Woodbridge Rugby Club fundraising adds pitches to meet youth demand

After a successful fundraising campaign Woodbridge Rugby Club has purchased adjacent land to increase its number of pitches at Bromeswell near Woodbridge. The land, which surrounds the Faith Baptist church, will accommodate three new pitches and ease the overcrowding from nearly 500 youth members training and playing on a Sunday morning.

Chairman Tim Johnson commented ‘This time last year, we kicked off the “buy the church land” appeal which was supported generously by our members in what was a difficult year for any fundraising. I’d like to thank Club members who rallied around specifically – all those that supported the “Buy the Church Appeal”, Simon Bennett’s 1.25 million steps raised over £3,000, Julie Oliver who ran a total of a half marathon and raised over £1,000, the half term rugby camp led by Steve Wilding, Claire Cole and team raised over £1,300, the ‘Fat Boys Club’ raised £1,000 and a number of private donations’.

‘The Club also received gratefully donations from EDF Energy Sizewell C Neighbourhood Fund and Sizewell B Sponsorship committee. Further grants were received with thanks from Suffolk Tai Chi Academy, East Suffolk Council Community Partnership and Suffolk Community foundation.

Thanks also to Andy Tawell of Bates Wells and Braithwaite for supporting and navigating the purchase process from a legal perceptive’.

The project will be the last for Club fundraiser and campaigner, Bob Double. In an incredibly challenging year for raising funds Bob identified the available grants and pushed through the applications. He leaves after enabling a transformation of the Clubs facilities over the past 10-15 years.

The Club is busy adapting the land for rugby. Groundsman Garry Sykes and his team have much work to do to make the land suitable. The next phase, buying the church building, will be reviewed as the Club focuses on its priorities post-pandemic.

For more information visit the Woodbridge Rugby Club website