As we enter the second half of the season, rugby continues to thrive at Newark, with all teams well-placed for a strong finish and success in league and cup competitions.

Although we have experienced much better weather so far this season, we are fully aware that the expert forecasts mean that flooding could be just around the corner. Therefore, we are working hard to ensure that training and matches can still take place, even if Kelham Road is unplayable. The initiatives include:

• Working with Newark Showground - we are investing in upgraded runway floodlighting to allow training on grass during the week and we are preparing two pitches on the runway grass for matches and training on Sundays.

• School Collaborations - We will continue relationships with local schools so matches can still be played.

At Kelham Road, we have three improvement projects:

• We will be upgrading the main stand terracing for easier access and exit.

• Our new dedicated fibre broadband connection will be activated in early March

• Pitch Maintenance - David Rhodes continues to improve pitch quality.

Our primary goal is to provide quality rugby opportunities for all ages and abilities within our community. Your support is crucial for successful club operations, outstanding administration and top-notch coaching from a facility of which we are all very proud.

Individually and collectively, we must continually strive for improvement in everything we do - positive change is constant.

We need your continued support through volunteering, fundraising and financial contributions. These funds are essential for equipment purchases, coach training and facility upgrades.
We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone, especially during the busy and successful month of December.

If you already volunteer, thank you! Please continue your invaluable contributions to help keep this club moving forward – many thanks and please stay involved.

If you haven’t yet volunteered, please consider it. Even a small commitment can make a significant difference.

We have recently established two review panels to assess important areas for improvement.

Rugby Structure Review: Matt Cove, David Hayle, Darren Gourley and Adam Corcoran will review the structure of male and female rugby, from U6s to Senior Rugby.
This includes team management, coaching, administration, player welfare and future objectives.
The goal is to develop a 3-4 year plan, starting with the 2025-26 season.

Commercial Review: Vince Corley, David Godfrey, Alan Swain, Tom Cartledge and Ruth Marshall will conduct a comprehensive commercial review covering the next 3-4 years. Their focus is to maximise existing commercial opportunities and identify new avenues.

These reviews will work together to ensure we raise the necessary funds to provide the highest level of rugby opportunities for our community and establish Newark Rugby Club as a leading community rugby club in the Midlands.
This may seem ambitious, but our club has always strived for excellence. Just look at the thriving mini and youth rugby on Sunday mornings!

Newark Rugby Club offers something for everyone:

U6-U12 Boys and Girls Mini Rugby - is the foundation for many players’ rugby journeys. We invite everyone to come down on a Sunday morning and observe the smiles and determination on the faces of our U6, U7, U8, U9, U10, U11 and U12 age groups - it’s a joy to see.

U13-U16 Boys and Girls Youth Rugby - commitment increases with NLD Cup Competitions and weekly club matches fostering skill development and teamwork.
Schools Programme – this is an important project which provides a pathway for those not able to play rugby at school to be able to experience what rugby has to offer and if they like it, join our club

Senior Men’s and Women’s Rugby – is about highly competitive League and Cup matches.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England will undoubtedly inspire increased female participation, presenting a fantastic opportunity for Women’s rugby at Newark.

Newark Rugby Club offers opportunities for all ages. We play, train and watch teams on various days of the week, but together we are all part of Newark Rugby Union Football Club.

Throughout 2024, our dedicated and professional staff have worked tirelessly and we sincerely thank them for their efforts.

December was tough going, delivering 1,400 meals and close to 9,000 pints while maintaining a clean and safe environment for you all.
They came through magnificently.

To everyone associated with this fantastic club, thank you for your contributions. We understand the importance of ongoing support within an amateur sporting club.
Let’s continue to strive for progress and improvement and make 2025 another outstanding year for Newark Rugby Union Football Club.

Very best wishes,
Andrew Fearn President
John Clark Chairman
On behalf of the Board.
January 2025