Eccles RFC Covid Recovery Crowdfunder

by chrisgaffey in Eccles, England, United Kingdom

We did it
On 6th April 2021 we successfully raised £42,081 ( + est. £4327.75 Gift Aid ) with 353 supporters in 39 days

COVID arrested club income, stalling essential maintenance & improvements to community facilities. We aim to get back in the game.

by chrisgaffey in Eccles, England, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

If you are reading this it means we have achieved our initial target of £20,000 and we are reaching for our stretch target of £40,000 which will allow us to undertake our Pergola project and (weather permitting) have it ready to benefit from its use in the new season. 


Like many grassroots sports clubs, Eccles Rugby Football Club has suffered a significant, year-long loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With our annual fund-raising events cancelled, facilities hire halted, fixtures suspended and weekly revenue from our clubhouse bar and kitchen wiped out, we are reaching out for your support to help us move forward with a programme of essential maintenance and ground improvements that will help us to continue to grow and provide more opportunity for our local community to be more active.  

1613673019_ecclesrfc_seniors.jpg

 

What do we stand for?

Eccles played its first rugby in 1881 and following the great Northern Union divide of 1895 re-established itself in 1897. The club has sustained its existence for 123 years and, surviving two world wars, moved to its home at Gorton Street, Eccles in 1948.

1613674206_eccles_rugby_club_1920-21_crowdfunder.jpg

Eccles RFC are a progressive, inclusive community club that provides rugby for all, to a region of Greater Manchester suffering social and economic deprivation. 

1613696372_ecclesrfc_minisseniors.jpg

We are recognised as the leading provider of sports facilities in our area and were the proud recipient of two regional Club of the Year Awards in 2019. With an emphasis on participation the club has a growing active membership of over 300 players and fields 18 teams for Men, Women, Colts, Boys and Girls, from U5s to Vets.

1613758134_walkingrugby_ecclesrfc.png

We take great pride in our cultivation of homegrown talent.  The majority of our 1st XV Mens and Ladies squads have come through the junior ranks at the club. Many of our players have been selected for Academy placements and County representation. 

1613674290_ecclesrfc_3g_u15s.jpg

We run a wide programme of activities for all ages and abilities, including Touch Rugby, Walking Rugby and the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.  

1613674369_ecclesrfc_touch.jpg

All work in running the club, maintaining the grounds and clubhouse, coaching, safeguarding, administration, hospitality and delivering community events is undertaken by volunteers. 

1613696401_ecclesrfc_ladies.jpg

We believe in teamwork and put committed effort into everything we do. Through the industry of our members, supported by fund-raising and sponsorship, Eccles RFC has continually developed its facilities over the decades, which are accessed by our local schools and several other sports teams in our community.  You can find out more about us on our website https://eccles.rfu.club

1613672923_ecclesrfc_miniwarriors.jpg


Why we need YOUR support, right now.

In March 2020, COVID-19 restrictions suspended all activities at the club. Since then,  the on-going coronavirus situation and related lockdowns have resulted in a 12-month loss of vital income from match day revenue and the hire of our facilities. 

The pandemic also took away our three big annual summer fundraising events- the sportsman’s dinner, the dinner dance and the Eccles Beer & Gin Festival - and our annual family Christmas Brass Band concert. 

The income generated from these events each year is essential to maintaining our club facilities in good working order and improving each season.  Without those funds our programme of works, originally scheduled for summer 2020, was put on hold and is now in serious jeopardy.  

With your support, we are now aiming through our Crowdfunder appeal to get back in the game and progress the projects that the pandemic has prevented.

1613696441_ecclesrfc_men.jpg


What are our goals?

1. Car Park improvements.  

With continued club growth in recent years, the burden on our overspill car parking has increased creating pot holes and drainage problems. To address the issues, we propose to 

  • Improve the stone surface (including repairs, levelling, rolling, compacting)
  • Implement safety measures, comprising of speed bumps, concrete aprons, a new concrete footpath and bollards.
  • Install a new pedestrian gate near the 3G pitch. 

These improvements will provide better safety for our Minis players and visitors who increasingly use our 3G pitch and, in addition, provide safer access through the car park area for our Junior & Senior players and spectators, to our grass pitches under the tunnel.

