue to grow in numbers and our teams are proving very competitive at every age grade

c.       U14, 16 and U18 are all contenders for provincial championships this season

6.     Web-site will transition to a new platform – mobile friendly, with more functionality.

·        Imminent cutover to new site.  Take time to familiarize yourself with navigation.  Give us your feedback.  Thanks to our host, Squareflo.com

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7.      Fundraising and Community Engagement Events.  Mark your calendars.

·       Tree Chipping at Windsor Park  – Dec. 26th onward

·       Oak Bay Village Xmas light up – Sunday Nov. 29th

·       Truck Parade (Oak Bay Village) – Sat. Dec. 5th

·       Annual Fun(d)raiser – Our #1 Club-building social fundraising event! Feb. 27th Dinner & Auction at Victoria Golf Club.

In summary, CW is a great club in the midst of a great year.  I would like to thank ALL of our volunteers who make this club tick, from the Exec members, to the field set-up crew, to parents who fill water bottles, clean gear, serve meals for guests, take pictures, tweet, cheer, drive and to our coaches and team managers for their commitments. Finally, to the players, have a great finish to the year and enjoy the game.

 ELECTION OF INCOMING BOARD

The following slate was elected unanimously;

PRESIDENT – Don Swainson; SECRETARY – Tony Watson; TREASURER – Brett Jackson;

PAST PRESIDENT – Chris Spicer

DIRECTORS – Dave Crossley (Girl’s and women’s rugby); Karl Klashinsky (equipment); Craig Thornber ( men’s team manager); Matt Gordon (minis and junior boy’s rugby); Ian MacLean (website and communication); Riley Ilnicki (men’s Club Captain); Natasha Schigas (Board invitee).

The faithful will note an absence of Brent Johnston from this list.  Brent has stepped away from being a Board member after countless years of service.  He continues to fulfil many, important roles with the club and his contribution is invaluable.  President Swainson notes; “The Board and I wish to thank Brent for his ongoing service to the club.”

ADDENDUM- CWRFC is always looking for volunteer service.  Currently we have a pressing need with assistance and transition for a treasurer’s role; a coordinator for community services and special events and a volunteer who can serve as web content manager, someone with some expertise, who maybe wants a little resume building, web-development experience, or has an interest/capability that they are willing to contribute.