Probyn is spot on, community clubs need help urgently

HAVING crossed verbal swords with Jeff Probyn back in November on the issue of RFU funding for grassroots rugby, I feel I must now write again, this time to congratulate him.

His April 1 piece highlighted the vital importance to our game of supporting community clubs’ efforts to sustain senior rugby below first XV level.

It’s crucial junior clubs, big and small, be given all possible support in maintaining and, hopefully rebuilding numbers retained in the game from thriving mini and youth sections around the country.

As one of the most successful community clubs in the country (1st XV in National 1, six senior sides, including a ladies’ team and several hundred minis and youths), my club, Bishop’s Stortford is, nevertheless struggling to provide the facilities our players need. Some additional financial support to clubs like mine that have managed, through considerable hard work by many volunteers, to sustain numerous senior sides would have an immediate and positive impact.

Without the extra changing rooms and power, gas and water services we desperately need, our ability to support so many senior players will steadily be undermined and our incentive to continue to sustain the fight to establish better fixture arrangements will fall.

I am only too well aware of the support already provide by the RFU in many ways – having won again this year the prize for selling the most RFU Grand Draw tickets in the country we are taking the maximum benefit we can – but these don’t help clubs facing major capital expenditure projects. Help is urgently needed. JOHN ALLANSON Bishop’s Stortford