President's Letter, Summer 2026

Ponteland Rugby Football Club

As we mark the close of the 2025/26 season, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on what has been another remarkable year for Ponteland Rugby Club.

While we often focus our measure of success on the field, this season has demonstrated that the true strength of our club lies in something much bigger as well: our people, our community, and

our continued growth as a club.

Across Ponteland RFC we have seen so many positives. Membership has increased, participation has grown, and more young people than ever are pulling on a Ponteland shirt. At a time when many community sports clubs continue to face challenges around recruitment and retention, our club continues to move forward.

None of this happens by accident. It is the result of the dedication of our coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents, players and supporters who give countless hours to make our club what it is.

Senior Men's Rugby

Our senior men's section enjoyed another competitive season and continued to build under the leadership of our coaching team.

The 1st XV competed strongly throughout the campaign, finishing comfortably mid-table and laying foundations for continued improvement next season. Behind the scenes, significant work has been undertaken to strengthen recruitment, resulting in an increase in senior playing numbers and allowing us to regularly field a 2nd XV.

Having two senior men's teams operating successfully is an important milestone for the club. It provides opportunities for players of all abilities to enjoy rugby, develop their skills and remain involved in the game.

Special thanks must go to our coaching team, club captains and volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the season to ensure rugby remains at the heart of everything we do.

Building Women's Rugby for the Future

Across the country, women's rugby continues to face challenges around player availability, retention and sustainability. Ponteland has not been immune to those pressures.

Unfortunately, our Women's Team was forced to withdraw from league competition during the season following difficulties in consistently fielding a squad. This was disappointing for everyone involved, particularly the committed group of players and coaches who worked so hard to keep the team going. However, this is not the end of women's rugby at Ponteland RFC.

We remain absolutely committed to rebuilding and strengthening the women's game within our club and our community. We know there is significant appetite for rugby among women and girls across Ponteland and the surrounding area, and we are determined to create an environment where they can enjoy the game, develop friendships and represent their local club with pride.

The growth we are seeing in our girls' age-grade sections provides enormous encouragement. We have a pathway developing that will support future generations of female players, and over the coming months we will continue investing time, energy and

resources into rebuilding a sustainable senior women's programme.

Women's rugby remains a key part of Ponteland RFC.

Age-Grade Rugby: A Season of Extraordinary Growth

Perhaps the most exciting story of the season has been the continued growth of our age-grade section.

This year has seen a significant increase in participation across mini and junior rugby, with player registrations rising substantially and several age groups experiencing exceptional growth. Our Under-14s and Under-15s have reached the point where they can operate independently, while our girls' rugby programme continues to flourish with two growing teams now representing the club.

The impact extends far beyond numbers. Every Sunday morning our pitches are filled with young people learning the values that make rugby special: teamwork, respect, discipline and enjoyment.

Much of this success is down to the dedication of our volunteer coaches, team managers and parents, led superbly by Chris Freer and Emma Freer, whose commitment to developing youth rugby at Ponteland has been truly outstanding.

The future of Ponteland RFC has never looked brighter.

Investing in Our Community Through Schools Rugby

One of the most significant developments this season has been our expanding work within local schools.

Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of The Harrison Foundation, alongside the fantastic work delivered by All Stars Community Coaching, Ponteland RFC has been able to engage with more than 1,000 children across local schools throughout the year.

This programme has introduced rugby to hundreds of young people who may never previously have had the opportunity to experience our sport.

The impact has been immediate and tangible. Increased visibility within schools has contributed directly to rising participation numbers at the club and has strengthened our position within the local community.

The partnership between Ponteland RFC, The Harrison Foundation and All Stars Community Coaching demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared ambition to create opportunities for young people.

On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to The Harrison Foundation for their remarkable support and belief in what community rugby can achieve.

More Than Rugby

While rugby remains our focus, the strength of Ponteland RFC is built on much more than matches and training sessions.

One of the highlights of the club's year was the hugely successful Ponteland Beer Festival, held in May. Blessed with fantastic weather and supported by thousands of visitors from across the region, the festival once again demonstrated the important role Ponteland RFC plays at the heart of our community.

The event brought together local businesses, breweries, food vendors, musicians, volunteers and supporters for a weekend that celebrated much more than great beer. It showcased the spirit of community that makes both our club and our town so special. The festival has grown significantly in recent years and is now firmly established as one of Northumberland's premier community events.

The success of the festival would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of Richard Moller and his organising team, alongside the many volunteers who gave up their time before, during and after the event. Their hard work delivered another record-breaking festival that not only raised vital funds for the club but also strengthened our connection with the wider community.

Another highlight in the Ponteland community calendar is the much-loved Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race, which Ponteland RFC has proudly taken on the responsibility of organising. This unique and brilliant event brings together teams from across the village and beyond, all competing in good spirits while raising funds for local causes. The club’s involvement reflects its deep commitment to the wider community, extending far beyond the touchline, and helping to keep long-standing local traditions alive. With strong participation, plenty of laughter, and a real festival atmosphere, the Wheelbarrow Race continues to be one of the standout days of the year in Ponteland.

Events like the Beer Festival and the Wheelbarrow Race play a crucial role in supporting the long-term sustainability of Ponteland RFC, building relationships with our local community, helping us invest in our facilities, our players and our future ambitions while providing an event that the whole community can be proud of.

We have also continued to improve the way the club operates, with enhanced communications, a refreshed website, stronger social media engagement and record membership registration levels helping us build a stronger and more sustainable organisation.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the 2026/27 season, there is much to be excited about.

We will continue to grow participation across all sections of the club, strengthen our links with local schools and communities, support the redevelopment of women's rugby, and progress plans towards securing a permanent clubhouse facility that can serve generations of Ponteland players and families.

Ponteland RFC remains the only rugby club in Northumberland without its own clubhouse. While this presents challenges, significant work continues behind the scenes to address this. We remain committed to creating a permanent home that reflects the ambitions of our club and supports the needs of our community.

Above all else, we will continue to focus on what has always made Ponteland RFC special: being a welcoming, inclusive and ambitious rugby club where everyone has the opportunity to belong.

Thank you to every player, coach, volunteer, parent, sponsor and supporter who has contributed during the 2025/26 season.

Together, we are building something special.

David Comeskey

Club President

Ponteland Rugby Football Club