View what Andre Bester has to say on Rotherham

Having an academy and a mini and juniors section is all very well and might get a few ticks in the boxes from the RFU but I think this is a great example of a club that is truly part of the wider community.

 

We accept that Govt money is spent on Wembley, when there is silly salaries paid to top football players. We take it on the chin that the RFU will reduce payments to National League clubs, whilst spending a fortune on some statues at Twickenham.

 

If a club comes up with an initiative where a rugby player has a job mentoring troubled youngsters and the council pays for it, support it. In the long run, for every child put on the right path, there are potentailly thousands saved - an education and qualifications and a job instead of benefits, possible gaol etc.

 

QED

 

 

 

The financial savings don't necessarily accrue to rugby but to society as a whole, so there's no question of value for money. urely the project develops those that attend, the players for future useful careers and should be an RFU or similar case study - perhaps a future conditional element of Premiership & Championship funding. Every town has kids who need an alternative perspective and if rugby works then that's great. 

Some parents (and obviously a sizeable number) see football players as role models, so no wonder their children have an unrealistic view of the world.

 

Footballers - Petulant, play acting to get what they want and 'conning' officials, who they are openly abusive to, played in front of fruiting, aggressive fans.

 

Rugby - community clubs, physical game, respectful to officials, family atmosphere at matches, with mixed crowds. Shake hands at the end of the match and have a drink with your opponent.

 

That is why rugby players are better role models and kids will look up to them more than teachers and social workers (no matter their skill level or professionalism)

 

Danny Care (ex Otley junior) was a latecomer to rugby and played because his friends said that it was good fun. He says that rugby has made him the man that he is (Times article)