Introducing our new chairman of the Mini/Junior Section, Paul Coleman. Paul takes over the role from Gareth Manning who is stepping down after six years. The club expresses our gratitude to Gareth for his work in the development of our young players and extends our congratulations and ongoing support to Paul. The Vale has 450 youngsters across the age groups and the chairman is pivotal in making it work. Paul will represent the Mini/Junior section on the Board of Directors.

PROFILE:

NAME: Paul Coleman

ROLE: Mini’s and Junior Chairman

YEAR OF BIRTH: 1976

RUGBY/SPORTING HISTORY: Played underage rugby from U9’s – U16’s. Played Hurling and Gaelic Football from U6’s to adult game. Coaching rugby at the VOL since 2014, including 5 years in a row at Tag rugby (burned the tags on final game). Worked my way up from U6’s to now U14’s

OCCUPATION: Quality Manager for Chemical company

DAFTEST RUGBY MOMENT: Not realising, back in the day, you could hand off to the face, lined the player up, only to find my nose beside my ear and his teammates celebrating a try

ADVISE TO YOUNGER SELF: Embrace changes, improvements are part of life . . . and tackle lower.

LEGACY FOR THE GAME: Always tackle hard, hard, hard . . . they’re no relation.

Even form a young age, its important to build on the principles of rugby. Of all the sports played, rugby benefits the most from teamwork and having the confidence and trust in your teammates.

WHO INFLUENCED ME?: “The raging potato” Keith Wood