Captain's Log

This page will contain reports and updates from the first ever Millwall RFC Junior Club Captain, Steven Corleys.

Captain's Log - March 2009

Hi to you all! Sorry it's been a little while since my last update - busy times!

The season is now, slowly coming to and end... and my gosh, what a year it has been!

We have successfully created 4 different age groups, along with help from the josh lewsey academy we are now able to put out under 17's, under 15's under 13's and under 10's....and we are even on the verge of an U9s as well! That's more than the adults put out on a good week! And it is all thanks to the hard working volunteers who put in major effort week in week out non stop!

I think our main aim now is to, keep our steady numbers up and try to make more fixtures a regular thing for all age groups for next season. We also have two teams competing in the Essex leagues next season (U17 and U13) which is a big achievement in itself and everybody should be congratulated!

I am also proud to announce that we are about to SMASH the adults in terms of paid up members this season. We currently have 86 paid members to the adults 96 - when you think that we only started paying memberships for the first time this season it's pretty awesome. So a very big thank you to everyone who helped recruit, we should all be very proud ... and remember to rub it in the adult teams face when you see them!

This year, Jim Fitzpatrick is once again hosting the annual dinner and awards night, in.... You guessed it ... the House of Commons! Members tickets are currently being sold at £45, but talking from experience...these will sell out pretty quick, as there really is nothing like it. The food is delicious, the tours are fascinating and the atmosphere is tremendous! So please, if you would like to join us on our adventure please contact You can contact Kathy Garwood (Event Organiser) via socialsecretary@millwallrugby.com ASAP for details.

You may be slightly disheartened as the season is closing... but never fear! There will be many different events taking place such as evening touch rugby twice a week or club house events, being taken throughout the summer & off season, so please come down and have some fun in preparation for the brand new season that faces us! Look out for our summer programme as well, which should keep everyone busy and out of trouble! =)

There's still a lot happening this season, especially the ROW end of season festival (England V Rest of the world day) which includes ... England V Rest of the Worlds match, the Under 15's will be in action as will the U10s and U13s, but the big clash will be the Millwall Coaches XV vs Under 17's, which I for one... cant wait for, as I'm sure neither can the coaches!!!

I am also looking for some idea's to put across to the youth committee for next season... so please come forward with your suggestions on how to make the club better and more enjoyable for all, i would be more then happy to hear them!

Now... Lets go and finish the season with a Bang, and hear the true...Millwall Lions Roarrr!!!!!!

Cheers

Steven Corleys

Jr. Club Captain

07985618122

Captain's Log - October 2008

Hi All !

Another month has passed... and what a month it has been!!!

Already, our millwall under 17's have had a great rally with Charton Park, which included a terrific dose of night time rugby which, even though we lost, saw us play a simply perfect game in the first half but let it get messy in the second which lead to our unfortunate defeat.

The under15's have also been busy! they played there first match against East London, forget the loss.... what a fight they put up!!!!
by the end of the game, everyone was simply speachless, there were some astonishing tackles! I dont think anyone in the crowd expected
such a performance. Full credit to Scott Vinnicombe and all the players.

The Josh Lewsey Rugby Academy under 11's are progressing nicely, by the end we should be getting around 20 players! but continue to get all of your friends down and you could be part of the very first, youth team with a A + B teams !!!

The under 9's are almost ready for the spotlight also as they are sure to play there first ever match in just a few weeks time, and seeing those guys train... there looking good !!!

Unfortunately, its the same people doing the same jobs. These guys dont get paid so make sure you make them feel appreciated.

The odd thank you goes a long way - but also help out when you can - I spent 10 minutes buttering bread for the adults after the match on Saturday, and yeah I got fed up with it, but every thank you made it worth while... but so did the free meal. Help out a little ! do your bit ! even if its just 5 minutes putting up post protectors or filling up water bottles - you're still helping YOUR club out.

See you all at training!

Steven Corleys
Junior Club Captain
Millwall Rugby Club

Captain's Log - September 2008

The new season is now underway and with players returning thick and fast, I'm backing my prediction that this is going to be the best season yet for the Millwall Lions!!

