Fans of The Eagles preparing for kick off © Just the Trick Design / Neal Johnston / Cornwall Sports Media
On the evening of the 20th of February, 2023, Falmouth Rugby Club (FRC) called an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to discuss the future of the 150-year-old club.
Urgent help is needed in all areas of running the club, an EGM is a way of letting people know what community spaces like this brings them and what they can give in return. Like what players can get through club memberships, helping the public understand how a rugby club is run, and the substantial work that volunteers put in.
Meetings like these also break the barrier between the players and the supporters, because without a cohesive relationship club’s like Falmouth would not be able to carry on providing for the community and their rugby players.
John Bullock, current Chairman at the club, began the meeting by calling in a new President. This is an honorary position that lasts two years and the President can do as little or as much as they like for the club during that time.
Vice Chairman of the club James Instance and Scott Dunstan both proposed Paul Radmore as the new President.
President of Falmouth Rugby Club 2023, Paul Radmore © Just the Trick Design / Neal Johnston / Cornwall Sports Media
Radmore told the audience: “I had ten good seasons, then I coached for a couple of years, then I became the Treasurer for a year, then the Secretary.”
This has led him to now becoming the President of the club in 2023.
That trend of keeping the club close to your heart year after year doesn’t seem to be stopping either. After FRC parted with the Head Coach of The Eagles team, Tom Spiller Captain of the 1st men’s team, has volunteered to take the Head Coach position. Spills, as he’s more commonly referred to, has been with FRC since U8s, and there’s no sign of stopping his involvement with the club after the relegation of The Eagles to Cornwall 1.
After positions were discussed and filled, Bullock turned his attention to the future of the club, and the Falmouth Women’s team is a step in the right direction.
Lydia Hawkins, who currently manages the team, spoke of the growing success of the women’s side and she said that the club had been very supportive. However, she added: “We need the same as the men’s team, we need team managers, help with organising and funding.”
Other focuses for the women’s team are facilities around the club, and a Head Coach. The club has already applied for grants for sanitary products and better female facilities.
This future, said Bullock, can only be achieved through support and volunteering. “The volunteer pool is quite small and shallow…if we can increase the depth of that pool, there’ll be more people doing less work.”
Head of finance, Mark Atkins, described the past three years for the club as “the maddest years possible.” With Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, and utilities (growth of 450% for the club), Falmouth Rugby Club is keeping their spending down to an absolute minimum. But “this isn’t about doom and gloom”, John exclaims, “it’s a call to arms!”
FRC Grounds Maintenance, ‘The Thursday Gang’ © Just the Trick Design / Neal Johnston / Cornwall Sports Media
Some areas the club needs to fill with the help of volunteers are: Governance, Grounds & Facilities, Communication & Marketing, and Coaching. Currently, the grounds and facilities are solely looked after by a group called ‘The Thursday Gang’ but they need help. Every area of running a rugby club needs public support.
Anybody is welcome at the club, Bullock says, the more the merrier. If someone feels like they have skills to bring to the table, then approach the club as a volunteer. Parents, students, children, players, Falmouth Rugby Club needs you.
If you’re interested in helping out at the rugby club visit their website – or call John Bullock on: 07811 002568