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SUSSEX RFU COMMUNITY RUGBY GROUP
The aim of the Community Rugby group within Sussex is to aid and promote the non playing activities of Clubs and individuals. These activities support the RFU strategic plan which is based on a four year cycle around the RWC. This cycle includes recruitment, retention and people and places with specific initiatives launched periodically. In Sussex, we have had the Play campaign, nationally launched to coincide with RWC 2007 the campaign targeted new and past players in an attempt to boost Club squad sizes and team numbers. In the retention phase we launched the Pathfinder campaign which is still in its infancy and on-going, again launched nationally this campaign aims to retain 16-24 year olds in the Rugby family as they move around the country entering further or higher Education or due to recruitment. The network of Pathfinders at Clubs and educational establishments keep track and share movement details. We are now in the people and places phase, in conjunction with our Regional Development Team we are attempting to improve the facilities clubs have on offer and the skills and numbers involved in administration. An important element of this phase is the recruitment and training of our Volunteers, the lifeblood of any Club.
| PARTNERSHIPS
In an initiative to focus on local issues the Community Rugby group has been split into 4 partnerships, South, South East, Central and West. Each partnership has a geographical membership of Clubs and outside partners, from the Educational areas and Sport England, through the County Sports Partnership (CSP). Each partnership also has a Community Rugby Coach (CRC) aligned to them, managed by the RDO they deliver Playing and non playing support to Clubs and Schools, in their local area. The idea is to bring all the providers to one table to have a collective and single approach to Rugby provision and development.
The partnerships have been helping Clubs to develop by obtaining the RFU Seal of Approval and through training courses, such as First aid, and Child welfare and protection training. In the last 2 years we have also successfully recognised the contribution of our volunteers through the RFU Value the Volunteer programme and our own within Sussex, where member Clubs nominate individuals for recognition, this has resulted in over 30 winners. We have also held 2 very well supported Volunteers Dinners, hosted by Hove Rugby Club, these dinners have aided Volunteer recruitment and further recognition.
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