Club Captain Manifesto by Abby Hutchison
Proposed by: Edie Wright
Seconded by: Gabby Hrymajlo
Hi pookies! I’m Abby. I have been one of your Welfare Secretaries this year, and I am putting myself forward as Club Captain for the coming season.
Throughout my time in LUUWRUFC, I have developed a love for the club, which soon became my family. I am an active and approachable member; eager to drive the club forward. Being Welfare Secretary this past year has strengthened my compassion, as well as my ability to listen, support others, and handle situations with honesty and care. It has also given me a deeper understanding of the club’s needs and how to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members.
This year I believe we have seen significant positive changes in the club, and I have been proud to watch them unfold. From strengthening our sense of community to improving communication and inclusivity, we’ve made progress on and off the pitch. These changes are a testament to the dedication of our members, and I'm committed to building on this momentum.
Although the club means so much to all of us, I recognise that there are a few issues that need to be challenged and improved. Being Welfare Secretary has given me valuable insight into these issues and how we can continue making positive changes. While progress has already been made, I am committed to building on this further, and ensuring that LUUWRUFC remains an inclusive, supportive, and thriving environment for everyone.
The areas I’d like to focus on improving are as follows:
1. I am committed to maintaining transparency within the club. Firstly, I will ensure honest and open communication with the committee. For example, if there are plans being made, I will provide a brief overview to keep everyone informed before making a formal announcement to the wider club. Additionally when addressing the broader club, I believe it is important for members to understand the reasoning behind decisions that impact everyone; clear communication promotes trust and engagement. Finally, I aim to encourage transparency among coaches and coordinators, supporting them in effectively communicating their decisions - especially those directly affecting specific teams and their players.
2. I want to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment. This means supporting members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, those with neurodivergent conditions, and all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring every member feels valued. To achieve this, I will acknowledge national and international holidays, and collaborate with organisations that support marginalised communities in sport. I aim to promote a safe space for members to share their experiences and provide feedback to actively benefit the club.
3. I want to ensure that my fellow committee members feel supported and confident in their roles, knowing they can ask for help whenever needed. To promote this, I plan to increase opportunities for communication and collaboration. I propose holding a full committee meeting once a month (on the first Monday of every month after training) to discuss key updates, address any concerns, and align goals. Additionally, I would like to introduce weekly drop-in sessions in a more informal setting (such as a pub club), where members can casually check in, share ideas, and seek support without the pressure of a formal meeting. By creating these spaces for open discussion, I hope to strengthen teamwork, improve transparency, and ensure that every committee member feels valued and heard.
4. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly - since this underpins everything I’ve discussed - I want to create a “See it. Say it. Sorted.” environment within the club. This means fostering a culture where accountability is encouraged and complacency is not an option. As a team, we should always be willing to acknowledge issues, take responsibility for our actions, and actively work towards solutions, both on and off the pitch. I want to lead by example, ensuring every member feels empowered to speak up, whether it’s about club matters, team dynamics, or personal concerns. A strong, supportive club isn’t just about performance - it’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued and respected. I am fully committed to this team and to making LUUWRUFC a club where we not only push ourselves to be better players but also better teammates and people. Together, we can continue to build a club that thrives on honesty, accountability, and mutual respect.
I feel it is essential for the committee to introduce new ideas and perspectives to the club, ensuring that we continue evolving and meeting the needs of our members. To achieve this, I will actively encourage open and honest feedback, creating opportunities for all voices to be heard. Honesty in the moment is key - by addressing issues as they arise rather than retrospectively, we can ensure everything is tackled instantly and effectively. By consistently striving for improvement, we can make LUUWRUFC the best it can be for everyone.
In addition to strengthening our internal club culture, I want to continue fostering great relationships outside the club. Our partnership with Revs has been fantastic, and I am committed to maintaining this relationship. Additionally, our connections with officers in the union provide valuable opportunities, and I would love to see these partnerships grow to benefit our members and women’s support even further. I am eager to support our new Sponsorship secretaries in securing more deals for the club and more opportunities.
On a final note, I love the club, and I am deeply invested in its success. I want every member, old and new, to feel supported and safe. I want us to play some incredible rugby, enjoy every training session and make the most of every match day. I believe these goals are attainable, but building this club culture isn’t something the committee and I can do by ourselves - it’s a collective effort. If given the opportunity to be your Club Captain, I will dedicate myself to leading this club with passion and integrity, but the club’s support is crucial in making my plan a reality.
So, like my mother, Edie, before me - please vote for me to continue my family’s legacy and be LUUWRUFC’s next Club Captain. I truly believe we can make the 2025/26 season a one to remember. Thank you!
