Whitstable

Whitstable RFC enjoyed a season to remember last time around and is now working hard to make sure that they continue to be successful for many years to come. Rugby Club Magazine recently caught up with their Chairman Peter Hudson to gain an insight into their success.

He told us, “I’ve been involved in the club for about 30 years, playing several positions from hooker, flanker and eventually prop (both tight and loose) before eventually captaining the side at the age of 50.”

“I’ve been on the committee for many a year being social secretary, mini and junior liaison, club captain, mini and junior chairman and treasurer and for the last five years as club chairman. I took on the role of chairman when the club was close to closing due to lack of funds and poor management; we couldn’t pay the staff and were struggling to pay our debtors.

“It has taken a long time and some uncomfortable decisions have been made and with a good committee and an excellent coach Malcome Graves, I’m happy to report the playing side is in great shape winning Kent division two this season, the club financial situation is great with a fantastic business plan in place to keep it that way.

“Last season was excellent with not only promotion to Kent Division One but also a very successful under 17s and a great mini and junior side following them. For the rest of 2018 I think that it is time to retire from the role as club chairman; five years is a big commitment and we have a strong candidate to take over.

“Youth rugby is very important for us with most of our first team coming from the mini and juniors. T To help players make the transition into the senior game the under 17s are encouraged to join first team training sessions when appropriate. Also, the first team shirts, which are multi sponsored, are supplied to the under 17s so they look as good as the firsts.

“We are a community club and we were lucky to be one of the first rugby clubs to be given money from the national lottery. We have a great junior section and the club’s hired out for several different types of events.

“Our biggest challenges over the coming years are to continue our business plan to keep money coming in the door, keep trying to encourage local schools to play rugby and to continue to improve the quality of rugby we play. The coach has a five year plan to get us back to London South 3, so far we are on track.”

It is clearly an exciting time to be involved with Whitstable RFC at the moment and this is thanks to all of the hard work that has gone into making the club a success. If they continue in the same manner then they should be able to look forwards to a bright and successful future and everyone at Rugby Club Magazine wishes them the best of luck.

To view Issue 80 of Rugby Club Magazine, click here

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