Head down to the Brods on a Sunday and you will be in no doubt over the importance of rugby to so many of our young players, and to the commitment of the club to support those players in their rugby journey. For nearly fifty year, under the stewardship of countless committed and enthusiastic volunteers, we have built a junior section which we are rightly proud of, and which continues to be the stepping stone to senior rugby and beyond – building lifelong bonds of friendship through this sport we all love.

As I take over as Junior Chair for the 2021/2022 season, reflecting on the year ahead, I would start by thanking Martin Smith for his massive efforts in the role over the last ten years. A club man from the earliest age and a driving force within the Brods – both on and off the field – it is easy to take for granted all he has achieved because he has done it with great generosity, good humour, and from a place of love for this club which has given so much to so many people over the last 90 years. He leaves big boots to fill indeed, and on behalf of everyone at the club, a huge thank you Froggy!

I would also thank Michael Booth who has lead our girls section for the past 5 years, working tirelessly to advance girls rugby at the Brods. He leaves it in a great place for Fran Dowson to take over. Fran has been a coach at the club for a number of years now, and is also involved with our fabulous ladies team and our thriving tots section.

Heading into a season that follows one like no other, I am really looking forward to seeing our players on the pitches of Woodhead park once more, renewing acquaintances, rivalries and friendships. Lots has happened while we have been away, and there may be some uncertainty as we return, but I have no doubt that as a club, and a junior section, we are ready to get back to the business of enjoying everything that this great sport of rugby at the Old Brodleians offers.

On the pitch, Oggy and Fran continue to build our Brods Tots, and an incredible thirty graduated to the Under 6 age group at the end of last season. At minis, juniors and colts our numbers are as strong as they have ever been, with around 250 registered players - supported by our brilliant group of coaches and managers. Add to that a successful and growing girls section and it paints a healthy picture of junior rugby at the club – and one which we want to continue to improve on to provide the best possible rugby experience for those who choose to join us here at the Brods.

I am certainly mindful of the great traditions of Junior rugby at this club, with the clubhouse walls a reflection of those many successes we have enjoyed, including names such as Charlie Hodgson, Zak Mercer and Gareth Widdop – all of who have gone onto great things - having spent time here in Hipperholme. Having been around this club for the last ten years though, what has always struck me is the many more hundreds that have simply enjoyed it here because it’s a great place to spend time and play rugby.

And so onto the 2021/2022 season and all it holds. I am honoured to be taking up the position of Junior chair, and as just one of the many committed volunteers who make everything at this fantastic club happen, I am hugely enthusiastic and optimistic about what lies ahead for us as a section and a club. The core principles of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship will remain at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue to make the Old Brodleians a brilliant place for people of all ages and abilities – whether players, parents or friends - to feel welcome and to be part of this great rugby family.

Up the Brods!

Michael Coates Junior Chairman 07557397478 BrodsMJFix@hotmail.com