With the Rugby World Cup in full swing, let’s look back at five projects that Sport Wales have funded at rugby clubs through our ‘A Place for Sport’ fund.
A Place for Sport offers rugby clubs the opportunity to engage with their community and raise money through Crowdfunder. And if they hit their fundraising target, Sport Wales steps in with extra money to support the project. Pretty good, eh?
Could these projects inspire your club to start crowdfunding?
Tackling cost of living at Canton RFC
Less than two miles from the Principality Stadium itself, you’ll find Canton RFC. And with nearly 200 children now enjoying rugby week in, week out, the Cardiff club is bursting at the seams and is in desperate need of more space.
What’s more, the club’s big dream is to bring the costs to parents right down to zero. How great is that?
The club decided to put a Crowdfunder together to see if they could raise enough money for a new storage container. This would not only house equipment but would also help the club cover the cost of winter training by opening a small kitchen.
The club has crowdfunded almost £7000 and was handed another £3,500 from Sport Wales.
Top Tip
Mini and Junior Chair Wayne David says, “Do your homework first – look at successful Crowdfunder projects to help decide your target. Speak to other clubs who have been through the process and get guidance from your National Governing Body who can help you put a plan together.”
All change at Ruthin RFC
With just one single communal shower, the facilities at Ruthin RFC have long needed a makeover. Having already spoken to funding partners to raise some of the funds needed, Ruthin RFC set up a Crowdfunder to see if the local community could push the project over the line.
And they did exactly that. Crowdfunding £15,000, Sport Wales then converted with an extra £10,000 from its A Place for Sport fund.
Aside from much improved shower facilities, the club will now have a modern clubhouse and changing rooms which the whole community can enjoy. It will allow the club to continue growing junior rugby and its increasingly popular Ravens section for women and girls.
Top Tip
“Don’t leave your deadline too long,” says Ruthin RFC’s Sam Higgitt. “You need to build momentum and that’s easier within a shorter timeframe. Remember to update people when you hit your milestones too!”
It’s a new era for Waunarlwydd
Waunarlwydd is a village in Swansea and at its heart is its rugby club which has been dishing up community rugby for more than 120 years. It has also helped develop Welsh internationals Nicky Smith, Liam Williams and Siwan Lillicrap.
Its clubhouse has played many roles since it was built in the 1970s – a food bank during the pandemic and school fundraiser venue to name just two. But while it is much loved, it is no longer fit for purpose.
Turning to Crowdfunder, the club outlined its plans to develop a state-of-the-art clubhouse which would benefit the entire community. With match-funding from Sport Wales, the club has already raised over £40,000 for the fit out of the building which has been constructed by a developer.
Top Tip
“It’s a good idea to get someone to lead on it so they can keep reminding people to donate,” Andrew Wedlake, Club Chair.
