Well...after one session back training I'm very happy. We had 3-4 new lads join us towards the end of winter, and another 3-4 new lads down on Wednesday night, as well as 2-3 who've drifted away who are keen to play again. I know we harp on about it but in a non-RL area those sort of numbers are key to our survival and growth.
We also had about a dozen youngsters of similar age turn up for out first ever junior sessions - also key to growth.
Yes, the ground was hard even with fairly lush grass - but guess what, it's rained for the last 2 days and more is due over the next few days. British summers are never that dry, though there will be dry patches (just as there are frozen patches over winter). The difference is, everyone is keen to train and play, we can have great sessions on grass in daylight and we all look great training in vests!
As for game days - our families, gfs, wives, kids and friends (and a few fans!) love nothing more than coming down in nice weather and watching the boys playing. That is also great for growth as more people are attracted to the club.
I can fully understand people's reservations, and clubs that have been around 20-30 years have justified concerns. Each club needs to do what's best for them. Winter RL might shrink but I can't see it dying, we'll just end up with summer and winter played side-by-side, overlapping a little.
