Re: Are the games grass roots dieing : Thu Aug 04, 2016 4:17 pm  

triran wrote:

You raise an interesting point, however now I have moved 300 miles away and help run Devon Sharks RL - there are different goals you have to hit first in so many ways.

For one, the RFL have been hugely supportive to us and we are building our grassroots through the schools. Actually taking the time to teach kids, "What is RL?" - we (Northern folk) take it for granted but it is (to some extent) a new sport.

We are creating a "product" through children and adults - selling that concept to sponsors (which is growing) - then the supporters are coming.

Very slow process but we are getting there.

Tell the RFL that you get crowds of 75 and you sell french fries, not chips, and they'll throw brass at you! Seriously though, all the best in your venture.

Re: Are the games grass roots dieing : Thu Aug 04, 2016 5:26 pm  

At amateur level the sport is a shambles. No where near as many youngsters playing the sport and many clubs no longer exist. I really do fear for the future of the sport.

Re: Are the games grass roots dieing : Thu Aug 04, 2016 7:01 pm  

Well, really the RFL cannot win. If they let clubs do what they want, they're criticised for allowing clubs to go bust. If they set salary caps, folk moan why should clubs with "ambition " (ie a supporter with too much money) be prevented from spending what they want ?

The fact is, I have no real objection to folk donating money to sports clubs. Folk can spend their money as they wish. What I do object to is folk lending money to clubs - with an expectation of getting it back when the good times roll in. The good times never arrive. Get promoted and that's when your financial problems really start.

Just how it is, I'm afraid.

Re: Are the games grass roots dieing : Thu Aug 04, 2016 8:39 pm  

Games at amateur level get missed as groups of lads are on holiday or families are away, look at most clubs and I bet below 1st team level they hardly ever have the same team out weeks in a row.

[triran]

Re: Are the games grass roots dieing : Fri Aug 05, 2016 6:08 am  

Hudd-Shay wrote:

Tell the RFL that you get crowds of 75 and you sell french fries, not chips, and they'll throw brass at you! Seriously though, all the best in your venture.

We have Devon Pasties and Cider! Winning combination!

Re: Are the games grass roots dieing : Fri Aug 05, 2016 7:15 am  

Leon Ashton wrote:

No where near as many youngsters playing the sport and many clubs no longer exist.

Thats not a problem confined to RL.