Just an update re last weeks meeting, which Alan Hunte, Mike Eccles + Max Wiper & Ben Cross,couple of the Academy players.
Alan thanked everyone in F/Reds for the continued fundraising & support we give to them. They have over 100 young players. 16 coaching volunteers & Alan admitted that they all need to get more pro active with F/Reds in supporting fundraising events.
Alan said another thanks for funding the young players to stay over night when they played Celtic at Bridgend last season, & both the players in attendance, said thanks as it was good for them to get up fresh on the day of the game rather than have had to travel on the morning of the game.
Mike Eccles, conditioner, was full time then moved part time , but now back full time & also working within the 1st team set up.
Max travelled daily for training from Cumbria, which is some journey, but now studying at Salford Uni & living in Student accomodation, which is great for him. Max is very commited to his rugby, unlike some others, & their discipline becomes bad towards the game.
Alan remarked that it is hard to get youngsters from club area's ie Wigan Saints etc, most come to Salford because there is an abundance of young players in those areas & they cant all get signed on at home area clubs. But as Alan pointed out, some of these youngsters dont show their ability at an early age & get passed over, we take them & they turn into good players with a bit more experience, we have to take a calculated risk with them.
Jack Spencer is an exception, great potential as a youngster, & was scouted by other big clubs, but wanted to sign for his home town club & he is beginning to show that he has got what it takes after making a couple of 1st team appearances last season & putting a good mark of himself.
Forever reds are going to sponsor Jack next season, which is a pleasure to be associated with an up & coming Salford lad.
Max was asked why he came to Salford, said Alan was a big factor, more opportunity at Salford to progress to 1st team, was approached by Warrington but stayed with Salford.
Next, Ben was asked the same, didn't have a scholarship but played Foundation, Alan watchd me playing & signed me on, & as a local lad it feels great.
Sam Tomkins wasnt originally signed up by Wigan, they didnt think he would make it, Sam asked could he just go along & train & eventually his potential was seen.
Alan said when we got relegated last time, it was a massive blow, as the lads were playing inferior games than they were used to & the age 17's missed out. Not all that bothered about results just how they play, if they are competative then we are doing ok.
When fans are shouting for the young players to be in the team as we have a 3 year licence, its a tough decision, if they had got pasted, it really hits the confidence & can put them back, we know when they are ready.
The lads have started back in training, but Scholarships start in September & the rest do 3 nights a week. Training facilities are hard to come by, all different sports are vying for the same training venue's.
Mike was then asked some questions & in the answers he told us that they have 5 Olympic weight training bars, but 3 are broke, meaning the young players can't get to use them as often as required. We asked was there anything we could donate, Mike informed us they are approx. £90 per bar & it was proposed we purchase & donate them. It was also said, they could perhaps weigh the broken bars in to purchase either another bar or some other equipment they need.
We also discussed the de-fib machine & we are now in the process of purchasing the machine for them.
Speaking with Chris Holmes the next day re the de-fib purchase, Chris asked was there any possibility we could purchase a Slide board for her which is in the region of £250 , said I would speak to other members , but could not see a problem with the donation of asaid equipment for her.
Alan would also like to get full kit for all his young players through all the age groups which would cost in region of £8000, so we will have to look at doing some serious fundraising.
We are starting the ball rolling with a "Fans Forum" on Friday 11th December in the Platinum Suite at the Willows. Guests confirmed are Alan Hunte, Andy Burgess, Steve Kerry & controversial, Kevin Ashcroft to answer your questions.
Please come along & support the event, always a superb night.
In the new year , we will be holding a "Sports Persons Dinner" with some great guests in attendance, so look out for details.
If we can get more Salford Fans to join Forever Reds, & support events we could help out a lot more, such as the little things above but, are a valuable donation to all our up & coming young players. We have the likes of Stefan, Luke, Jack & Lewis in our 1st team now, & its great to think we helped them achieve that & with more members we could help more of these lads to shine. |
