Peter Gilmour is under no illusions about the task ahead of him after taking on the role of chairman with the Cumberland Amateur Rugby League.
For starters, he is taking over from a hugely respected predecessor Roger Blair who served on the League committee for 35 years, the last 22 as chairman.
“Roger is a giant within the amateur game, a great person as well as a wonderful servant to the sport as a player and administrator covering over 50 years.
“Although I consider it a huge honour in being chosen as chairman I know I’m following a great West Cumbrian rugby league man,” he says.
Gilmour accepts that the amateur game in the county is probably at it’s lowest ebb – down to 11 participating teams in one league, which will include some A teams.
“It was with great sadness that we learned at the AGM that Aspatria would not be running a team this coming season. That is a real shame because the club was run by genuine salt of the earth people who had done everything possible to keep it going,” he says.
Gilmour believes that the decline in playing numbers, and hence clubs, stems from the fact that not enough come through after they reach 16.
He says: “Our youth system works quite well from a really young age but from 16 to 18 it seems to fall away and too many players leave the game rather than move into open age.
“We are not getting enough players moving through into senior rugby league and that has to be addressed.”
Gilmour is also calling for unity, and a new era of togetherness to give the game a shot in the game.
“A number of years ago there was a win at all costs attitude in the sport but I sense a change. Certainly there has to be a unified approach with clubs working together to promote and encourage participation.
“I think that also applies to professional clubs working closer with the community clubs, and I sense that is happening.
“I’ve been involved in rugby league since I was a child and it has given me so much pleasure and memories over the years.
“Even in the darkest of times rugby league has been there for me and it has meant so much.
“That’s why I believe that anyone thinking of volunteering for our committee (we are short of numbers) it would be something they would not regret and get enjoyment out of,” he says.
The new league chairman confirmed that the BARLA Cumbria Cup will not be contested this season, but instead extra emphasis will be on the Cumberland Cup.
“It will be staged at the end of the season and the final will be the showpiece game to round it all off and we will have a season to remember,” he said.
