Dear you,
The time has come for you to hang up your boots, after 7 years with the club. And what an incredible 7 years they have been. You came to every game with passion, sometimes you'd show up and have to ref our games, but we enjoyed every second of it, regardless of your position.
You'll still continue to be one of the most unintentionally funny people I've met, coming to training, games and social sessions with your humour. It's never a dull day when you're around. You took me on my first ever train not so long ago, we went to the rugby with some other people - I'll never forget that day!
And also, for the laughs, remember that time we went to the England game and you got a bit tipsy and tried to jump over the bollard?
We'll never forget how much you did for us, turning up to training every week with no reason, apart from your love for our team, and how much you cared for us, no matter what. We all went through our own struggles, but you helped us through them all, taught us that no matter what, we were a family and always there for each other.
Thank you for teaching us lessons that stretched far beyond the game itself.
There are few special people in your childhood that help you mold into the person you end up becoming. Sure, your parents, grandparents and even your favourite teacher, but then again, teachers are only there for a few years. There's always one special person who helps shape you, and that's been you.
I don't think you ever realised how much of an impact you had on myself and my teammates. Because, despite all the losses and wins, it was always much deeper than that. You gave me hope, passion, strength, and I'll never forget that.
Thank you for believing in me on days I really couldn't. There's a quote out there that reads “sometimes we need others to believe in us even if we can’t believe in ourselves.” and for me you were always that person. Regardless of the circumstance, you were always there to help me back to my feet.
You were the first person to believe in me. I remember you presented me with my first ever rugby award, something I still cherish to this day. I remember feeling the pride when you called my name, although I was mega embarrassed!
Thank you for inspiring me. This applies not only to me as an athlete, but also me as a person. I could go on for hours about how you always pushed me to do my best athletically. Obviously, I wasn’t your best athlete, but that didn’t stop you from always encouraging me to do my best. That’s not all you did. You also inspired me with your kindness and your compassion for others. Some coaches don’t care about their athletes outside of the sport, but you do. You take the time to check up on others, and you’re always there when someone needs you. Just like you were always there when I needed you.
No words can thank you enough for taking time out of your day to not only be a coach, but mentor us and be a great role model for us to look up to. I wouldn't be who I am today without the lessons you taught me.
I hope I'm making you proud, and I'll do my best to play in that England shirt one day. I'll do it, and I'll do it with you in the front of my mind.
All my love, and I'll see you soon.
Ashleigh <3
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