I am very honoured to have been elected as President of Sedgley Park rugby club for this coming year. To be entrusted with this role by a club that means so much to all of us is both humbling and deeply appreciated.
Before anything else, I want to pay tribute to our outgoing President, Peter Radcliffe.
Peter’s commitment, leadership, and dedication to this club have been exceptional. The countless hours he has given, often behind the scenes and without recognition, have helped shape not only the success of the club but also the spirit and values that make it such a special place. Peter has led with integrity, passion, and genuine care for every player, supporter, volunteer, and member of this rugby family.
Under Peter’s guidance, ably supported by many others too numerous to mention, the club has continued to grow both on and off the field, and his steady leadership has left a lasting mark that will be felt for many years to come.
My association with this club has been relatively short in comparison to many. In fact such was the low profile I seemed to have inhabited I was for some time simply known as “Bob’s dad.” And to be fair, after ten years of watching my son pull on the first-team shirt, shouting encouragement from the sidelines, celebrating the wins, enduring the losses, and spending many Saturdays here and at away games than I can possibly count, I’ve worn that soubriquet very proudly.
So to go from “Bob’s dad” to President feels like quite a promotion. Although I suspect for many of you, I’ll still just be “Bob’s dad”… only now with slightly better seating at club dinners.
What makes this club special is not just the rugby it’s the people, the friendships, the volunteers, the supporters, the players past and present, and the sense of belonging that keeps drawing us back week after week, season after season. Sedgley Park becomes part of your life and, more importantly, part of your family. It certainly has for ours.
I’ve had the privilege of watching my son grow here over the last decade, but alongside that I’ve also watched this club continue to grow in spirit, character, and community. To now serve as President is something I will cherish, and I hope to give back at least a small measure of what the club has given to me and my family over the years.
And as for the role itself, I’m told the President is expected to offer wisdom, leadership, and dignity. So naturally, the committee decided it was time to lower the entry requirements.
In all seriousness, I wish to thank the club for its trust, friendship, and support. I’m looking forward to the year ahead, to sharing plenty of laughs, a few stories, and hopefully a successful season for everyone connected with this wonderful club.
Your president
John Birtwell