The winning applications all show a detailed plan of how the clubs will encourage volunteers to get involved in their NatWest RugbyForce weekend, and the projects all contribute to other business uses of the club to help the club become more sustainable.
The NatWest RugbyForce weekend is aimed at supporting clubs to undertake DIY projects around the club utilising volunteers from within the club and the local community.
There were 77 applications and even those not successful in gaining a £500 grant will receive promotional materials to help encourage the community to get involved in the NatWest RugbyForce weekend so that they can still progress with their planned projects or host a community event.
Five of the projects – Canton, Whitehead, Maesteg, Bala and Nantgaredig have been put forward as regional finalists to the Win a Pitch Makeover competition, won by Machen last season. The public voting for this season’s Win a Pitch Makeover competition will open later this month.
Julie Paterson, Head of Compliance said, “Clubs are increasingly conscious of the need to adapt the way their interact with the community as a whole and in conjunction with NatWest RugbyForce, we have continued to run tailor-made workshops to support clubs in becoming more sustainable businesses. It is pleasing to see so many clubs embracing NatWest RugbyForce weekend and make strides to improve their club environment.
“Volunteers form the backbone of our game and we would encourage anyone to contact their local rugby club and give up some time on NatWest RugbyForce weekend to make a difference to communities around Wales.”
“Grassroots rugby clubs are the heart and soul of local communities, and NatWest RugbyForce weekend is the perfect opportunity for these communities to get together and show their support by volunteering their time,” commented Mark Douglas, NatWest Regional Director for Wales. “We are really looking forward to building on the success of last year’s campaign and showing our dedication to supporting grassroots rugby clubs and communities across Wales.”
Below is the list of 30 clubs by region who received a NatWest RugbyForce 2015 grant:
Blues
Canton RFC
Cardiff Quins RFC
Old Penarthians RFC
Rhiwbina RFC
Treherbert RFC
Dragons
Caerleon RFC
St Julian’s HSOB RFC
Whitehead RFC
Ospreys
Alltwen RFC
Banwen RFC
Bryncethin RFC
Crynant RFC
Cwmavon RFC
Glynneath RFC
Kenfig Hill RFC
Maesteg RFC
Seven Sisters RFC
Skewen RFC
Tondu RFC
Tonna RFC
Scarlets
Ammanford RFC
Carmarthen Quins RFC
Haverfordwest RFC
Nantgaredig RFC
Penybanc RFC
Penygroes RFC
RGC
Bala RFC
COBRA RFC
Llanidloes RFC
Shotton Steel RFC
