our principal sponsors
Article by Gary Heatly - gh-media.co.uk
Photo by Shona Ironside
John Stewart says it is a “tremendous honour” to become the president of Aberdeen Grammar Rugby aged just 29.
Stewart has been involved with the Rubislaw outfit for a number of years now in various guises and takes over the important role from Gordon Thomson after it was ratified at last week’s AGM.
“It’s a tremendous honour to have been elected president of such a historic club,” Stewart said.
“The club has become like family to me and has meant so much to me over the years.
“The support and confidence shown by my fellow club members in me, as well as support from our outgoing president Gordon Thomson, played a key role in making the decision to stand for election.
“Indeed, I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to Gordon who has been a driving force during my time at the club. His dedication, leadership and relentless commitment have been instrumental in shaping the club’s direction. It’s no exaggeration to say that we owe a great deal to his efforts as a club.
“In terms of myself, well I understand that there probably aren’t too many club presidents the age of 29, but I think with the experience and responsibilities that I have had from a young age at the club such as team manager and director I have built up a good understanding of the running procedures and processes and that should stand me in good stead.
“At the same time, I can’t do it all on my own and we have a fantastic group of people involved at the club who will be able to support and guide me on things along with being able to pick up the phone to others such as Gordon.”
So, with the first team having had a solid first season in 2024-25 under head coach Justin Taljaard in Arnold Clark National Three, what are the main things that Stewart and co want to focus on within the wider club going forward?
Chairman Iain Macadie, who will work closely with Stewart, explained: “We recently held our end of 2024-25 season awards dinner which was a wonderful evening with a great atmosphere. Everyone at the club acknowledges the difficulties of the past few seasons, but there is genuine optimism for the future with a senior playing group full of young talent that responds extremely positively to Justin and his coaching team.
“And, having stabilised the senior side last season, the committee, coaches and players are seeking improvement in league position this coming season with more consistent results.
“In terms of the wider club, we now have a full youth section again after many years. The first of those youth players who is old enough is now eligible for us to consider some senior rugby for him and we want this pipeline of talent to be something that grows and grows going forward.
“The youth section for boys and girls is a big part the club’s long term future so we continue to be focused on developing players and their coaches.
“And financial stability is key. Amateur sport is hard just now and we’re very grateful to our sponsors. A significant part of the committee’s role is spending wisely to gain the maximum benefit for players across the different sections of the club.
“In the past two seasons the committee has become representative of the entire club. As club chairman I am also an under-14 coach and our Minis convenor and youth administrator are also on the club committee alongside more experienced members.
“Senior players have also joined the administrative side of the club which gives us a strong link to the first team squad as well as proving to be excellent for the social side of things as well with several excellent family events organised over the past two seasons.
“We have a large and strong committee right now with plenty of hands to share the load.
“It is not easy to keep any club going but we have high hopes for the future.”
New president Stewart was born on the Isle of Skye, but spent most of his years growing in Aberdeen, first getting a taste of rugby at school in Blackburn which then led to him joining Garioch Rugby Club.
“In the last year of youth rugby at Garioch, we had a joint under-18s team with Aberdeen Grammar,” Stewart, who runs his own business supplying Macron teamwear, said.
“After a short stint with the Garioch seniors I joined Grammar in early 2014, first as a player, then as a team manager and committee member.
“I have had a great 10 years at Rubislaw and cannot wait to do my bit as president with the 2025-26 season fast approaching.”
*A version of this article first appeared in the "The Press and Journal" on Tuesday 24th June.