We write with news that Wim has taken the decision to step down as Minis Chair with immediate effect. Our Minis were established in 2011 and having been at its very core since its creation, Wim believes that the time is now right to hand the baton on having laid the foundations for what are exciting times for our Youth – indeed all sections of our Club.

The roles of Minis and Juniors Chair are to be combined under Gauthier De Beer who steps into a newly created position as Head of Youth Development - providing continuity, together with a wealth of experience of the journey from the U6’s to Juniors and onto the Seniors (detail to follow another time).

Wim is of course integral to all that is Chiswick Rugby and we are delighted to report that he will remain on the CASC Committee in a general advisory role, using his wealth of experience to assist the wider Club.

Wim has expressed the opinion that having been at the heart of all things Minis since 2011 - he feels that he has accomplished all he set out to do and that the time is now right for him to move on. Adding that he has read an article recently posted on our website (repeated below) that he believes encapsulates all he set out to achieve and if he has been even a small part of the creation of the joy that is Chiswick Minis (leading to Juniors) and adding to all that now seems possible for our Club – then he feels very humble indeed.

We would say, an opinion that goes to the very heart of this extremely decent, indeed special person. Wim also wishes to share:

“This really has been a journey. A journey for many. The ambition to turn our empty pitches over to the community for youth rugby on Sundays started with 10 children in October 2011. Our first coaches were senior team players and we trained as a single group. We continued to grow as word spread and soon, we had enough to split by age group, with parents training to become coaches and we started playing other teams. Chiswick is now going into next season with 11 sides and we recently had one of our first minis playing for the seniors. I’d like to thank the many people who helped to turn three empty pitches into a thriving Minis and Juniors club that is an integral part of the community of Chiswick and it is great to see the club going from strength to strength.”

On behalf of the entire Club – we thank you Wim for all you have done for our Minis and look forward to your future contributions on the CASC Committee for the wider club.

Wim - thank you.

Michael George
CRFC Management Board
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Notes:

Further detail will be provided at another time, however, this logical combination for Youth (similar to most clubs), together with the advisory role will be ratified at the next AGM, with the Minis Chair remaining vacant in the meantime (albeit covered as described by Gauthier).

Website article posted 20th May (referenced above):

CRFC is the place to be!!

This 2023/24 season has been a breakthrough year for Chiswick Rugby’s Juniors and in particular, the eldest Juniors team, the Under 15s! The rugby club has never been able to field an U15s team before, as we have struggled with the widespread challenge within community, age-grade rugby of dwindling numbers, until now! There are members of the squad who have been coming since the Under 6s and we have been able to grow consistently, with a record 16 new players just this season, taking our total number to 41 players signed up, allowing us to field two full teams at once!

Success isn’t just about growth in numbers – it is also about how the boys are developing as young men, athletes and team-mates! And that has manifested in SPECTACULAR fashion – the U15s have achieved the amazing feat of going UNBEATEN in Division 3 of the Herts & Middlesex Junior League, securing both promotion to Division 2, and a whole raft of memories for life for these young lads, their families (and yes, their coaches too)! To top off the season, we have recently returned from a tour to France and Belgium (along with the other Juniors age groups – U12, U13s and U14s) which was the most ambitious (and the most fun) of our annual tours!

We take great pride in having an all-invited/all-inclusive spirit! All shapes, sizes and experience levels are welcome – indeed, we have had more boys joining who have never played rugby before than ever! The success of the burgeoning U15s group is a sure sign to all age groups (from Minis, to Juniors and on to Seniors and Vets) that CRFC is a wonderful place to bring kids for a healthy mix of physical exercise, learning new skills and growing up into wonderful human beings who represent respect, ambition, confidence and camaraderie!

ALL are welcome! Spread the word! If you want your kids to make memories for life, CRFC is the place to be!!