New Commitee Members for 2020
JASON RAFT
My name is Jason Raft. Victorian AFL supporter by birth but Rugby Union fan by choice! My son has played at GPS since U6 and is heading into U16s in 2020.
During the 2019 season I undertook the role of age coordinator for the U15s. Working with a group of motivated coaches and parents we were able to build a positive program to reintegrate our entire year level from what was a dysfunctional model for some years previous. Our focus was to build a squad of engaged players that are looking to progress through to the senior levels of the club.
My major focus on the club committee would be to help build a transition process for the junior players into the senior teams. Since amalgamation of the junior and senior club there appears to be major gaps in the thinking around how we keep players connected to the club but also forming positive development programs for prospective coaches from the junior ranks. With junior numbers dropping we need to work on engagement plans for local state schools to increase our membership reach. To encourage new players to connect with us we need to show them a program that starts with u6 and travels all the way through to Prems. Our ability to thrive as a club into the future centres around our ability to grow our members and provide good rugby outcomes regardless of player status from novice to elite.
PAUL STONE
GPS has been a mainstay of our family life since we moved to Ashgrove in 2012 and like all great rugby clubs, it represents to me and the community so much more than what happens on the field.
Now is a pivotal time in the club’s history with the impending new development project about to be realised – I see it as a “call to arms” for all those members, like me, who’ve benefited from the club over the years, to rally efforts to bring this new vision for the site to life.
With my 30 years’ experience in business management, marketing, communications and PR, I’m looking forward to building on the success of the GPS’s brand, and in a small way help the game as a whole navigate this challenging period in its history.
BEN WHITTEN
“I’d like to help GPS Rugby show the Australian Rugby community and political influencers that it is the best family club in Brisbane and Queensland, by setting and abiding by the highest principles of good management of our young women and men who choose to play and enjoy this great game.
The point of distinction of Rugby to all other competitive codes must be the production of skilful, confident but humble players with self discipline in all aspects of life, the ability to fulfil the playing dreams of players of all shapes and sizes, a realistic emphasis on safety in the context of a contact sport, along with building impeccable role models for younger generations.
No matter what challenges the National or State organisations are having, by looking after our own members, opening the door to all those who demonstrate a commitment to rugby and personal excellence and to become a positive role model for all, will undoubtedly lead this great club to unprecedented levels of loyal membership.
I’d like to be part of a team who can make it happen, and I hope my 30+ years of skills and experience across trades and professions will be of assistance.”
Jason, Paul and Ben will support current board members, Liza Hammond, Darren Dowse and Michael Taylor.