SVG Rugby Union setting out on mission

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union is on a mission to get the sport on a firmer footing and greater public appeal.

To this end, a list of undertakings will be pursued by the new executive which was elected last Monday at the group’s Annual General Meeting at the National Sports Council’s conference room at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.{{more}}

Re-elected president Sophie Goddard, in an interview immediately after the elections last Monday, outlined to SEARCHLIGHT her executive’s plans for the next two years.

“Our main goal is to develop a clear pathway from primary schools through to secondary school through to Under-19 to national teams – men’s and women’s.”

She underscored the need to embark on a recruitment drive to replenish the ageing tried and tested senior national players.

“A lot of our senior team members are getting to the point of retirement, so we are looking to recruit new Under-19’s, both men and women,“ Goddard stated.

Taking the bold step of having three paid personnel, Goddard advanced, “We want to split that into two separate roles and we want to introduce an assistant to the coach, so we would have three paid positions in the union; head coach for the national teams, head coach for the youth programme and an assistant to the youth programme.

“We want to re-establish women’s rugby and we want to offer things such as internships, jobs, scholarships, twinning of clubs, so that we can do exchange programmes and we want to get at least one referee certified,” Goddard added.

Most of the persons who served on the previous executive were returned, except for the new treasurer, who is Gary Blackman, who replaced Andrew Hadley.

The rest of the positions include Kelly Glass – vice-president and John Townend – the co-vice-president.

Valarie Pelletier remains in place as the secretary of the youth programme and Leonard Matthews – assistant secretary.

Guy Hadley is the team manager; Nixon Mc Allister – under-19 public relations officer; Jake Helman – sponsorship co-ordinator, with Kemi Francois – league co-ordinator and Brian Alexander – subs collector.

Completing the configuration are Nadine Allicott – female coach of the youth programme; Andrew Phillips – senior male team captain and Benson Nanton, the Under-19 male captain.

Mike Jackson of England will soon be installed as the head coach. His stint is six months in the first instance, which then comes under review by both parties.(RT)