In an effort to exceed last years success the Armoy RFC committee put out a call in the last few weeks for a club coach to help the wee club progress to the next level.
The club can announce that today (16thJuly) they have appointed Ian Caldwell to the position.
Ian was a stawalt of the Ballymena 1st XV for 10 years and was club captain in season 2008-2009 but unfortunately had to retire from top level rugby at the end of that season due to injury.While he was playing at this level he also played for Ulster A and has trained with many international players. He had a short spell as a coach at Colraine and coached Ballymena 2ndXV.
Armoy captain Gareth Christie said” With the level of experience that Ian has he has no doubt that he will be able to help the club attain a higher standard of Rugby which will in future elevate the club to a higher league and will perhaps encourage old and new players to come to Armoy”
There is a good feeling at the club at present with plans to start youth rugby once more and the possibility of a 2ndXV being resurrected. The old 2ndXV pitch has been cleared of weeds and a lot of effort has been put in over recent weeks by Gareth Christie and Francis Douthart in keeping the grass cut and pitches in excellent order.
The club also acquired a set of posts which were donated to us by Randalstown Rugby Club many thanks to Dr John Curry and Derek Waddell at Randalstown for this generous and much appreciated donation. These posts will be put up on the 2nd XV pitch which will be used as a training pitch also.
Once again Armoy RFC would appeal to anyone who would like to play rugby tocome and join us. Training starts up again on Monday18th July and will also be on Wednesday nights until the start of the season. Our new coach will not however be with us until later in July due to other commitments.
(photos from left to right: Neil Porterfield(Hon Secretary) Ian Caldwell(coach) Gareth Christie(club captain)
