A Bright Future Ahead

Published 15 Jun 2011 09:30 0 Comments

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Having just completed a fourth consecutive promotion - which will see the club playing in the second tier of Scottish rugby next season - strides are already being made to improve off the field as well. And chairman John Hutton is certainly one man who is positive about the future of the Newton Mearns club. Hutton has been a member at Whitecraigs for 38 years and has certainly seen a vast transformation over the decades.

He said: "When I joined Whitecraigs we were a small club based in a small clubhouse in Deaconsbank. But what hit you from the moment you first stepped foot into the club was the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. And while our facilities may have improved over the years, one thing has remained the same - we are a club that will welcome the community through its doors."

Having moved to the fabulous West Lodge clubhouse in 1997, Whitecraigs is the envy of many a club in Scottish rugby. But there is certainly far more on offer at the Aurs Road facility, a point that Hutton was keen to point out.

"Although we have a thriving rugby section, with three senior teams, a mini and midi section, there are plenty of other activities going on at the club as well and we pride ourselves as being a community club,"said Hutton.

He continued: "We can offer a family environment which is safe and has a fantastic outlook over the pitches while you sit and enjoy a beer. We have two glass back squash courts and three successful teams who represent the club in the first, second and fifth divisions of the West of Scotland leagues. Our pitches are used by an archery club, two football clubs and an American football club and almost every night of the week there is something on in our hall. We have children's dance classes, line dancing, Zumba, afitness class, martial arts and a baby and toddler group. The club is also used by the West Mearns Church for its weekly services, a partnership which has proved very successful in its first year."

With a dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes there is clearly plenty of potential at Whitecraigs. However, Hutton concedes that having watched on with great satisfaction as the club has blossomed both on and off the pitch, there is still plenty of hard work to be done.

He said: "It's very important that while the club is on the up, and everything is looking rosy, that we try to capitalise on this. We have always had a strong youth section and we are reaping the benefits of that and we must look to continue that. And as we move into Premier Two for the first time in our history we have to show ourselves off to new visitors the best we can. The club will only continue to thrive if volunteers continue to come forward to help and it's certainly been noticed this year that the first XV players are now taking a pride in their club. They are helping out where they can and this must continue in all areas of the club."

So while Whitecraigs Rugby Club strives to continue its meteoric rise to the upper echelons of the game, it seems that the values that got it to where it is now will always remain. Friendship and community appear to be at the heart of everything good that is happening at West Lodge.

This article appeared in Eastwood Mercury 15 Jun 11