New season. New league. Same team.
Hello! It’s been a while since we blogged, and I thought ‘why not do a quick update for the start of the new season?!’
A new committee has been selected (watch out for the ‘meet us’ posts!) and pre-season has started with an enthusiastic bang. Fitness mixed in with some fun new drills has meant that the team are already developing new skills and are looking good and ready.
Last season, we didn’t finish in our best league position but we had a positive uptake of new players and we were going from strength to strength. This season, the RFU have restructured the leagues and we are playing 5 new teams, which is a very exciting prospect!
Coaches Phil and Ruth have set their expectations and the whole team are on board and are looking to meet and exceed these goals. We’re a determined bunch and it’s showing in training so far. Players are showing up for extra sessions, coming down early for kicking practice and doing extras in their own time. Players that were brand new last season, have hit their stride in pre-season and they are looking strong!!
In the interest of transparency, travel is a major barrier for us this season. Workington is the furthest we’re having to travel, and with a few more in North Lancashire it’s definitely putting the pressure on finding transport, as so not to expect players to be driving. It’s no secret that York RI is a charity and we rely on donors, grants and sponsors but we’re set on fundraising and making the long days enjoyable and memorable. We have two fabulous sponsors in Coach Ruth and Jon Bell, and we couldn’t do it without them.
[now cue the violins]
Sadly, we’ve lost a few players this season;
former manager Tottie is moving to Edinburgh for her PhD - smarty pants,
second row Erin is unfortunately out from a game day injury, and her recovery is going well!,
hooker Kat is having a baby, but we know she will be on the sidelines with a future RI star,
newbie Gee had a cracking debut season and has gone off travelling the world,
and our little Norwegian contingent have finished their year abroad and are back in the homeland.
But never fear although we may have lost some players, we have many returning and will hopefully say hello to some new faces throughout the season and the team will continue to grow.
So we’ve reached the end of this little update. A lot to chat about, but I hope you’ll be on this ride with us as we look at building on last season. Look out for our game announcements, as we would love to see you on the sidelines, and if there’s any fundraising going - then please look at donating to help us out.
But as always, we are super grateful and appreciative for all the support we have for our wonderful team.
Now for the first time of the 24/25 season…..RI on 3!
