| Mark was a major cog in the development of rugby both on the men’s side and most noticeable within the girls/women’s game. He sadly collapsed while playing the sport he had devoted his life to. On completing his professional years of playing rugby in South Africa for Natal Sharks, he came to England and imparted his extensive knowledge to everyone and anyone around him.
He was small in stature but a giant within the rugby scene. For example, he led a vital role in pioneering the west Midlands Development programme within the RFUW and was also head of the West Midlands County programme for the U14’s and U17’s. The young at heart 42 year old helped the Malvern Senior ladies team grow from a side that occasional played friendlies into league winners. He also took the University College Worcester women’s side under his wings and managed to gather enough squad to cater for two teams.
His coaching talent was highly sought after and that led him to tutor and organise several coaching courses and was an important member of the Performance Development Academy (PDA) run annually in the West Midlands.
He contributed hugely to establishing the nationally successful Worcester RFC youth squads and was influential members of the RFUW youth review, leading recent progressive changes in the game.
Many people who met him would comment on his dedication and enthusiasm for the game, he personally coached many individual players both in the gym and on the pitch and watched them grow, whether it was into a confident club player or grow to international standards.
There isn’t a team manager, coach or player within the West Midlands that has not received his golden touch at some stage in the sport of rugby. The legacy he has left will remain with us on and off the pitch for many years to come.
Mark’s partner and family decided at his death that the Wooden Spoon would be the most appropriate charity to receive donations in his memory. With this in mind, the committee of the ladies section at Worcester decided to raise money and dedicate an evening to Mark.
On 21st April 2006 a ball event was organised with a three course meal, casino table , raffle prizes, live Irish bans, speaker from Wooden Spoon and a touching presentation from Mark’s family to award a young and dedicated player at the club ‘the Mark Edwards Award’.
The evening was a great success – not only did the Worcester Ladies section raise a few hundreds pounds to donate to the Charity but everyone present could raise their glasses and remember this legendary man all together within the grounds of the pitches where he once coached. In between each course there was entertainment for all to enjoy such as Irish bingo, raffle prizes and the chance to win signed rugby shirts and balls.
Phil Pemble from Wooden Spoon kindly stood up after the meal and explained the Charity’s work and how they support disadvantaged children within the local community, giving everyone a better understanding of how the money donated from that evening will be used. The most emotional part of the evening came when Mark’s partner Julie accompanied by their young children said some touching words about Mark and the value to them of keeping his memory so alive and finally presenting the cup to U17 year old player Tracey Williams.
Written by Worcester Ladies Secretary and close friend, Georgie Fenton
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