The Future of Woking Rugby Club

It is fair to say that since the turn of the year it has been a challenge. However, whilst we have struggled at times due to injury and player availability as well as losing the facilities at the Rec which forced us to play elsewhere, we do find ourselves in a comparable situation to rugby clubs up and down the country. 

From those discussions at last week's meeting my outlook for Woking RFC was existential and unless we did something different and radical. Subsequently, the committee agreed to throw everything at it, a last throw of the dice and to use all resources available to invest in specific and potentially expensive ways to improve the current situation. Specifically, that was to pay for a coach, the renting of suitable ground/training facilities particularly in the winter months, as well as investing in marketing and recruitment campaigns to increase playing numbers and raise awareness of the club. 

Roll forward 3 days and the picture has shifted. On Saturday, we had a tremendous turn out to collect a much needed and well-deserved away victory. A performance of true grit and Woking passion as we recorded our biggest win of the last few seasons to conclude this season's league campaign. 

Last Friday myself, Stanley Fisher and Rhys Parker met with Cllr. Amanda Boote to listen to her ideas and plans as to how she can help us as a Rugby Club thrive in the local community. We used it as our opportunity to explain where we were as a club and that we are at a key crossroad where depending on what she had to say, it could be detrimental to our very existence.  

For me as your Chairman, the key turning point for us is to re-establish our home ground and the use of the changing room facilities at the Byfleet rec. Cllr. Boote did not disappoint and advised that she had the resources, authority and commitment to getting the changing rooms repaired and back into operation before the start of next season, quite possibly before the start of summer training 2023. There was further positive dialogue about a longer and more sustainable solution to benefit not just Woking RFC but the wider community. That said, the Rec is still the immediate priority. 

For transparency, as Chair I will be asking the committee to amend its approach to one that is a more pragmatic investment plan. Sticking with hiring a coach, whilst looking at more cost-effective options for funding winter training facilities and a marketing campaign that is in collaboration with Cllr. Boote’s request that the club becomes a more active member within the local community. 

The important thing now more than ever, especially over the coming summer months, is for us all to focus on what needs to be done to make Woking RFC successful and sustainable on and off the pitch. With your continued support and commitment, I believe there is a future for this great club!   

Andy

Andy Jones
Chairman
Woking Rugby Club