We’re Crowdfunding!
Whitchurch RFC is stuck in the 80's. Help us make the clubhouse more attractive to the growing number of girls playing & wider community
Whitchurch RFC's primary purpose is the promotion of rugby football union throughout our local community. We currently provide our facilities and services to nearly 300 mini and junior players from the age of 6 to 16 and 60 senior players from 17 years of age up to 60+.
With the growing interest in the ladies game and them doing so well, we are attracting more girls playing the sport and have dedicated coaches building this with the support from local schools who also advocate for more girls in sports.
The club was founded in 1936 with the first game a win against Shrewsbury 20 - 6 on October 24th. 1936 and the club has come a long from changing in a shed by the school pitch. The highest level we played at was in the National League 2 North. This was achieved in the 1997/98 season under the captaincy of Stuart Bailey (his son is now first team hooker) The status of playing at this level ended in 2002 but was an incredible achievement as a truly amateur side of what people thought as as farmers sons.
Ladies rugby was introduced in 1992 spearheaded by Hannah Owen. Great friendships were forged that continue to this day. Although the ladies side sadly disbanded in 2005 we would dearly like to capitalise on the girls who are starting out on their rugby journey with WRFC and get a ladies team started in the near future. We have several lady coaches and mixed teams in mini and juniors and a dedicated girls only night training on a Tuesday where they coached in skills across their differing age groups.
Off the field we are in a strong position financially compared to many clubs but we don't have lots of spare cash to make the improvements that we need to make it more attractive to the wider community which ultimately brings in more revenue.
The only way this type of fundraising works is by a HUGE TEAM effort from everyone involved and or who have connections to the club.... WE NEED THIS SUPPORT AGAIN!
The 1st. team 2023/24 season playing in the Regional 2 North West League
We are looking at raising £30,000 to fund the project to improve the clubhouse and make it more accessible to all but if we are lucky enough to raise more then we can make it even better for future generations. It has been looking tired for some time and with the influx of more female members and coaches we want to make it a more friendly and diverse area where people can spend time socialising. A survey was sent out to all members and some of the replies are below.
Post-covid we have found it tough financially as have many clubs and even though we did as much as we could in trying to bring people together with the 'biggest beer garden in the area' we are just starting to get back to pre-covid incomes on the bar and hosting events. Our club is run solely by people who give up their time, whether that be organising events, unblocking drains and minor repairs to coaching the mini and juniors teams come rain or shine. We believe that by getting more people to spend more time at the club it will inspire them to become volunteers to help the club move forward and secure it's future for generations to come.
Clubhouse Improvements – Summer 2024
At this stage we are intending to revitalise the clubhouse without making significant structural changes. Having considered various suggested options from members, and via the RFU advice we propose the following:
Create a 'sense of arrival' and a warm and welcoming environment
Revitalise the Club Room
Provide a greater range of food & beverage options
