Whitton Lions RFC got busy with the tool box on Saturday to give their clubhouse some fresh facilities – with the help of a £1,500 grant.
The club bagged the cash from NatWest RugbyForce as part of a nationwide funding programme and used the award to turn their hands to build new toilets, a new bar and lay a new carpet.
Club chairman Gareth Elliott said: “The new facilities are fantastic additions to our clubhouse and will give the lads a spring in their steps as the new season approaches. I hope it will aid our chances of bringing some silverware to Whitton Park, especially now the bar has new trophy cabinet!”
Meanwhile, Grasshoppers RFC were also getting busy with the DIY on Saturday as part of the Natwest RugbyForce programme, ahead of the start of pre-season training next Tuesday.
An army of volunteers from across all sections of the club came together to help improve the club facilities by doing those DIY jobs that often get overlooked, like painting the all weather fencing, cleaning up the gym equipment and painting the outside of the newly renovated gym.
Giles Whittaker, a father of three players within the Mini section came down to help out and said: “It’s great to have the chance to come down to the club and support and contribute to the facilities. It’s easy for us as parents to forget how much work goes in to keeping the facilities to a good standard and provide a safe and secure playing environment for our children.”
Gary Cunningham, cub Chairman, added: “NatWest RugbyForce is a great initiative and has really helped us bring all sections of the club together. I’ve been impressed with the commitement our volunteers have shown today and how hard they have worked, especially on such a hot day. Everyone throughout the Club bought into the day and we will certainly make this an annual event.”
A full pre-season programme is planned, including the pre-season cup at Grasshoppers on August 16, followed by games at home to Windsor on August 21, away to Chiswick on August 30 and away to Hammersmith & Fulham on September 6. See www.grasshoppersrfc.com for more.
