A quick note from me to introduce myself as your new RFU Rugby Development Officer (RDO). I have taken over the Rural Surrey post from Martin Mactaggart, who has moved into Player Development with the RFU. I was previously RDO for the Metropolitan clubs in Surrey and before that, a PE teacher.

Adam Cottingham, previously CRC for East Surrey, has been appointed to take over the Met post and I’ll be appointing a Community Rugby Coach to replace Adam very soon.

My role will be the same as Martin’s: to support Chipstead and to develop your club on and off the pitch in line with the RFU Rugby Development Department’s Core Purpose:

“Strengthening our Member Clubs and Growing the Game in the Communities Around Them.”

This Core Purpose is underpinned by 6 Key Drivers:

1. Retaining & Developing Current Players

2. Recruiting New Players

3. Retaining & Developing High-Quality Referees, Coaches and Volunteers

4. Effective & Efficient Facilities

5. Effective & Efficient Management & Governance

6. Integration with the Local Community

Our primary focus is the 14-24 age-group and our work will be based on club need. In the summer of 2012, my predecessor, Martin Mactaggart, will have agreed with you a list of your top-three club development priorities to assist us to support you effectively. I’ve listed your identified priorities below:

· Upgraded floodlights and training area

· More exposure in Surrey

· Coach Ed

I intend to visit as many clubs as I can before the end of the season and would like to come to Chipstead RFC before the end of the season.

Kind Regards
Matt Kemp

Matt will be working with our clubs CCC&CDO Barney Ratcliffe and DOR Carl Powley. Please feel free to contact Barney or Carl direct for any assistance.