Christchurch Football Club eNewsletter

Well it’s Sunday the 31st of May as I write Shu’s Corner overlooking our No. 1 ground which means on the 1st of June I will have been 12 months in the General Manager role!! I have to recognise my good friend & colleague Budgie who has officially been in his role as Rugby Development Manager for just over 12 months. During the past year we have learnt a lot about ourselves, the way we work, the “behind scenes” of the Christchurch Football Club, what is needed to be done and what changes are required to be made in the next 12 months to ensure we continue to grow, develop, and become known as the club to come and play for and be part of.

As I sit and write these words today it has been awesome to again engage with Nelson College 1st XV who have been staying with us over the long weekend, meet with the Kings High School 1st XV who wanted a local club to review their Saturday game (thanks to Jimmy Frood for the introduction) and complete a walk through before playing again on Monday, just like Nelson College and to meet the NZR Un20 Management team as they prepare for their Tight 5 Camp on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday here at the club (thanks to Matt Sexton for the opportunity and to Thomas Grant for your organization & communications!)

Subscriptions 2026

We want to thank everyone that has paid their subscription to date as it means a lot to us as it allows us to continue to invest in our players and club with confidence

Again if have any questions please contact accounts@christchurchpark.co.nz in the first instance

Senior Div. 1-6 & Women’s $240.00

Colts and any Under 21 player $160.00

General $50.00

Social $20.00

Junior Family Member –

1 player (first child in the family) $115* includes team photo payment

2 or more players (same family) payment $230* includes team photo payment

3 or more players (same family) $300* includes team photo payment *includes a Family Membership of $60

Coaches & Managers of all teams will now be following up to ensure all subscriptions are paid as soon as possible

Lastly I want to acknowledge Jack Stokes who was with the club until recently, was a very good player and is an awesome young man! Jack is now fully immersed in the world of Motor Rallying and is doing very well as a Rally Driver. On behalf of the club we are extremely proud of you Jack and check him out on Instagram @jackstokesrally!!”

Regards

Shu

The Unsung Team Behind Every Rugby Team: Parents

When we think about a successful rugby season, our minds often go straight to the players scoring tries, coaches planning training sessions, or volunteers running game day operations. However, there is another group whose contribution is often overlooked but are absolutely vital to the success of any team – the parents.

From the first pre-season training to the final whistle of the season, parents provide an incredible level of support that allows coaches to focus on developing players and creating positive rugby experiences

Supporting the Coaching Environment

Coaches, particularly at junior and community rugby levels, are often volunteers who dedicate countless hours to planning sessions, selecting teams, reviewing performances, and communicating with players and families.

Parents play a huge role in supporting this environment by reinforcing team values at home. When coaches and parents share common messages around effort, respect, discipline, teamwork, and enjoyment, players receive consistent guidance that helps them grow both on and off the field.

The most successful teams are often those where parents trust the coaching process and work alongside coaches rather than around them.

Positive sideline behaviour also has a significant impact. Encouragement, support, and celebrating effort rather than just results helps create an environment where young players feel confident learning, making mistakes, and continuing developing their skills.

Teaching Resilience and Perspective

Rugby, like life, has its ups and downs. There will be victories, defeats, injuries, selection disappointments, and challenging performances.

Parents play an important role in helping young athletes navigate these moments. Often, the most valuable support comes not from analyzing the game but from listening, encouraging, and helping players maintain perspective.

When parents focus on growth rather than outcomes, players learn resilience, self-belief, and a lifelong love of sport.

Helping Build Club Culture

Strong rugby clubs are built on more than results. They are built on community.

Parents contribute enormously to club culture through volunteering, supporting fundraising initiatives, attending club events, and creating connections between families. Their involvement helps turn a rugby club into a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

The friendships formed between families often become just as important as the rugby itself.

A Thank You to Parents

As coaches, we often ask a lot of our players. Equally, the season places demand on parents who willingly give their time, energy, and support week after week.

To every parent who has stood on a cold sideline, driven countless kilometres, washed muddy jerseys, volunteered at events, or simply encouraged their child to keep turning up and giving their best – thank you.

Your contribution may not appear on the scoreboard, but it is one of the most important reasons our players can enjoy, develop, and succeed in rugby.

Rugby is a team game, and that team extends far beyond the players on the field. Parents are an essential part of that team, and the impact they make throughout a season should never be underestimated.

With seven years of Premier rugby experience, Jacson brings strong leadership and a clear vision for the role. “It’s a real privilege to take on the Club Captain role at CFC, a club with such a rich history and strong community,” he said.

Jacson is focused on building connection across the club. “Being Club Captain is about bringing people together, making sure our players and members feel heard and valued, and maintaining high standards on and off the field.” He is equally committed to fostering a positive environment, adding, “I want to help create a club that is welcoming, enjoyable, and something everyone is proud to be part of.”