Chooks Weekly Newsletter
From the Sideline… Thank You.
This week's Tukapa newsletter comes from the sideline of another great country rugby club, Okato, as JimmyBot goes about his work marking out two fields for Coastal's home games.
As I sit here writing this, I'm watching volunteers sweeping out changing rooms, setting things up for Saturday, and getting the place ready. Every rugby club has volunteers, but it got me thinking just how bloody lucky we are at Tukapa.
Our volunteers are pretty special.
We've got a club full of people who simply roll their sleeves up and get the job done. No fuss, no complaints – they just do what needs doing because they love our club.
So this week's newsletter is simply one big thank you.
To Our Board
First up, our Board.
This year I gave every Board member a specific portfolio to help take some of the pressure off me, and I can honestly say it has worked brilliantly. Every one of them has stepped up, got stuck in and made a real difference.
A lot of people probably think being on the Board is just turning up to one meeting a month. It couldn't be further from the truth. There aren't many days that go by where we're not talking about Tukapa, solving problems or planning ahead. It's like running a business that nobody gets paid for.
To every Board member and the people helping behind the scenes – thank you.
Our Amazing Junior Committee
Next up is our Junior Committee.
These legends look after around 250 kids and all their families. They organise teams, jerseys, registrations, fields, referees, answer endless messages from parents and somehow keep everything moving.
A massive thank you to Josh, Kendra, Darryn, Janelle and Hannah.
It's a huge job that most people never truly see.
The Friday Bar Leaners
Every club has its regulars, and ours are legends.
Ross and Kernal are always around the gardens, fixing jobs, helping behind the bar and generally making sure everything is ticking along. If there's something needing doing around the club, chances are they're already onto it.
Brian Edlin deserves a special mention. Every Monday he stocks our fridges, completes our stocktakes and drink orders, then comes back on Thursday to put everything away in the chiller before another busy weekend. Cheers Brian.
Stack, another Life Member, is the voice of Tukapa every home game. Whether he's behind the microphone, selling chef raffles or keeping the crowd entertained, he does it with pride. Cheers Stack.
Paul Meuli is our club historian. Most Friday nights he has another great story or piece of Tukapa history to share, and I always learn something new.
The Saturday Crew
Curly Boulton is at the club by 7.00am every Saturday setting up the grounds. Then after the last whistle, you'll often find him at 4.30pm driving around on the golf cart with a trailer full of kids helping pack everything away. Cheers Curly.
Alongside him is Life Member and Tukapa Patron Kevin Curd. Curdy is always there lending a hand and making sure the fields are packed down after another big day. Thanks Curdy.
Our Live Stream Team
Our live stream has become the envy of rugby clubs right around New Zealand.
Led by Che and Rob Ridland, they've created something pretty special with multiple cameras, instant replays, scoreboards, weather reports and professional commentary.
Joining them are Doggy and LT on commentary, Brent Stevens as Stat Man and commentator, along with the many camera operators who help throughout the season.
You guys do an incredible job showcasing our club.
Club Mum
No volunteer list would be complete without our club mum, Carole.
Always proudly wearing her Tukapa colours, Carole makes sure the clubrooms are clean and tidy and the savs are ready for Saturday mornings.
Thank you Carole. You are one of the heartbeats of this club.
Dad
A personal thank you to my old man, who runs our new digital scoreboard every week while also keeping Ross and Kernal honest on the old analogue scoreboard.
It's probably his fault I love rugby clubs so much.
Growing up at Kaitake Rugby Club, sleeping under the bar leaners while Mum and Dad volunteered around the club gave me some of my best childhood memories. Looking back now, I realise just how much those experiences shaped who I am today.
Coaches and Managers
With 17 junior teams and five senior teams, the number of volunteer coaches and managers we have is incredible.
From our five-year-olds right through to our Senior 3rds, every one of you gives up your own time so others can enjoy rugby.
Without you, there simply wouldn't be a Tukapa Rugby Club.
Thank you.
Parents, Caregivers and Partners
To every parent, caregiver and partner…
Thank you for the early mornings, the long drives, washing muddy gear, searching for missing mouthguards, bringing oranges, helping referee, running the sideline or stepping in to coach when needed.
You are every bit as important as those on the field.
Our Players
To every player who wears the blue and white hoops.
Whether you're four years old playing your first game or over 50 still pulling the boots on, thank you.
You're all volunteers too. You give up your weekends, train through winter and proudly represent our club.
Without players, there is no rugby.
Our Supporters and Sponsors
Finally, to every supporter and sponsor.
Whether you're travelling the province, standing on the sideline in the rain, helping financially, volunteering your time or simply cheering us on each week… thank you.
Win, lose or draw, you're always there.
You are the heart of our Tukapa family.
One Final Thank You
I'm sure I've forgotten somebody, and if I have, I'm sorry.
This newsletter isn't about recognising every individual.
It's simply my way of saying thank you.
Thank you for supporting our club.
Thank you for supporting each other.
Thank you for supporting me as Chairperson while we continue trying to make Tukapa the best club we can possibly be.
Because at the end of the day…
One Club. One Family.
See you all on the sideline this Saturday.
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club
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