It gives me great pleasure, as we look ahead to a new rugby season, to welcome back all our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and families to Olney RFC.

I would also like to extend a very special welcome to everyone joining our club for the first time. We are delighted to have you with us, and I hope that before long you will feel every bit as much a part of the Olney RFC family as those who have been here for many years. To pull on the cerise and French grey is to become part of something bigger than any individual team or season.

A new season always brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. It gives us the opportunity to set new goals, embrace new challenges and create new memories together. From our youngest players taking their first steps onto the pitch, to our senior teams representing the club each weekend, every player has a role to play and every contribution matters.

What makes Olney RFC special, however, is not simply what happens between the four lines of the pitch. It is the people around it. Our club is built on the dedication of coaches, team managers, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, supporters and families who give their time, energy and enthusiasm week after week. To each and every one of you, thank you. Your commitment is the foundation upon which our club continues to grow.

As we begin this new season, let us build on everything that has gone before while looking confidently to the future. Let us challenge ourselves to improve, encourage one another when things are difficult, celebrate each other’s successes and never lose sight of why we play this wonderful game.

Rugby teaches us many things — the importance of teamwork, resilience, respect, discipline, commitment and, above all, looking after the person alongside you. These are values that extend far beyond the rugby pitch, and they are values that we should continue to champion throughout our club.

Whatever your role, you are an important part of Olney RFC. Whether you are pulling on the shirt, coaching from the touchline, preparing the pitch, helping behind the scenes or cheering from the sidelines, you are helping to make this club what it is.

So, to all our teams, I wish you every success for the season ahead. Play with pride, play for one another, embrace every challenge and enjoy every moment.

Let’s fill the touchlines, raise the voices, support our teams and show what it means to be part of Olney RFC.

Here’s to a fantastic season ahead.
Come on you Os!

Dave Smith
Chairman - Olney RFC