Trailfinders to kick off work on their centre for excellence immediately
EALING Trailfinders Rugby Club have announced work will begin immediately on their new centre for excellence at Brunel University.
The new-build will include a state-of-the-art gym for the sole use of Trailfinders Rugby Academy players, plus a new 3G surface identical to the one at Trailfinders Sports Club (TFSC).
The total cost of the project is £1.8 million and is being funded by the Mike Gooley Trailfinders Charity.
“We are delighted to begin work shortly on our centre for excellence, which will provide one of the best facilities in the country for any aspiring rugby player,” said the club’s director of rugby Ben Ward.
“It will create an inspiring environment for players to come through as the next generation for Ealing Trailfinders.”
The Trailfinders Rugby Academy has already provided more than 15 players that have trained with the first team in pre-season, with seven of those involved in matchday squads.
On the international front six players have been invited to train with England U20s, and one with Wales’ U20s.
“Our academy is unique as we place huge importance on combining education and apprenticeships with rugby,” added Ward.
“We have a responsibility to our players not just on the rugby field but also thinking about their future career if it is not in sport.”
Alongside their new build for the academy, Trailfinders also received backing from the Mike Gooley Trailfinders Charity for their new £4m all-weather pavilion at the TFSC.
The pavilion is a three sectioned building, which includes a state-of-the-art ECB three-lane indoor cricket centre with a viewing gallery, a 4G indoor rugby/football facility and a changing room.
“Without the support of Mike and [the] Trailfinders [charity] we would not be in this position, and we are incredibly fortunate with the continuous backing he provides to the club and in particular myself,” said Ward.
“Mike’s support goes far beyond his financial input – his advice and business acumen has been vital in developing us as a new business over the past seven years.”
The club, meanwhile, have also reinforced their commitment to women’s rugby through links to The Henley College and Brunel University.
The aim is to make a clear pathway for their players which goes from junior rugby in their academy to senior rugby.
“This is not a short-term investment,” added Ward. “We are building an elite pathway for women’s rugby which starts with our academy and will eventually lead into our first team.
“We want to create a legacy for women’s rugby and there is no better time to start than in a World Cup year.”