Tristan Cumming new Watsonian FC Club Captain,
Tristan Cumming can lay claim to being a true Watsonians club man. Only a few can claim to have played for the 4's, 3's, 2's, and 1's, not to mention a few runouts for the 7's. Not bad for a man born in Glasgow and who first played for the club when he was 20.
Now 26 and captain of the 2nd XV, the centre and utility back has taken on the role of club captain, taking the mantle from Emily "Badger" Cotterill last month.
A role Tristan only considered when Badger and Club President Richard Kelly asked if he'd be interested in the role. His response was, of course, "YES."
The PE Teacher played for GHA as a boy and found the club after a hiatus from rugby.
"After moving to Edinburgh, I stopped playing rugby for a few years. I eventually returned as an adult to make new friends and get fitter. Watsonians felt like a good fit for me, and I never looked back."
When we talk about why Watsonians, Cumming didn't know six years ago that he had found a home at the club, but talks excitedly about why the club means so much to him now.
"The main thing I like about Watsonians is the club ethos. It's filled with genuinely nice guys. I love how social and welcoming to new players the club is and there are no cliques either, which I love."
Speaking about what he hopes to do during his tenure, Tristan discusses his hopes to bring all the teams together.
"I am especially looking at trying to bring the whole club together from 1s, 2s, 3s, and the ladies. I'd like all players to support Watsonians and feel part of the club regardless of which team they play for," he added, "I'd love for teams to get down and support each other more often when their own game isn't on."
At 26, Tristan's playing career is far from over, something I know the coaching staff will be glad to hear as he enthusiastically states, "I will absolutely still be playing, and I am very excited about the team's opportunities and prospects this season."
When the topic of Emily is raised, Tristan smiles and says, "Emily has already been an amazing resource and has been so helpful already. I'm delighted she recommended me for the role and hope I can be as effective as she was."
Watsonian FC wants to thank Badger for the fantastic job she has done since taking the captaincy, and we are all very excited to see how she grows the women's game at the club with her new girls' pathway.
