It seems like only yesterday that I was writing my end of season review, and I now find myself writing about the forthcoming season!!
Before we get to that we have to celebrate the success of the adult men’s side that took the title at the recent Vigo 10’s tournament. This is a great result and showcased some of the young talent we have coming through the club ranks who I am reliably informed contributed to the efforts of the old boys to produce our last silver wear for the 23/24 season, or the first silverware of ten 24/25 season. Whichever it is, it’s a fantastic achievement.
To finish off last season’s review we held the last of the awards evenings with the U14’s Award held at the club on 29th June 2024 . Despite rugby being the ultimate team sport, there is still space for individual recognition within our structure.
Before we get to that we have to celebrate the success of the adult men’s side that took the title at the recent Vigo 10’s tournament. This is a great result and showcased some of the young talent we have coming through the club ranks who I am reliably informed contributed to the efforts of the old boys to produce our last silver wear for the 23/24 season, or the first silverware of ten 24/25 season. Whichever it is, it’s a fantastic achievement.
To finish off last season’s review we held the last of the awards evenings with the U14’s Award held at the club on 29th June 2024 . Despite rugby being the ultimate team sport, there is still space for individual recognition within our structure.
This year, following the loss of Brian Bisset who was a stalwart from the early days of Linton RFC and who encouraged the development of the youth rugby within the club, his family have donated The Brian Bisset Award. To be awarded each year to an academy player who has not only been at the club the longest but also demonstrated what being a Bulls player is- a true mix of a of players player, a coach’s player and the spirit of Rugby over their time at Aylesford Bulls. I am delighted to share this year recipient was Max Harding.
As you may know the club presents every mini player with an annual participant medal and five awards to each of our youth and senior teams. I am always proud of the President’s award winners as this is the only award which is presented by the club and goes to recipients who go above and beyond what would be expected of them as a player on a pitch. My congratulations goes to all our winners this year.
So back to the forthcoming season. Pre-season training has started with good attendance, and a keenest to develop across all squads. Membership is now open with a great ‘Early bird discount’ of 5% for those who pay by the end of July. All returning membership must be set up by the 1st September and easy payments are available. So make sure you are signed up as soon as you can and get down to the club to join in training.
We have big ambitions across the club for the season which you will no doubt hear about from our chairman and the coaching teams over the coming weeks. We wish all our teams the best for the new season. We have preseason friendly fixtures for both senior sections . The men will be travel down to Heathfield on 24th August while at home the women welcome back Guernsey followed by men meeting Tonbridge Judd’s ll under lights at home on 30th August with a 19:30 KO. Mini, Youth and Academy season starting on 1st September.
All senior and youth league fixtures can be found on our website, just click the link below.
We are continually on the lookout for volunteers to help out at the club in either a playing or administrative role so if you can spare the time, and you think you would like to get involved, then please have a chat with Jayne who can discuss the vacancies available and which can help the club become the place that you and your family which to be at. Volunteers are the lifeblood to a club likes the ‘Bulls’ and there is much satisfaction to be had in given a little to the club, and in return for that effort receiving the thanks of all our members.
Finally, a quick word on Jan Williams who has recently been unwell but is now recovering at home following two operations. We hope to see Jan back at the club at the start of the season as she is recovering well. Please join me in sending her our best wishes.
I look forward to seeing everybody soon
Andy Smith
So back to the forthcoming season. Pre-season training has started with good attendance, and a keenest to develop across all squads. Membership is now open with a great ‘Early bird discount’ of 5% for those who pay by the end of July. All returning membership must be set up by the 1st September and easy payments are available. So make sure you are signed up as soon as you can and get down to the club to join in training.
We have big ambitions across the club for the season which you will no doubt hear about from our chairman and the coaching teams over the coming weeks. We wish all our teams the best for the new season. We have preseason friendly fixtures for both senior sections . The men will be travel down to Heathfield on 24th August while at home the women welcome back Guernsey followed by men meeting Tonbridge Judd’s ll under lights at home on 30th August with a 19:30 KO. Mini, Youth and Academy season starting on 1st September.
All senior and youth league fixtures can be found on our website, just click the link below.
We are continually on the lookout for volunteers to help out at the club in either a playing or administrative role so if you can spare the time, and you think you would like to get involved, then please have a chat with Jayne who can discuss the vacancies available and which can help the club become the place that you and your family which to be at. Volunteers are the lifeblood to a club likes the ‘Bulls’ and there is much satisfaction to be had in given a little to the club, and in return for that effort receiving the thanks of all our members.
Finally, a quick word on Jan Williams who has recently been unwell but is now recovering at home following two operations. We hope to see Jan back at the club at the start of the season as she is recovering well. Please join me in sending her our best wishes.
I look forward to seeing everybody soon
Andy Smith
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