Club President – Geoff Caldwell
President PRFC 2024-25
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you as the President of Portadown Rugby Club (PRFC) for the 2024-25 season. Our club is built on the pillars of teamwork, community, commitment, and success, and it is these values that have brought us to where we are today. I want to follow Mark’s example from last year. I want to be a President who puts the shoulder to the wheel and works hard for all sections of the club. I want to follow the ladies and gents who have worked tirelessly to take the club to its current position. One of the most important things we can do, is give our time, and I am inspired by the countless people who continue to volunteer and maintain the stability of the club. Their support is much appreciated. If we can all give some hours to our club, we will continue to move in the right direction.
Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. Whether on the pitch or off, it is our collective effort that drives us forward. Each volunteer, player, coach, and supporter play a crucial role in our club. Our passion for rugby is what fuels our dedication. It is the love for the game that brings us together, week after week, season after season. This passion is evident in the energy, enthusiasm and success we see in our minis, youth (girls and boys), adult (ladies and men), and panther sections. It is this same passion that inspires us to strive for improvement and gets us through those cold winter training sessions. Rugby is not just good for our physical health but our mental health too.
My PRFC mini rugby career was thanks to Jimmy Reavey, trying to persuade me to play rugby, and it was Kenny Hooks who encouraged me to swap the round ball for the oval ball at secondary school. My first senior game for PRFC was in 1995, with my first coaches being Willie Gribben and Clive Bowles and I have represented the club ever since. While at university, Annesley Renshaw was always in contact to get me a game and keep me involved. On the pitch, had the privilege of Captaining the Men’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th XVsand off the pitch, I have been involved in a number of committees and have always tried to do my best for PRFC.
Rugby is a special sport and PRFC is a special club, and I would ask you to put our fixtures in your diary and come down to back all the teams running out. We have achieved great things on the pitch, and we continue to grow and evolve as a club. But success is not just about winning matches; it is about the friendships we forge, the memories we create, and the positive impact we have on society. Chambers Park is not just a place to play rugby; it is a hub for our community. I would encourage everyone to make the most of the excellent facilities we have to offer, from our restaurant to our clubhouse, and function rooms to the gym.
As President, I am committed to continuing the legacy of those who have come before me. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Portadown Rugby Club remains a place where everyone feels welcome and valued. The club would not function or break even without sponsorship and I would also ask you to back our sponsors, who have invested in the future of PRFC. Many of these sponsors are long term friends of the club and for anyone thinking they can help out, please get involved.
I am looking forward to the year and it would be fantastic to see everyone down on the touchline, supporting all the teamsand using the facilities. Win, lose or draw, we can catch up in the club house after. Let’s make the season one to remember for all sections of the club and if you can support in any way, please do so.
See you soon!
Geoff
