FOLLOWING Upton Rugby Football Club's recent annual general meeting, the North Midlands League One club has announced its new committee members for the season ahead.

Taking over the top job from Ray Gidley, new club chairman David Gower promises a year of exciting activity on and off the field.

Mr Gower said: "I'd like to personally thank Ray for his work as chairman over the last two years.

"A wonderful job has been done by him to ensure Upton RFC maintains its good playing standard and social activity on and off the field. The club has a great deal to look forward to for the 2002/2003 season and I would encourage anyone who is interested in either learning to play or who would like to play again, to come down and meet with us on training evenings.

"Full training is already underway and we will begin the campaign with three full strength teams and occasional veteran matches. A full programme of events is currently being confirmed by the new committee, including an August seven-a-side tournament and the first Upton RFC October Ball. A date will soon be announced for this."

Rob Heeley is to continue in his role as first team captain with Adam Caulkin taking on the second team role and Dave Underwood the challenging third team captaincy.

According to Heeley each of the captain's will play a pivotal role in the club's success this year on the field: "It is easy to forget the efforts of individual captains in ensuring players remain motivated and hungry for success. Both Adam and Dave will bring added impetus to the whole squad and I wish them well."

Committee members: president Chris Carkeek, chairman Dave Gower, vice-chairman Paul Badger, secretary Paul Pickering, treasurer Rob Wynn, fixture secretary Nigel Banwell, press officer Mark Symington, players' representative Oliver Jones, 1st XV captain Rob Heeley, 2nd XV captain Adam Caulkin, 3rd XV captain Dave Underwood. Upton Sports Club representatives John Fisher and Andy Daniels.

Training is held on Tuesday and Thursday, 7pm-9pm. Contact Rob Heeley on 07980 255783 for information.