IT’S an exciting year ahead for the Young Yabbies Rugby Union Club as they celebrate 60 years of action.
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The club was established in 1955 in the then South West competition under the leadership of president the late ER Caldwell and secretary the late ER Day.
According to club president Ben Reid the club has come a long way in the last 60 years, and has some big plans in stall to celebrate the milestone.
This year the Yabbies hope to field a record number of sides with the addition of a women's sevens team. Something that hasn’t been done since 1998 when they were known as the Yabbettes.
“Obviously like any sporting group there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” Reid said.
“There have been some tough times in years when we were only able to field one team - the spirit in those years is just as strong, but as you can see if we field a women’s side this year we have five teams in the Southern Inland Rugby Union competition which will be a record...which is fitting for the year.”
If you’re interested in being a part of the women's sevens side, coaching or managing, contact recruitment manager Noel Schiller on 0447 837 331.
According to First Grade co-coach James Shannon the Yabbies will focus on building on their success from last year
“Players will do a lot of work over the pre-season and hopefully get a lot of combos early on to prepare for the first round and basically improve on last year,” he said.
“Get a good energy in the club and enjoy playing rugby.
The committee is also working on international players to join the club in an attempt to bolster the local talent.
The Yabbies will begin pre-season training in the first week of February on Tuesday and Thursday nights, followed by a trip to Jindabyne and Thredbo in March to kick-start the season.
But not all the action will happen on the field this year, with some big plans to celebrate the milestone, while upgrading the club.
The focal point around the anniversary is a weekend dedicated to celebrating the past 60 years.
The date to remember is June 5-8 when the club will hold a cocktail party, followed by a ball open to both past and present members, and members of the community.
“We’re trying to recognise there’s been a lot of people come and go from the club that’ve enjoyed what it means to be a Yabby,” Reid said.
The clubhouse will undergo a full internal renovation including a new and improved bar and lounge area, and a memorabilia area with a 60 years history display.
It is bound to be an exciting year for the club.
“We’re pumped - it’s a build up to really celebrate 60 years of rugby in Young,” Reid said.
To receive up to date information head to www.youngrugby.com.au or visit the Facebook page - Young Rugby 60th Anniversary 1955-2015.