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Volunteers at Fakenham Rugby Club Recognised by the RFU
Rob Ward
Alan Young & Tom Bane-Young recognised by RFU
Alan Young and Tom Bane-Young were recognised for their selfless volunteering at Fakenham RUFC by the RFU, announced at the last Norfolk Open meeting.
A lot of the work they both do is unseen by many within the club, but is vital in keeping the club functioning.
Alan Young has many roles and has volunteered for many more over the years he has been involved with the club. Two of the roles he currently undertakes are vital to the continued playing of rugby at the club.
Firstly he is the chair of the Mini and Junior section of the club. This role ensures coaching is available for all age groups involved in the club. He has actively encouraged parents, many with no experience of rugby or coaching to take up the role. These parents are now on a journey of learning and developing their children and those within the age groups they coach, to become the players of the future within the senior club.
Secondly he is the clubs school liaison officer, which means he visits schools to coach and introduce rugby to pupils who wouldn't otherwise play. Although coaching within these schools is important, the more important part of this role is to introduce rugby to the teachers so that the school can teach rugby without Alan having to be there, although he will still liaise with these schools organising tournaments and advising on further courses to enhance their coaching. This presence within the schools is to encourage children who find the sport enjoyable to join their local club, Fakenham RUFC, thus building our mini and junior section so that we can have squads in all age groups.
Alan's son, Tom Bane Young also actively volunteers despite having a job that regularly seems him working away from home. Again a lot of the time and effort Tom puts into the club is unseen, but vital to the finances and continuing growth of the club.
Tom has increased the sponsorship base within the club, actively encouraging more local businesses to become involved. Whether that be sponsoring the players kit, scoreboard, pitch side boards or numerous other opportunities. The relationship Tom builds up with these companies takes time and dedication, but somehow he always seems to the time to find new businesses to be sponsors at the club. The club couldn't function without our sponsors and we are always truly grateful to all of our sponsors.
Tom has also found the time to form a second team. He has pulled players out of retirement, encouraged younger players to keep playing and formed a partnership with Dereham rugby club. Meaning that Dereham now have the opportunity to have senior rugby played at their club again and Fakenham have a second team again, with a larger squad than last season, meaning that we can once again have a second team within the league structure.
To have been recognised by the RFU for their volunteering efforts within the club is a great achievement. Well done Alan and Tom and thank you for all of your efforts in keeping Fakenham rugby club running.
A lot of the work they both do is unseen by many within the club, but is vital in keeping the club functioning.
Alan Young has many roles and has volunteered for many more over the years he has been involved with the club. Two of the roles he currently undertakes are vital to the continued playing of rugby at the club.
Firstly he is the chair of the Mini and Junior section of the club. This role ensures coaching is available for all age groups involved in the club. He has actively encouraged parents, many with no experience of rugby or coaching to take up the role. These parents are now on a journey of learning and developing their children and those within the age groups they coach, to become the players of the future within the senior club.
Secondly he is the clubs school liaison officer, which means he visits schools to coach and introduce rugby to pupils who wouldn't otherwise play. Although coaching within these schools is important, the more important part of this role is to introduce rugby to the teachers so that the school can teach rugby without Alan having to be there, although he will still liaise with these schools organising tournaments and advising on further courses to enhance their coaching. This presence within the schools is to encourage children who find the sport enjoyable to join their local club, Fakenham RUFC, thus building our mini and junior section so that we can have squads in all age groups.
Alan's son, Tom Bane Young also actively volunteers despite having a job that regularly seems him working away from home. Again a lot of the time and effort Tom puts into the club is unseen, but vital to the finances and continuing growth of the club.
Tom has increased the sponsorship base within the club, actively encouraging more local businesses to become involved. Whether that be sponsoring the players kit, scoreboard, pitch side boards or numerous other opportunities. The relationship Tom builds up with these companies takes time and dedication, but somehow he always seems to the time to find new businesses to be sponsors at the club. The club couldn't function without our sponsors and we are always truly grateful to all of our sponsors.
Tom has also found the time to form a second team. He has pulled players out of retirement, encouraged younger players to keep playing and formed a partnership with Dereham rugby club. Meaning that Dereham now have the opportunity to have senior rugby played at their club again and Fakenham have a second team again, with a larger squad than last season, meaning that we can once again have a second team within the league structure.
To have been recognised by the RFU for their volunteering efforts within the club is a great achievement. Well done Alan and Tom and thank you for all of your efforts in keeping Fakenham rugby club running.
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