1613504309_ecclesrfc_overspill_carpark.jpg

1613504936_ecclesrfc_carpark_6.jpg

1613504959_ecclesrfc_carpark_1.jpg

1613504974_ecclesrfc_carpark_2.jpg

1613505021_ecclesrfc_carpark_4.jpg

1613505038_ecclesrfc_carpark_5.jpg

2. Security Improvements.   

Our 3G artificial turf pitch, resurfaced in Summer 2019 at significant cost, is used year-round by our club members and several other sports teams in our community. Sadly, this investment has already suffered from vandalism and has become a matter requiring urgent attention. To provide 24 hour protection for our grounds, facilities, members and visitors, we propose to install a new state of the art CCTV system offering advanced remote monitoring. 

1613675270_ecclesrfc_3g_pitch.jpg

3. Floodlights Replacement.   

Our floodlights provide illumination to our grass and artificial turf pitches, vital for the continuation of midweek evening senior and junior training sessions. The current floodlights are now 20 years old and the club has an urgent need to replace several failed units and control boxes with more cost efficient LED items.

1613680575_ecclesrfc_floodlights.jpg

Achieving our initial £20,000 target will help us to deliver these three essential maintenance projects. If we are able to reach beyond this to a 'stretch target' of £40,000 we would be able to achieve the following invaluable capital build project... 


4. Pergola Extension. 

We have identified that a covered area at the entrance to the clubhouse would be an invaluable asset in the long term interests of the club's members and community.  

The proposed projecting pergola framework, featuring removable or retractable roof sections, would provide an adaptable, multi-purpose space, capable of offering shelter for various uses including 

  • Open air pilates sessions
  • Socially-distanced seating for the consumption of food and drinks
  • BBQ cooking
  • Live music performance
  • Match day standing spectating
  • Community hire for family and kids sports parties.
  • Walking rugby warm up area
  • Minis skills sessions in poor weather
  • Duke of Edinburgh award expedition equipment check area

The pergola would include security and safety lighting and new illuminated signage on the gable elevation of the clubhouse.  Not only would such a development encourage new activities and allow the club to increase revenue through pitch side sales of food and drink on weekends, this new external facility would negate the expense of temporary gazebo hire for future events and provide a safe outdoor setting where families and supporters could gather.  

If we reach our stretch target the pergola could be constructed during summer 2021 and ready for use in the new season.  

1613660889_ecclesrfc_clubhouse_1.jpg

1613661336_ecclesrfc_pergola_3.jpg

1613660934_ecclesrfc_pergola_2.jpg

1613660986_ecclesrfc_pergola_4.jpg

How can you support us?

To facilitate these projects and continue to progress and serve our community into the future, Eccles RFC are looking to achieve an initial fund-raising target of £20,000 and are calling on our members, community and local businesses to help us recover from this pandemic crisis and get us back on track.  

We sincerely appreciate the financial difficulties many of us are facing right now and we value every single donation and pledge. Please give as generously as you can. Thank you for your support. 

1614348264_eccles_rfc_heritage_hoopsshirt.jpg


Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£45 or more

20 of 20 claimed

FIRST CHOP SLAB

Pledge £45 or more and you can enjoy 24 cans of First Chop: Modern British Ale handcrafted in Eccles just a ball kick away from our Gorton Street Ground! The mixed case will include ‘MCR’ a Modern Manchester Bitter with amarillo hops 4.4%, ‘ACE’ an amber Vienna lager made with premium European malts & German Hops 4.8%, ‘POW’ a hefty juicy session beer 4.1% and ‘JAM’ a refreshing mango pale 4%. Fantastic value for first rate local beer!

£5 or more

PRIZE DRAW

Donate a fiver or more and enter our prize draw for a chance to win: 1st Prize: A 2020 Sale Sharks shirt signed by the players. 2nd Prize: A copy of Adrian Morley's hard-hitting autobiography, signed by the Salford legend himself. 3rd Prize: An Easter Chocolate Hamper full of treats donated by Andrew Coop of Snack In The Box. Full list of all donated prizes including Floral Arrangements and Bottles will be published on the club website

£5 or more

ALBERT ST. BAKERY HAMPER PRIZE DRAW

A donation of £5 or more provides entry to our prize draw to win a hamper of delicious artisan baking from the Albert Street Bakery, Eccles. Includes: Seeded Sourdough Bloomer, Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia, Eccles Cakes, Mixed Brownies and a Sharing Pork Pie.

£5 or more

29 of 30 claimed

ECCLES RFC ENAMEL PIN BADGE

Pledge £5 or more and claim a custom made, enamel pin badge of the Eccles RFC crest. Limited edition. 1 inch (25mm) tall. A proud glistening addition to any lapel!

£10 or more

13 of 100 claimed

TOUCH RUGBY SEASON TICKET

Pledge £10 or more and get access to our Senior Touch Rugby sessions on the luscious turf of the Gorton Street Dance floor for the whole of the 2021/22 season! Starting this summer, Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Incredible value. Also includes limited edition Touch T shirt whilst stocks last.

