The GHA social scene, and its challenges for 2014

Our local rugby club has 4 different membership sections, and 4 distinct groups with different desires for what they want their club to deliver them. Here is how I see it...

The Minis section has 230 players, all of which are primary school age. The kids just want to have fun, and they look up to the senior teams as the experts. Even the basics like throwing a ball for 5 minutes with the big guys makes their day. The kids need a safe atmosphere, understanding and knowledgeable coaches, and appropriate rugby kit for their size. A strong number of the kids parents are family members who want their club to give them a place for the whole family to be part of for many years to come. For them it is all about delivering the social atmosphere and experience of a restaurant and bar, without the stress, restrictions, and hassle of actually being in one.

The Midi's section consists of 150 high school age kids, who love their rugby. It is about spending time with their teammates outside and in the gym, knowing they have great coaching support, and good training kit to help them develop. The ability to grow with the club by progressing into the GHA Academy is important. Good food, fitness, and being with friends is high priority. Socially, some of their parents enjoy the club, but I'm aware we don't currently have much inside to entertain this age group inside apart from the gym. I'm also not sure if 13-16 year olds want to be in the club either with or without their parents?

The Senior section consists of a wide age range of players from 17-60.
In the first half of the group, rugby is important and Court nights/ parties/social events/ changing room celebrations add to the list of reasons they enjoy being part of the club. The colour of the walls, matching glassware, and lemon slice in their drink is less important than it is for other sections. I feel they would also do anything for the place if asked, provided they got as much back through top class coaching and club support.
As you move through the ages the member focus moves more towards drinking/social banter/ friendship, with a bit of Rugby on the side. The Gazelles are our over 35's team, and a lot of these guys have known each other and played together for decades. They want us to deliver the experience they would get at a local pub, with good pints, big tv, and decent food.

The non-playing members are often senior ex-players, who use the club as their social scene. They want the club to be open when they need it, serve reliable good quality food, expect the bar to offer value for their membership fee, and the club to support their other social activities such as their Bridge group. They are generally aware that the future of the rugby club relies on the youngest members, and are mostly open to change as long as it still fulfils their own individual needs.


2013 saw us implement some big changes in how the place runs. The function suite was completely renovated, and commercial and operational changes allowed us to improve the food and drink experience. We also have seen a few rugby surprises like the U18 team being unbeaten this season, and the 1st XV playing in a new competition after finishing top of the table last season.

2014 has started well, with a few social events managing to encompass the needs of all 4 sections. Not all events need to attract everyone, but we need to make sure at least some are promoted to be fully inclusive. Our aim for this year is to make sure we keep working to understand our members, and build on the good work so far.

Back to the photo...
Today saw a brilliant testimonial game played (between young and 'not as young') , a busy 21st function hosted, and the pictured crowd in to watch the Scotland 6 Nations game, while the Minis players and their siblings had fun in a room next door to the bar that they feel welcome and secure in. Long may days like this continue at GHA!