As the season starts on Sunday, and we begin a new chapter together, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on what we achieved last season. Quite simply, it was one of the most significant years in the history of our junior section.

Together, we have continued to grow not only within our own club but across our local community and the wider game. From grassroots rugby in schools and local events, through our partnerships with Kent Rugby, the RFU and Premiership Rugby, Folkestone Rugby Club has become recognised as a club that is ambitious, inclusive and committed to developing great people through rugby.

None of this has happened by chance.

It has been achieved through the collective effort of our players, coaches, parents, volunteers, committee members and supporters. Every training session delivered, every lift offered, every pitch marked, every meat raffle, every match refereed and every child encouraged has contributed to where we are today.

Thank you.

However, success doesn't stand still.

Every season brings new opportunities, new challenges and new expectations. As a club, we must continue to evolve, learn and improve. We should never be satisfied with where we are because our ambition is to provide the very best environment for every player who wears a Folkestone Rugby Club shirt.

One thing that will never change is our standards.
At Folkestone Rugby Club, standards are not rules - they are commitments. They define how we train, how we play, how we coach, how we support one another and how we represent our club both on and off the pitch. Standards are for those that want to achieve great things.

We will continue to set high expectations because we believe every player deserves the best environment possible to develop, enjoy rugby and reach their potential. From this standard we have u15s trialing and being selected for Elite Academies, Saracens, and Kent Schools.

Whether you are joining us for the very first time or returning for another season, you are now part of something bigger than yourself. You are part of a club built on respect, hard work, inclusivity, friendship and community.

This season, our focus remains clear:

● Develop great people through rugby, where character, respect and resilience are valued as highly as results.
● Provide an outstanding, safe and inclusive environment where every player, coach, parent and volunteer feels welcome, supported and valued.
● Deliver exceptional coaching across every age group, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy the game.
● Build a lifelong player pathway, creating clear opportunities from Little Ruckers through to Colts and Senior Rugby.
● Support and develop our coaches and volunteers, recognising that great people create great players and a great club.
● Work in partnership with parents, creating a positive touchline culture where encouragement, respect and enjoyment are at the heart of every match and training session.
● Continue growing rugby across our community, increasing participation through schools, girls' rugby and local partnerships.
● Represent Folkestone Rugby Club with pride, humility and respect, setting the standard both on and off the pitch.

Together, we are responsible for creating an environment where every child wants to return next week, every coach feels supported, every parent feels part of the journey, and every player is proud to wear the Folkestone Rugby Club badge.

Our vision is simple: to become one of the leading community rugby clubs in the South East, measured not just by what we achieve on the field, but by the standards we uphold, the culture we create and the people we develop.

Every player matters.

Every coach matters.

Every volunteer matters.

Everyone matters.

Together, we have built something very special. Now it's time to build on those foundations and make this season our best yet.

Thank you for your continued commitment to Folkestone Rugby Club.

Let's raise our standards once again, support each other and enjoy the journey.
See you all on the pitch.

Onwards and upwards.

Best Regards,

Leigh Fitchie-Andrews
Junior Director of Rugby