BE A TEAM PLAYER WITH ROYAL BANK RUGBYFORCE

Programme to help clubs in Scotland’s communities

As the Guinness Six Nations grips sports fans, rugby clubs up and down the country are marking another crucial date on the calendar – Royal Bank RugbyForce has opened its annual grant application.

Royal Bank of Scotland helps clubs at grassroots level, showcasing facilities, offering practical expertise and event support and getting their hands dirty to make clubs a better place in communities.

Each year clubs can benefit from funding, new kit, guest appearances and expertise.

Cambuslang Rugby Club in Glasgow, and Boroughmuir Rugby

Club in Edinburgh were named the Hero Clubs in 2019, each winning £1000 plus support to hold a special Royal Bank RugbyForce Day to show their community how involvement at their club can give them a life better spent – on and off the field.

Colin Swanson, from Cambuslang Rugby

Club said the entire club was thrilled when rugby internationalists Jim Hamilton and Rory Lawson came on the day, alongside two Scottish 7s players, who coached and encouraged the young players.

The cash boost also funded an outreach programme, taking taster sessions to 350 local primary school children as well as improving their a changing room.

“We were able to bring the local community together,” said Colin.

Grassroots rugby clubs depend on volunteers, and inspire young people to take up sport and promote a positive environment, supported by Royal Bank RugbyForce.

This year marks the 12th year of the programme, which has already supported 75 per cent of Scotland’s grassroots clubs.

For 2020, Royal Bank RugbyForce is again offering two Hero clubs the opportunity to create a totally unique RugbyForce day. A further eight clubs will each receive a £1000 grant, event support, kit and personal appearances from rugby personalities. Eight additional clubs will receive £1000, and all other clubs will be in with a chance to receive £250.

All qualifying clubs will receive support packs to hold a Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend in

Photo: Stewart Attwood

Local clubs can apply for up to £1000 to help boost their role in the community. Since launch 12 years ago, over half a million pounds has been distributed and this year’s campaign will see a celebration of the grassroots game. Applications open on 12 February and the deadline is 24 May.