Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £25,675 of match funding
Carrickfergus RFC - Gym Refurbishment
Carrickfergus, Mid and East Antrim, United Kingdom
Aim
We aim to refurbish our rugby club’s gym to boost participation in physical activity, especially among youth, girls, and women’s teams.
Who are we?
We are Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club! Established way back in 1865, and quite possibly the oldest junior club in Ireland. Our club has a rich history and a proud tradition of rugby.
We’re a community-rooted club, welcoming players of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Whether you’re just starting out in minis and youth rugby or you’re part of our adult teams, there’s a place for you here. We also value volunteers, coaches, supporters—everyone who makes our club special.
Off the field we aim to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship, and personal development. On the field we strive to be competitive, but also inclusive and fun. In short: Carrickfergus RFC is more than just a sports club—it’s family, opportunity, and community.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Our current gym has served the club well over the years, but it is now outdated and no longer meets the needs of our players or community.
To support the future of rugby in Carrickfergus, we want to modernise the gym area and create a safe, welcoming, and fully equipped space for everyone.
A key focus is youth development, helping our young players build strength, fitness, and confidence through age-appropriate conditioning. We also want the gym to be inclusive for women and girls, removing barriers that have traditionally limited participation in sport.
Just as importantly, we know that exercise is vital for mental as well as physical health. A modern gym will provide a supportive environment where people of all ages can relieve stress, build resilience, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of staying active.
This project isn’t just about rugby, it’s about the wider community. A new fitness suite will benefit players, families, and members of all ages, ensuring Carrickfergus RFC remains a hub of health, opportunity, and wellbeing for years to come.
Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund
Our project is proudly supported by the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund, a £1 million investment programme created to build a lasting legacy from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The fund helps local clubs and community organisations across Northern Ireland improve sports facilities and inspire more people to get active.
Through our Crowdfunder campaign, Sport NI will match a portion of every pound we raise, meaning your support goes even further. Together, we can build a stronger club and a brighter future for our players and community — thank you for helping us make it happen!
How we’ll spend the money raised
Every penny raised will go directly into upgrading the gym with new equipment and flooring. Our focus is on creating a safe, modern, and welcoming environment where everyone can train with confidence.
New equipment – a mix of cardio, strength, and conditioning kit designed to be suitable for youth players, women and girls, and senior members alike.
New flooring – durable, safe flooring to support all types of training and make the space more accessible for every user.
By focusing 100% of the funds on equipment and flooring, we can ensure the fitness suite is inclusive, sustainable, and ready to serve the whole club and wider community for years to come.
Community impact
Carrickfergus RFC is more than a rugby club—it’s a community hub. By refurbishing our gym, we’re creating a space that supports health, wellbeing, and opportunity for everyone.
Youth development – helping young people build confidence, fitness, and healthy habits in a safe environment.
Women and girls – providing an inclusive space that removes barriers to participation in sport and training.
Health interventions – opening the facility to fitness professionals who specialise in physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and GP referral programmes, making the gym a valuable resource for wider wellbeing.
Schools outreach – through our strong links with local secondary schools, pupils will have access to modern facilities that inspire lifelong engagement in sport and activity.
Community partnerships – the refurbished gym will also be available to our friends at Castle Hockey Club, strengthening ties between local sports and giving even more people access to improved facilities.
This project ensures the club can play a bigger role in supporting the physical and mental health of the whole Carrickfergus community.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project successfully funded on 3rd December 2025