Club’s joy as fans pitch in to boost ground appeal

THE OLD Brodleians rugby club in Hipperholme is celebrating after their Project90 fundraising campaign raised £55,700 to fund a new floodlit pitch and expanded training area.

The aim for the five-week fundraiser was described as “helping the Brods bounce back stronger than ever following a year with no matches, no events and no functions - in what should have been our 90th season”.

Using the Crowdfunder online platform the whole club came together to give items that could be sold in return for donations along with numerous team raffles and prize draws. Teams embarked on sponsored challenges and local businesses sponsored Brods merchandise

This allows us to make the best use of our facilities to support the increase in playing numbers

that could be purchased. The total also included a £10,000 Sport England grant following the successful application to the National Lottery supported “Return to Play” fund.

Old Brods Club President Richard Turner was keen to show his appreciation to everyone that had backed the activities.

He said: “If you’ve supported the club’s fundraising I’d just like to say, from the bottom of

GREAT NEWS: Old Brods RUFC’s Under 6s celebrate after thousands of pounds was raised in a crowdfunding appeal towards a new floodlit pitch and expanded training area at the club’s Woodhead ground in Hipperholme.

my heart, thank you. Our members and friends have paved the way in turning this year around for the Brods in terms of our facility improvements.”

Junior Chairman Martin Smith explained “Following a year without income we’re delighted to be in a position where we can introduce much needed investment for night-time training options and a brand new

pitch. This allows us to make the best use of our facilities to support the increase in playing numbers.”

The Old Brodleians currently has more players than they’ve had at any other time in their proud 90-year history.

In recent years, adding to the teams at every junior age group and the three open-age teams, the Brods has welcomed three

girls teams, at under 13s, 15s and 18s, the senior ladies XV and the “Brods Tots” section for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.

Following the easing of Government Covid restrictions all the Brods teams have now returned to training so, if you’d like to join them, or have a son or daughter interested in playing rugby, find them on social

media or at www.oldbrodleians. co.uk.

* If you’re doing anything to improve the sports facilities in your community or have a story to share about your club then let us know by emailing us at newsdesk@halifaxcourier. co.uk.

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