Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £6,500 of match funding
Banbridge RFC Changing Room Upgrade
Banbridge, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, United Kingdom
Aim
We’re upgrading our female / mixed-ability changing rooms to match our improved men’s facilities, ensuring equality, comfort and inclusion.
Who are we?
Banbridge Rugby Football Club is a long-established, community-driven sports club committed to providing rugby participation opportunities for people of all ages, genders, and abilities. Our mission is to be an inclusive, welcoming club where everyone, regardless of background,can enjoy sport, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
We run youth and senior teams, host community engagement programmes, offer recreational sessions, and deliver educational and wellbeing activities for local groups. With over 600 members and thousands of visitors each year, we are proud to serve as a genuine hub for the Banbridge community.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to upgrade our female and mixed-ability changing room facilities, ensuring they match the standard of the newly refurbished men’s changing rooms. This will be part of the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund initiative.
As our women’s game continues to grow and demand for inclusive rugby participation increases, our current changing rooms are no longer fit for purpose. They lack the privacy, quality, and functionality that players deserve, and fall short of providing an equal experience to other sections of the club.
This project is about fairness, accessibility, and dignity. Everyone who represents Banbridge RFC should feel valued, supported, and properly accommodated.
How we’ll spend the money raised
To complete this upgrade, we will install new benching, shelving, hook rails, and built-in storage that mirrors recent improvements made elsewhere in the club.
Based on professional quotations received, the works include:
Changing Rooms Fit-Out
Bench seating along designated walls
Integrated hook boards above all seating
Additional shelving for bags and equipment
Durable, high-traffic materials to ensure long-term use
Physio Room Built-In Storage
Four tall lockable storage units
Secure space for equipment and medical supplies
Every penny raised will go directly toward these essential improvements.
Community impact
Upgrading these facilities will deliver meaningful benefits far beyond rugby:
Fairness & equality: Women, girls, and mixed-ability players will finally have facilities that match the standards enjoyed by men.
Growing participation: Better facilities encourage more people, especially young girls and newcomers, to take part in sport.
Stronger community programmes: Our changing rooms support school groups, community sport initiatives, and cross-community activities.
Wellbeing & inclusion: A modern, private, dignified space encourages people who may otherwise feel uncomfortable entering sport.
Banbridge RFC is more than a club, it's a community space used for fitness, wellbeing, education, and local events. These upgrades help us continue that mission.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways you can help us reach our target and make this project a reality:
1. Make a pledge
If you’re planning to support us, please don’t delay, early momentum is crucial to the success of this campaign!
2. Spread the word
Share the project on your social media, WhatsApp groups, and with friends. The more people we reach, the more support we gather.
3. Ask your employer about match funding
Many businesses match employee donations, doubling your impact instantly.
4. Get involved
Whether you're a player, parent, supporter, or community member, your enthusiasm and encouragement help drive this project forward.
This project successfully funded on 30th March 2026