£10 or more

7 of 30 claimed

SUNDAY BREW BUNDLE

Pledge £10 or more and claim a 'Sunday Brew Club' voucher worth 6 x hot drinks at the club cafe on Sunday mornings and 1 x prize draw entry to win an Albert Street Bakery Hamper.

£15 or more

39 of 100 claimed

BEER & GIN FESTIVAL TICKET

Pledge £15 or more and you’ll receive exclusive early gate entrance to the next Eccles Beer & Gin Festival and complimentary drink voucher! Not only that you’ll receive a limited edition ‘official judge’ rosette and be invited to give your valued opinion in the judging tent. Traditionally there are over 20 different local brewers and distillers to sample at our community event, plus hot food and live music. Not to be missed.

£20 or more

15 of 20 claimed

D3 SENIOR PLAYER STASH BAGS

Pledge £20 or more and get a stash bag of goodies worth £35, donated by D3 tape. Suitable for senior players (U15s-adults ). Includes: 1 x Mouthguard (adult), 1 x Water Bottle, 1 x Tube Hand Sanitiser, 1 x roll of EAB tape, 1 x roll of Blue EST, 1 x roll of Cohesive Bandage, 1 x roll of Zink Oxide tape, 1 x Ice pack. Fantastic value!

£20 or more

8 of 30 claimed

SUNDAY BUTTY BUNDLE

Pledge £20 or more and claim a 'Sunday Butty Club' voucher worth 4 x bacon or sausage butties at the club cafe, 6 x hot drinks and 1 x prize draw entry for the Albert Street Bakery Hamper.

£30 or more

1 of 20 claimed

SUNDAY BREAKY BUNDLE

Pledge £30 or more and claim a 'Sunday Breaky Club' voucher worth 4 x full breakfasts at the club cafe, 6 x hot drinks, 1 x prize draw entry for the Albert Street Bakery Hamper.

£40 or more

4 of 25 claimed

SENIOR PLAYERS' AWARD NIGHT TICKET

Pledge £40 or more and reserve your seat in the clubhouse at the prestigious, annual ‘end of season’ gathering, where the club’s high performing players are showered with glowing praise and glittering prizes! Ticket includes a three-course dinner and live entertainment from Mr Ted Robbins. Unmissable (unlike the stage)! Gentlemen, Ladies and Colts are welcome. Strictly limited numbers.

£45 or more

14 of 20 claimed

ECCLES RFC HERITAGE RUGBY SHIRT (CHILD)

Pledge £45 or more and claim an exclusive, limited edition, classic Eccles rugby shirt celebrating 100 years of blue and white hoops! Traditional style, long sleeves, placket collar, with embroidered club crest and 1921-2021 details. More info can be found on our website https://eccles.rfu.club/news/changing-times-100-years-of-hoops Please select your size.

£100 or more

1 of 10 claimed

SUMMER SPORT SOCIAL BUNDLE #2

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. LIMITED SECOND RELEASE. Pledge £100 or more and get your whole club summer sorted and save yourself £25! Includes 1 Eccles RFC heritage shirt, 1 ticket to the Player's Awards night, 1 ticket to the Beer & Gin Festival and 1 Touch Rugby Season Ticket.

£180 or more

3 of 45 claimed

COACH SPONSORSHIP

Pledge £180 and support one of our volunteer coaches with sponsorship for the 2021/22 season including social media announcements, inclusion in the match programme and your company logo on our website.

£300 or more

0 of 1 claimed

10 PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS FOR 2 PEOPLE

For £300 or more, two people can enjoy this exclusive discounted offer, training together as a pair for a block of 10 sessions (2 sessions a week for 5 weeks, worth £400 / £25 per person per session) from Leon Simpson of the Intensifit gym, Winton.

£300 or more

0 of 1 claimed

6 WEEK TRANSFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAMME

For £300 or more, 1 person can receive an incredible six week body transformation personal training programme (including 2 sessions a week, full diet tracking and advice) from Leon Simpson of the Intensifit gym, Winton, worth £400!

£600 or more

1 of 5 claimed

PITCHSIDE HOARDING

We want to support local business. Pledge £600 today and we’ll reward you with a pitch perimeter adverting hoarding for the 2021/22 season (12 months) plus your company logo on our club website and a social media announcement.

£10 or more

26 of 26 claimed

QUIZ NIGHT TEAM TICKET

Pledge £10 or more and you, your family or household can compete (cheat) in one of our club's infamous Saturday night Zoom Quizzes! Reserve your place and join in from the comfort of your sofa.

