Due to personal and work-related reasons, Matt has decided to pass the ball along after the current season.
On behalf our youth board, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Matt for roughly 10 years as a volunteer, youth coach, team manager, and three wonderful seasons as Youth Chair!
Amongst everything else, Matt was “the tip of the spear” of the new Jazzy Youth Committee. Under his leadership, we have seen the youth more than double in size over the past three seasons. Many old traditions have been revived, and even more new traditions have been created. Dozens of youth players have been prepared for senior rugby, and many new faces have been welcomed throughout the club: coaches, team managers, youth coordinators, board and committee members, youth and senior players, sponsors, you name it!
Undoubtedly everyone will share one of our favourite memories of Matt, but let’s list a few of our highlights:
We started strong by taking over 150 children and adults on a tour to France & Belgium! “The Van Ijzer en Beton Tour”
(P.S. we are already planning the next tour.)
The season opening and closing events have become a tradition once again.
The cluster ties with various cluster partners are stronger than ever.
In the district, we have become a leading club for rugby traditions, culture, norms, and values.
As a club, along with our BBQ crew, we have grown to be the favourite destination for many English rugby clubs.
The exposure and image of the club have received a Jazzy touch.
The Jan van Burg and Jim O'Shea tournaments are back on the annual agenda.
The Kikkervis Academy has become an essential part of our youth’s foundation.
Since this season, we also have our own Rugby College.
Mister Jazzy himself will stay until the end of the season to pass the rugbyball to his successor(s)! Will you help us and Matt make these last few months as Jazzy as can be?
Words aren’t enough. We will miss you, Matt!
The Youth Committee,
Willem, Derek, Kevin, Vera & Jacqueline