Clan AGM 2014 - GPRC 4 PM Saturday 19th July

Personally I still believe a bursary for our younger academy/pre-academy players should be the primary focus, guys who are balancing studies with trying to develop professional careers and travelling from all over the gaff..

www.quinssa.org.uk/academy.htm

The Elite Player Development Group (EDPG) includes players selected by Harlequins on the basis of their performances, to become members of the regional academy in due course. Typically these players will have played divisional or international rugby at under-16 level and will have demonstrated commitment beyond the average to become professional players.

Quinssa were approached by the Quins Academy staff at the start of the current season and asked if we could help with the travel costs of three young players who had been identified with considerable potential and who had an exceptional drive and commitment to be successful. The need to travel frequently to Surrey Sports Park in Guildford was putting a strain on their families’ finances. It was thought that instead of giving the Academy all the proceeds of our fund raising at the end of the season, as we had in the past, we could contribute during the season and help these committed youngsters get to the training ground on a regular basis.

The Committee felt it was the right activity to fund, in line with Quinssa's longstanding support of the Quins Academy.

The boys are reimbursed their train and bus fares each time they attend training and so far none of them has missed a session.

We use the profits from the sale of merchandise and tickets to the overseas games to provide the funds donated to the Quins Academy.

The Academy use the money to help develop the players of the future by funding periods of overseas exposure and other rugby related experiences that they would not normally enjoy.

We also raise money for charities during the year through raffles and other special events.

A couple of hundred euros, can put dent in travel/food bills etc...

Just an update on the status of the committee for 2014/2015 which was finalised a few weeks ago. Those of you who attended the AGM or watched the video will know that we're delighted to welcome Pinky and Shelflife on board for this season, I've updated the list of committee members and roles here:

connachtclan.com/about-the-clan/contact-us

Sadly, Aaron Turner, who has been here from the very beginning, has chosen to take a break from serving on the committee due to external pressures. He did some terrific work over the last 3 years, from painting the clan bar almost single handedly 2 years ago to conducting radio interviews after almost every match last season and has definitely earned both the rest and the recognition for his contribution.