As part of its ongoing commitment to support and developing community clubs, the WRU’s Club Operations Team has once again put in place a calendar of workshops with the support of NatWest.
More than 200 volunteers attended last season’s inaugural round of workshops which aim to help clubs become more sustainable on and, specifically, off the field.
The workshop is entitled ‘Sustaining your Club’s Future, and looks at a range of ways, from attracting sponsorship, to supporter and community engagement; improving club facilities and looking at fundraising and special events in order to improve volunteers’ business skills and support them in developing their clubs.
The support material for the workshop is thoroughly rooted in Welsh rugby, showcasing evidence from successful Welsh clubs to make all material relevant for volunteers.
Last season, 92 clubs attended via 18 workshops held in a variety of rugby clubs across Wales demonstrating that the workshops and their content were hitting the mark with clubs. This season, a further 14 workshops will be delivered with the first 6 already scheduled for this autumn.
There are still places on the forthcoming workshops which are open to all volunteers to attend.
Keen to answer the needs of clubs, there is also an opportunity for clubs to register their interest for further workshops to be organised where the Club Operations team can see a cluster of clubs.
Barbara Stone, Bedwas Junior Secretary said, “The workshop discussed how to attract families to the club in great detail which is very useful for us because we want to increase our involvement in the community.”
Ron Rowsell of Brecon RFC added, “The content was interesting, active and inclusive as opposed to a lecture. It was thought-provoking, raising many ideas I can take back to the club. I found the section about improving the club’s database useful as well as the section about adapting how we approach sponsors.”
Julie Paterson, Head of WRU Group Compliance said, “In times of ongoing austerity, it is essential we support club volunteers to gain skills and understanding on how to make our clubs even more sustainable. The partnership we have with NatWest is providing our clubs with direct access to people with expert knowledge. This has already benefited over 200 volunteers within the community game and there is clear an appetite for this type of support for club volunteers.”.
The workshops are open to any club volunteer who has an interest in supporting and developing their club. Click here for further information and registration for the workshops
Forthcoming Workshop locations and dates
Monday 13th October – Tondu RFC @ 6.30 p.m.
Monday 20th October – Morriston RFC @ 6.30 p.m.
Tuesday 28th October – Cefneithin RFC @ 6.30 p.m.
Monday, 3rd November – Nant Conwy RFC @ 6.30 p.m.
