As well as changes on the field for the Warriors, the close season has seen a new look community department take shape.
Building on the success of the department since its inception in 2004 the Warriors have invested in new staff to replace Dan Zaltzman and Matt Sherratt who have taken up new positions within the club.
Tom Ryder, the new Community Manager, commented: “This is a great opportunity for myself personally and also for the club to bring new ideas and new enthusiasm, what the club has in place is a really top quality level of community involvement and it is now up to the new team to maintain and develop the high standards already set.
“My role within the club is to ensure that we are utilising our iconic status in the region to benefit the Rugby Community and the wider community. By involving ourselves in the community on a Monday to Friday as well as on a match day we can raise the profile and quality of Rugby, healthy and active lifestyles, good citizenship and of course the Worcester Warriors.
“I have been really impressed by the club’s attitude to the community involvement. The decision makers at the club hold the department and its work high on the agenda and recognises the important role it has to play. With such strong role models in the club such as Pat Sanderson and Tony Windo the younger players have been brought up recognising the impact their involvement can have within the community.”
After representing the Warriors through a whole range of community delivery over the last 18 months, Steve Joslin has been rewarded with a full time post at Worcester Warriors. Steve who will join the department as a Community Rugby Coach will spend his time delivering TAG rugby in primary and middle schools as part of the EDF and Wooden Spoon Programme, in addition to this Steve will manage the Inclusive TAG Rugby Programme supported by npower Sportsmatch and the EFDS. Tom Ryder commented: “Steve is a great asset to the department, he really engages with young people and the feedback we get from his work is second to none.”
Simon Lane has also joined the community department to fulfil the role of Community Rugby Coach with a focus on secondary school delivery, girls rugby and player development. His position supported by The Hereford and Worcestershire Sports Partnership, RFU and Warriors is a huge boot to the department and his ambition to progress his own coaching will be mirrored by quality delivery. Simon commented: “Im delighted to be working at the Warriors, Sixways has a real buzz around and the exposure to top coaches and players is sure to have a positive influence on my own coaching.”
For more information on supporting the Warriors in the Community please contact Tom Ryder on tom@wrfc.co.uk or 01905 459316.