The U17's have all been training furiously, preparing ourselves for our first match on Sunday 28 th of September. We really are looking fit for the season!

The younger age groups are starting to thrive but still many players for the under11's 13's and 15's have yet to turn up to training. I urge you all to continue to nag all of your friends to come down play! Or they could just watch a session if there not to confident.

Something new this year, we are getting advanced players from the adults teams to come down and help out with the coaching which is a big boost to the coaching staff.

They are all extremely friendly people and they will love to answer any questions you might have.

I also must insist that you all get your memberships in! Because without them, you won't be able to play any matches without being registered!

If you haven't received your membership and registration forms yet - get in touch with Matt on youthchair@millwallrugby.com or download them from the memberships page of the Lions website.

Come and get involved. Be apart of the action, and the success!

Good luck to you all, let's go kick some butt!! This is our year!!!!!! 

Let us all go out there and show everyone, the true, Millwall Lions Roar!

Steven Corleys
Junior Club Captain
Millwall Rugby Club

Captain's Log - August 2008

Hi All !!!

With the new season starting now, our heads are held high, we lions want to make this our best and most successful season yet!

But we want you rugby fans to come down and play! If you are from the age of 8- 17 and are as mad about rugby as we are, no matter how big, small, unfit or inexeperinced you are, we want you involved!

All are coaches are very kind and understanding as well as the players.
They can help you individualy, as they have done with myself and others, to work on developing your skills and abilities.

Simply turn up and train, or if you are a little shy, you are more than welcome to bring a friend with you - the more the merrier!.

Or you could get in touch with me via email on simplyrugby@hotmail.com and I'll be happy to introduce you to the coaches and other players.

As the pre-season has now officialy started, we urge all players to begin dragging your friends down to training. There's talk of even rewarding players for training attendance, so keep your ears peeled for that one!

If you haven't received your membership and registration forms yet - get in touch with Matt on youthchair@millwallrugby.com because you wont be able to play any matches without being registered!

Our biggest aim this year is to really put 110% into the competitions we enter to build as big a reputation as possible, not only for ourselves but for the whole club.

Us senior players also have to focus on getting the younger players more involved and prepared for the big leagues before we graduate to adult rugby - some as soon as next season!

On behalf of the players I just want to say a big thanks to the coaches and team managers - as well as Matt, our Youth Chair and Pat, our Welfare officer - for all the hard work they have put in already and we haven't even played our first match yet!

Good luck to you all, and have a great start to what is hoped to be a great season!!!

Let us all go out there and show everyone, the true, Millwall lions Roar !

Steven Corleys
Junior Club Captain
Millwall Rugby Club

Captain's Log - July 2008

Hi and welcome to another exciting year at the Millwall Lions!

As some of you may know, there are many changes taking part this year such as the older players (including me) moving into the under 17's team, which is a big step, but should only be seen as just another challenge and with the help and organisation of Head Coach - Chris Davis and New Team Manager Alistair Jardine, I have no doubt, as we enter the new season, we will succeed.

However the under 17's are not the only piece of good news this season, as we have much to hope for with our under 11's with head coach Gary Mcglauhlin and team manager Sara Edmead as they plan to build a new team for the future at Millwall.

Also, New U13's Head Coach - John Edwards has the challenge of upping the anti of the under 13's and in seeing they get to where they need to be through out the year. 

But I actually think one of the biggest roles goes to U15's Head coach - Scott Vinnicombe and Team Manager - Sandra Timothy, because they have the task of getting the under 15's prepared to step everything up a gear as they slowley begin to move into the under 17's, which for most of us in the under 17's at the moment, is a daunting task.

Through the efforts of Youth Chair - Matt Shorrock, along side Vice Chair - Leigh Blinman, Welfare Officer -  Pat Salmon and Fixture Secretary - Mike Beech we are looking for a big year in the Millwall Lions section of Millwall Rugby club.

With out all these people, none of the new season preperations could work, so there is a special thanks in order.

Good luck to everyone in the new season. Let us all go out there and show everyone, the true, Millwall lions Roar !

Steven Corleys
Junior Club Captain
Millwall Rugby Club