Annual General Meeting

Meeting Highlights

Announcements

• Leadership Update: Jim Shiminski was officially introduced as the Executive Director, and James Read as the Club Coordinator, signaling a new chapter in the club’s leadership and strategic direction.

Club Expansion and Growth

• Men’s Team: Achieved key victories and improved team performance, with a continued focus on recruiting new talent. Outreach to local schools and communities continues to expand the player base.
• Women’s+ Team: Celebrated an undefeated season in NERFU D3 and secured a spot in the ASR Regional Playoffs. The team will tour Ireland in March, building on their strong season.
• Coaching Success: Optimized coaching resources, enhancing consistency in training and gameplay while achieving cost savings.
• Social Membership: Remains a financial backbone, supporting regular season activities and events, with increased engagement planned for the year ahead.

Youth and High School Rugby

• Youth Rugby: The program experienced significant growth, partnering with local providers and organizations to introduce over 600 kids to rugby. Feedback from parents and participants was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the program’s impact on youth engagement and skill development.  Contact Gareth Roberts for more information.
• High School Rugby: Portland Rugby has helped to create 7 separate high school teams in Maine, including The Kraken, the Greater Portland High School Team, which will be part of the Portland Rugby Club. The Kraken is actively bonding with three teams from New Hampshire to form the New Hampshire – Maine Youth Rugby Union (NHMYRU). We are seeking volunteers to get involved on all levels. Contact Andrew Jacques for more information.

Financial Overview

The financial report provided an overview of the club’s revenue and expenditures from July 1, 2024, to the present, giving members a clear understanding of the club’s financial position. The club continues to grow and invest in field development while maintaining a strong financial position to support upcoming initiatives. These numbers were shared with the club to maintain transparency and keep members informed about the financial health of the organization.

Field of Dreams Update

A complete field report was presented at the AGM, detailing the progress and upcoming plans for the Field of Dreams project. Highlights from 2024 include:

• January – March 2024: Presented to the Town of Scarborough Planning Board, finalized engineering and DEP permits, and received approval. Fundraising outreach and an in-kind donation for land clearing were secured.
• April – June 2024: Land cleared and stabilized, and the Campaign Kickoff Party was held on 6/15/24. A $250K matching gift challenge was launched, and outreach to corporate sponsors began.
• July – September 2024: Donor Celebration Event on 9/14/24. Excavation for the field and parking lot began, and Greg Hogan joined as the volunteer Project Manager. Continued sponsorship outreach.
• October – December 2024: Field grading completed, $100K from Women’s Alumni was secured, significant new pledges and donations were gained, and the updated project plan received approval from the Town of Scarborough.

For more information, please see the Field Update section in February newsletter.

Opportunities for Involvement

The club is actively seeking volunteers to support the following areas:

• Membership Drive: Helping grow and retain club membership.
• Sponsorship Outreach: Engaging the business community for support.
• Youth Rugby: Coaching and assisting with youth practices.
• Recruitment Support: Assisting with player recruitment and B-Side matches.
• Referees: Addressing the need for more referees.

Looking Forward

The Portland Rugby Club is poised for another exciting year with continued growth, community engagement, and investment in its players and facilities. With new initiatives, dedicated volunteers, and community support, the future looks bright for Portland Rugby.

Join us in making 2025 a landmark year for the Portland Rugby Club!

The Club Expansion and Growth section is now cut in half. If you need any more adjustments, let me know!