Helsby RUFC are delighted to announce that Rugby Safe Lead and Head Junior Coach, Andy Wheeler is to assume the role of Junior Chairman with immediate effect, with Chris Johnson to continue as Senior Chairman.  

Andy's association with Helsby RUFC dates back more than fifteen years, during which time he has coached several of the club's junior teams and many of the club's players. He has also operated as the club's Rugby Safe Lead for the past decade. As a parent himself, he used to coach his daughter Grace, who gained county honours for Cheshire and who herself now coaches Helsby's fledgling Junior Girls teams. Andy lives in Frodsham, with his wife Ali and the family are all keen Sale Sharks supporters.

Helsby RUFC Juniors were re-established in April 2021, following the Covid-19 pandemic, when Helsby Community Sports Club opened it's new clubhouse on Callender Way in Helsby. Grasping the opportunity to take advantage of the new facility, the club has expanded rapidly in the last three seasons and now boasts teams at every age group from Under 7 through to Under 13, plus an Under 16 team, a Rugby Tots group for Under 5s and Under 6s and also a Junior girls group for Under 12s to Under 16s. Playing numbers have risen from less than 20 at the time of the relaunch, to more than 120 at the start of this season and at the same time more than 20 new coaches have been recruited, plus more than a dozen off-the-pitch volunteers who are helping to take the club to new levels.

Taking on the role, Andy said "I am delighted to continue working with Chris, the Executive Committee, and our fantastic team of coaches and volunteers at Helsby Rugby Club. Being part of a true community club is incredibly rewarding. We’ve had a fantastic start to the season, and our excellent facilities have enabled us to offer a wide range of rugby activities—from Senior rugby on Saturdays to a comprehensive mini and junior programme on Sundays. I am excited about our future growth plans for both the boys’ and girls’ games at Helsby RUFC and look forward to seeing them come to fruition".

Andy has played a key role in the Junior Section's growth since 2021 and in particular is a keen supporter of the girls game. With the club operating mixed teams up until the age of Under-11, the sport has proved extremely popular to local girls - last season girls accounting for 25% of playing numbers in the mixed teams. With England hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2025, we expect further growth in the game and Helsby RUFC are well-positioned to take advantage of that - offering some of the best facilities in the region and with a true, family club atmosphere that sets it apart.

I'd like to thank Andy for taking on this role and indeed for his support over the many years that we've worked together at the club. He's a true "rugby" man, who is committed to Helsby RUFC and growing the game in our area. The way that our Junior section has grown in the last three years has been fantastic to see and is testament to the hard work and dedication of dozens and dozens of volunteers. For that continue though, it's important that the section now starts to strengthen off the pitch, where more volunteers are needed to provide support to the coaches and the children. Under Andy's stewardship, I have no doubt that this will happen.

Chris Johnson
Chairman, Helsby RUFC and Sporting Director, Helsby Community Sports Club

New players are always welcome to the club and the club is also keen to recruit more coaches, so if you are interested in joining the Helsby Rugby family, then please email info@helsbyrugby.com or message 07511 158818.