Thanks Dad for saving the club
When Tom Peet runs out as captain of Cockermouth RUFC in Cumbria, he will be following in the bootsteps of his dad Jeff and playing for a club which still exists largely thanks to Jeff’s determination and dedication.
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We often talk about volunteers as being the lifeblood of the game and sometimes there’s an individual who seems almost single-handedly to have kept a local rugby club going.
Some 40 years ago, Jeff started playing for Cockermouth RUFC after representing both Egremont and Moresby RUFCs. He was captain when the club moved from its old home in the centre of Cockermouth to a new one on the edge of town. The new build was a fantastic facility with many new features and professional staff in hospitality and gym roles. Unfortunately, after four seasons it was clear that the club had overstretched in their ambitions; they were facing liquidation and the committee at the time were all standing down.
Jeff, a construction manager at Sellafield Nuclear Plant, chucked his boots to one side, gathered a small band of supporters, and set about getting the club out of trouble. He took on the Chair and Treasurer roles and, with a lot of hard work, slowly paid off the club’s debts and ensured rugby union stayed in the town.
An inspiration
The club stayed at a manageable level for their senior team and refocused on youth rugby, promoted functions in the clubhouse and enough income came in to stay afloat. The focus on youth rugby certainly paid off, with many younger players moving on to the first team squad.
Says Tom Peet: “For as long as I remember, Cockermouth RUFC has been a big part of my life. I used to love going with my dad on match days and have a lot of respect for the thousands of hours he has spent supporting the club. This has inspired my love of the game and club. I was part of a successful youth team that progressed to senior rugby in 2013 and we haven’t looked back since. It’s an honour to follow in my dad’s footsteps and I look forward to supporting the club in my club captain role.”
The last decade has seen the club grow and grow. Over this time, Jeff has been its backbone. With real expertise, he has managed a small team which has gradually improved the club finances and made key decisions on improving the club’s infrastructure.
Apart from acting as Chair and Treasurer, Jeff has played, coached, been barman, holds the bar license, marks out pitches, completes joinery work, orders food, and even works in the kitchen when they are shorthanded.
Earlier in the season, thanks to the club winning an RFU competition for the number of age grade players registered, they had a visit from former England star Lewis Moody who helped coach and inspire the age grade players and was impressed with the coaching at the club. Thanks to Jeff and his team’s efforts to keep Cockermouth RUFC alive, players have been representing Cumbria at every level and younger players are involved in the Newcastle Falcons pathway, with boys in both their U16 and U18 Academies.
Sailing out of perilous waters
Jeff has been busy preparing for what will be Cockermouth’s 146th season and son Tom has been in pre-season training ready to lead the team. His dad may have decided to hand over the baton of Chair to Stefan Highton, but he will be staying on as Treasurer and generally making sure the club continues well into the future.
Says the club’s new Chair Stef: “Prop forward, captain, treasurer, chairman and many other roles in 25 years at Cockermouth RUFC have been covered by Jeff. He’s been determined, uncompromising, immovable, and tough as teak. His skillset was well suited to deal with the perilous financial waters that we sailed through in 2003-5. And we owe him massive gratitude and respect for guiding the club to much calmer seas and for establishing such tough fiscal management in subsequent years that now place the club in such a strong position to go forward, develop and flourish in the years to come.
“Thank you Jeff from the Cockermouth rugby family, the town and surrounding areas, great job!”
