Club Objectives:
The Aberfeldy Rugby Football Club (ARFC) is a not-for-profit association that was formed in 2015 by a small number of local individuals for the purpose of promoting the game of rugby in the surrounding area. The club encourages playing members of all ages to participate in the sport of rugby and the associated social events. The club also encourages non-playing members to join, to support the team, and to enjoy the social aspects of membership. In addition to the benefits of participating in the sport of rugby, the club sees its role in community engagement as one of its key purposes.
The specific objectives of the club are set out in its constitution as follows:
Participation in the sport of rugby union is hereinafter referred to as the “sport”.
The organisation, management, and development of the sport in Aberfeldy and the surrounding district for all members of the club.
Membership of appropriate leagues for the purpose of establishing regular competitive play for the club’s representative teams.
The provision of training and playing facilities for its members.
Promoting and maintaining the highest standards of technical competence and safety in the sport.
Teaching and upholding the rules of the sport.
Providing equal opportunities for participation by all sections of the community.
Promoting and fostering within the club: sportsmanship, respect, fairness, self-confidence, friendship, and fun.
Constitution and Governance
The club rules are set out within a documented constitution. This includes the appointment and duties of the Management Committee, the acceptance, and rights of Members, and the financial management arrangements.
An Annual General Meeting is held each year at which members are invited to consider and approve the annual accounts and to elect the key office-bearers.
The affairs of the club are overseen by a Management Committee of not more than 12 elected members. The office bearers elected for the 12 months ending 31 July 2021 are:
Chairman: Laurie Dempster
Vice Chairman: Mike McDiarmid
Treasurer: Adrian Ewer
Secretary: Bill Bruce
Coach: Neil Young
Fixture Secretary: Nick Radford
Ground Convenor: Alistair Henderson
CPO & Covid -19 Co-ordinator: Ross Dempster
Public Relations Officer: Fraser Maxwell
Captain: Edward Munt
Players’ Representative: Geordie Broad
New Grounds in Aberfeldy
Since its inception in 2015 Aberfeldy RFC has played home games in Kenmore thanks to the generosity of the Kenmore Sports Association.
On Saturday 22nd May the goalposts were conveyed along the riverside path from Kenmore to the new ground on the shoulders of volunteers from all sections of the club. On arrival, the posts were swiftly reassembled and erected after a generous libation of Aberfeldy Malt. Hopefully, this sacrifice will ensure a profusion of points scored by ARFC!
While the posts were en route, our regular Saturday morning Rugby Tots session for pre-school children went ahead and at 1pm we launched our Youth Section led by newly-appointed Development Officer Adian Kerr who provided a series of one-hour taster sessions for ages from Primary 3/4 up to Secondary under 18s. We are looking for volunteers to help with these sessions – rugby expertise is not necessary. If you would like to assist, please contact us at info@aberfeldyrfc.co.uk.
Aidan’s appointment was made possible by the support of the SSE Griffin and Calliachar Community Fund, the Basil Death Trust, and many other generous supporters.
Present for the day was SRU Midlands Council Representative Hazel Swankie who said “Since their modest start five years ago as an occasional sevens team, Aberfeldy RFC has progressed rapidly to being a strong competitor in the island League. Today I’ve been delighted to see how they have broadened their appeal to boys and girls of all ages via their close cooperation with Rugby Tots, the launch of their Youth Section and the participation of their Ladies Section in flitting the posts and managing the club. Manifestly there is energy and strong team spirit within the club, and I a confident that today’s transfer of the posts to their new field heralds continued success for Aberfeldy RFC.”
The post-flitting event raised sponsorship of £1050.00 thanks to the generosity of members and friends. Half went to support our Youth Section with the rest going to Breadalbane Riding for the Disabled. RDA started up again on 17th May.
They have loyal volunteers, but more are needed – it’s rewarding and it is fun!
Please contact Valentine at 01796 474444 if you would like to be involved.