Funding availableto rugbyclubs

West Lothian’s local rugby clubs are being invited to apply to join a new scheme which could offer clubs a funding boost.

The Royal Bank RugbyForce 2021 programme has opened for funding applications.

New for this year, grassroots heroes aged 18 to 35 from Scotland’s local rugby clubs are being encouraged to apply to become ‘Young Ambassadors’, as part of a fresh focus on the future for the upcoming season.

In a drive to get more young people into club boardrooms, the programme is working together with Scottish Rugby to appoint 10 Young Ambassadors onto the committees of their club, providing them with a £500 grant from Royal Bank to deliver a project of their choosing.

Winners will be selected from all five Scottish Rugby regions and will be picked based on how they would spend the grant as well as the great work they are currently delivering through their commitment to their local club.

The Young Ambassador projects will help clubs broaden their appeal in their local communities, build a legacy, improve the diversity of committees at the grassroots level and make positive societal change. Each winning candidate will also receive specialist training and mentoring to develop key skills for day-to-day club management such as financial and social media capabilities and guidance on how to help their clubs attract members.

Royal Bank RugbyForce will continue to provide vital funding to grassroots clubs across the country, recognising that many are facing unprecedented financial pressures in the wake of the pandemic. Since 2009, the RugbyForce programme has distributed more than half a million pounds, benefiting threequarters of amateur rugby clubs in Scotland.

Last season, to support clubs that were forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Royal Bank developed a toolkit for grassroots clubs, including information and advice on remaining financially sustainable when operations had stalled.

The toolkit also included guidance on the support available to clubs, as well as suggestions to safeguard for the future.

The bank also provided ‘Return to Rugby’ kits including social distancing solutions, directional signage and sanitation essentials as well as new bibs, balls and cones to help clubs prepare for re-opening. Scotland international star, Jamie Ritchie, who began his career at Madras Rugby Club, Fife said: “Grassroots rugby is the heart and soul of our game and as professional players, we all know how vital local clubs are in ensuring the future sustainability of the game.”

Applications are open now and can be made via the Royal Bank RugbyForce website at https:// www.scottishrugby.org/clubsand-schools/support-for-clubs/ rugbyforce