Needless to say, there is a lot happening again this season - including recognising 25 years of being based at Vallis Way and the coming together of Ealing Rugby Club and Trailfinders to create the incredible Club that we have today.
The 1871 1st team had a great season securing promotion to the London and SE Division. There is a particular symmetry to this as this is the level nowhere today’s Championship side were 25 years ago when the relationship with Trailfinders was founded. I’d like to congratulate all the players and supporting cast who made this happen with special mention to David Braithwaite and Eddie Beck, who stepped up to coach and lead the 1871 team to promotion. To add to our existing strengths, we are delighted to welcome Phil Smith as our new Head Coach. Phil comes with an amazing track record and the experience we need to continue the 1871 journey higher up the leagues - exciting times ahead!
The Women’s 1871 squad has established itself as a challenger for a top spot in the South East (North) league, which includes some familiar rivals such as Staines and Barnes. In big part this has been achieved through the commitment of Andrew Quick and Marissa Lowe and our thanks goes to them both.
The Minis and Youth sections are the reason we are one of the most prominent Clubs in the region. The structure which is run by a huge team of volunteers across the age groups is something we should all be very proud of and it continues to provide rugby opportunities to so many boys and girls at all levels.
Some results of note include the Colts winning Division 2 of the Herts and Middlesex League and the U16Bs winning Division 5. The hosting of the Ealing Trailfinders Festival is always a highlight of the Minis’ calendar and was another big success last season. Perhaps the biggest day of the year was the end of season celebration which was a huge success and a way to try and recognise the effort that so many people put into the Minis and Youth sections.
This season we’ll see U14 and U12 Youth Girls age groups training and competing with local clubs. Our ambition is to establish a full girls Colts to U12s section over the coming seasons, which is being supported heavily by the Premiership Women’s Rugby squad, giving us access to some of the world’s best female rugby talent, which is an incredibly exciting prospect for all the aspiring girls we have at the Club.
As a final highlight to the season - the Club was awarded ‘Ealing Sports Club of Year 2024’ which is further recognition of the effort that people put in and the resulting contribution the Club makes to the local community. Thank you to every volunteer, player, parent and sponsor for making this possible.
I’d like to recognise just how much Sir Mike and Lady Fiona Gooley have done for the Club over the last 25 years. The Ealing Trailfinders rugby community, from Championship Champions to our Rugby Rats, has been transformed to heights we could not have imagined in 1998/99. The ever-improving facilities are one very visible change but the unwavering support that we get across the whole Club cannot be over-stated. Thank you both so very much.
We very much look to seeing you and your families back at the Club for the new season.
Kind regards
Adrian Hobbs on behalf of the Club Executive
Chairman
