Funding in this year’s ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ programme has been awarded to one hundred and eighteen local rugby clubs from across Scotland.
The funding will provide the grassroots clubs with vital financial support to help the clubs make the most of their facilities, and run a successful club, both on and off the pitch.
Since the launch of the ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ programme 12 years ago, over half a million pounds has been distributed to amateur clubs across Scotland.
The funding complements the annual ‘RugbyForce Weekend’, a celebration of the positive impact local clubs make to their community. This year’s event was due to take place from August 8-9 but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Scottish Rugby and Royal Bank of Scotland decided to postpone the event in line with Scottish Government guidelines.
However, to relieve financial pressure on community clubs, the funding is being released in advance of a rescheduled ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ weekend date.
‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ is a nationwide rugby programme launched by Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Scottish Rugby. The nationwide rugby initiative supports amateur clubs by providing funding to improve facilities and attract new members, encouraging clubs to become true community hubs with a sustainable future.
Jedforest & Jedforest Mini Rugby Club is one of the grassroots clubs to be backed by this year’s programme and has been awarded ‘Hero Club’ status in this year’s ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ initiative.
The club will put its new funds towards giving children of all ages and skillsets the opportunity to take up the sport and get involved with the club, while creating a safe and friendly environment focused on fun and equality.
To view a list of the clubs who will be benefiting from this year’s RugbyForce programme, please visit https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/support-for-clubs/rugbyforce for more information.
Malcolm Buchanan, Chairman, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotland Board, said: “We are delighted to be funding these amazing clubs in this year’s ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ programme. We know how much of an impact this funding has made to grassroots clubs over the past 12 years and the benefits to their members and communities.
“Even in the light of the coronavirus pandemic, team spirit and excitement for the game remains strong and we want to ensure that our grassroots clubs across the country can continue to provide a sense of community as we navigate our way through these challenging times.”
Dave McKay, Jedforest Mini’s Convenor, said: “Everyone at Jedforest & Jedforest Mini Rugby Club is thrilled to have been awarded ‘Hero Club’ status in this year’s ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ programme.
“We’re excited to use the funding towards encouraging more children in Jedburgh to take up the sport and get involved with the club. We want to create a friendly and welcoming space for the community to come together to have fun and make new friends. With the recent events of the coronavirus pandemic, this is something that is more needed now than ever before.”
As the situation is reviewed the ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce’ team will be providing updates on grant funding awards, further support tools and ‘Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend’ progress via the Scottish Rugby website: https://www.scottishrugby.org/
Images © Stewart Attwood Photography 2020
