President’s Message
Festive good wishes to you all. I hope this message finds you well and getting ready for this rather strange festive period.
To say the least it has been a year like no other and a test of our resilience beyond the imagination of most of us. Despite the long periods of lockdown and disruption, recent announcements see us again facing a difficult winter and sadly we have again had to stop the training at Braidholm.
The world of rugby has not completely come to a halt and I am sure you all enjoyed the opportunity to support Scotland in the inaugural Autumn Cup. The games were interesting, but for me there was a little too much kicking and waiting for an error to create opportunities to attack. I felt sorry for the ball!
The SRU AGM was split into three parts culminating in a meeting on Tuesday to finally present the accounts. An underlying message was concern that the covid situation might have a negative impact on playing numbers. This is not a trend I expect at GHA. The numbers attending training at all ages and levels, boys and girls have been excellent and a testament to the health of the club and to all those involved in the coaching structure. To maintain the enthusiasm and level of commitment is a huge achievement and is greatly appreciated. I give you all my personal and the committee’s grateful thanks. An interesting consequence of covid controls on the senior teams was that the players had to register for training in advance. The number was set at 40. Amazingly this led to some players being disappointed and being placed on as waiting list. Surely a first in GHA history
There has been noticeable highlight’s for the club with 3 boys being selected for the Scotland Under 20 training squad and huge congratulations go to Jordan Craig, Adam Scott and Dean Hunter.
Our second Foodbank of the year, organised by the senior players for Christmas produced an incredible response from our members and associate clubs. The Scott Room was packed with every inch of space being used for much needed supplies for Glasgow SE (Trussell Trust). In total we had to make three journeys in multiple vehicles. It was a really heart-warming spectacle and a measure of the generosity of the GHA community.
A final note of good news particularly for the Junior members is that Santa is exempt from the covid travel restrictions and should be visiting them soon. I would ask all parents to remember a carrot for the reindeers and a wee dram for santa!
I hope you all stay well and look forward to rugby in 2021. Can you imagine the excitement of that first match, tackle or even a try!
Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
GHA Together Stronger.
Stuart
President