£10 or more

6 of 6 claimed

ECCLES RFC 1897 KIDS BOBBLE HAT

Pledge £10 or more and claim one the last Bobble hats, kids size, custom made by Oddballs in the club colours navy, white and gold with a woven Eccles RFC label. Limited edition. When they're gone they're gone.

£20 or more

1 of 1 claimed

HEADCASES CUT-PRICE CUT

A pledge of £20 gets you a discounted cut and blow (worth £30) at Headcases Hair Salon, Swinton.

£20 or more

60 of 60 claimed

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH TICKET

Pledge £20 or more and claim a ticket to the long-awaited Bottomless Brunch Eccles Ladies afternoon event, to be held on a Saturday in July (date TBC). Cocktails, Proscecco, platters of delicious food served to tables. Eat and drink to your heart's content (for 90 minutes) accompanied by music and polite conversation on the failings of men.

£20 or more

2 of 2 claimed

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH TICKET #2

BY POPULAR DEMAND. LIMITED SECOND RELEASE OF 12 EXTRA SEATS. Pledge £20 or more and claim your ticket to the sell-out Bottomless Brunch Eccles Ladies afternoon event, to be held on a Saturday in July (date TBC). Cocktails, Proscecco, platters of delicious food served to tables. Eat and drink to your heart's content (for 90 minutes) accompanied by music and polite conversation on the failings of men.

£40 or more

1 of 1 claimed

BLAKES TREATMENT PACKAGE

For a pledge of £40 or more you can enjoy an assessment, consultation and treatment ( a package worth £60) at Blakes Sports Nutrition & Massage in Sale.

£40 or more

1 of 1 claimed

D3 PERSONAL SIDELINE BAG

Pledge £40 or more and get this personal / family mini ‘physio’ zip bag and contents worth £75, donated by D3 tape. Includes selection of D3 strappings and tapes, First Aid Kit, Massage Rehab Rub and a Mouthguard (size option). Perfect for bringing along to the game.

£50 or more

1 of 1 claimed

D3 PERSONAL THERAPUTIC MASSAGE GUN

Pledge £50 or more and receive this personal muscle recovery tool, worth £100, donated by D3. This compact, vibrating therapy device reduces muscle tension, increases blood flow, breaks up scar tissue, speeds up rehab and more. Incredible 50% discount on impressive piece of kit that's manufactured in aerospace alloy and comes with interchangeable heads.

£60 or more

100 of 100 claimed

ECCLES RFC HERITAGE RUGBY SHIRT (ADULT)

Pledge £60 or more and claim an exclusive, limited edition, classic Eccles rugby shirt celebrating 100 years of blue and white hoops! Traditional style, long sleeves, placket collar, with embroidered club crest and 1921-2021 details. More info can be found on our website https://eccles.rfu.club/news/changing-times-100-years-of-hoops Please select your size.

£60 or more

1 of 1 claimed

ROD & REEL DEAL

A pledge of £60 or more will land you a Shimano Forcemaster 10' Feeder Rod and Shimano Sienna 4000 Reel worth £80, donated by Trafford Tackle & Bait.

£100 or more

50 of 50 claimed

SUMMER SPORT SOCIAL BUNDLE

Pledge £100 or more and get your whole summer sorted! Includes 1 Eccles RFC heritage shirt, 1 ticket to the Player's Awards night, 1 ticket to the Beer & Gin Festival and 1 Touch Rugby Season Ticket. This saves you £25 and we’ll throw in your clubhouse seat to watch the British Lions Tour games for free! £100 the lot!

£100 or more

1 of 1 claimed

WHISKY BOX

For £100 or more, you can carry away 4 bottles of selected scotch worth £140, including a Gordon & Macphail Discovery Bunnahabhain 11yr Single Malt (70cl), a Laphroaig 10yr Islay Single Malt (70cl), a Glenfiddich 12 yr Single Malt (35cl), a Johnny Walker Black Label 12yr (70cl), donated from the dusty cellar of McHibbert & McDutton.

£200 or more

1 of 1 claimed

GOLF DAY AT WORSLEY PARK MARRIOTT

For a pledge of £200 or more, you can experience a round of golf for four at the Worsley Park Marriott Country Club, generously donated by Heyrod Construction Ltd, with food and drink on the day to the value of £50 generously donated by Sail North Consulting Ltd. A grand day out and great value for sure.

Got an idea like this?

Over £200 million has been raised from our crowd to support the projects they love! Plus tens of millions more unlocked by our partners.