Grassroots Rugby Growth Extension

Aim

To make our rugby club more accessible to all players by offering better changing facilities and increasing our current space.

Who are we?

Upton Upon Severn Rugby Football club is located on the Malvern Hills outskirts in a small riverside village of Upton upon Severn.  There are currently 2.8k residents and a thriving sporting community with Rugby being at its heart.  The club sits nestled among rows of mature trees, the flowing river Severn and a none operational railway track which served the community from 1923 until it was decommissioned in 1952 when nationalisation of the railways took over.  With this in mind the land around the club and pitches have been formed by the railway. We are also home to lots of festivals throughout the year and lots of fantastic local businesses that support the area. For a small village we are mighty in what we have achieved so far and we will continue to achieve going forward

Why are we crowdfunding?

Our sports club facilities are in great need of modernisation. The environment is not welcoming and due to tight finances over the last years (especially related to the COVID years, we have not been able to invest as we would have liked (although some recent decorations have helped). We have an enthusiastic ladies and girls section and we need to recruit/retain more players and members.

Till recently the club house was in danger of repeated flooding but thanks to the installation of a totally efficient bund (that surrounds the club), we feel absolutely confident to invest in the social spaces making the club more welcoming to female players, supporters, and, various local charitable and support groups who would be given priority of use.

Expanding and refurbishing the shower and changing room facilities at Upton RFC is essential for several reasons, primarily to comply with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) facility guidelines and to promote greater participation in sport. First and foremost, adhering to these guidelines ensures that our facilities meet the necessary standards of safety, hygiene, and accessibility. Proper amenities are crucial for the health and well-being of our players, enabling them to maintain good hygiene practices before and after games.

Moreover, updated facilities can significantly enhance the overall experience for players and visitors alike. When individuals feel comfortable and respected in their environment, they are more likely to participate in sports and engage with the community. Modern changing rooms and showers can also attract new members, including young players and families, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging lifelong participation in rugby.

Additionally, refurbishing these areas can create a welcoming atmosphere for female players, addressing the growing demand for inclusivity in sports. By providing adequate facilities, Upton RFC can demonstrate its commitment to promoting equality in sports and ensuring that everyone feels welcome.

A focus group for female players was put together in spring of 2024 and the output from the discussions was overwhelmingly in its condemnation of the shower and changing room facilities.

Upgrading our shower and changing room facilities is not just about compliance; it’s about enhancing the overall experience, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging a healthier, more active community.

The project is aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity within our facilities and presents an invaluable opportunity to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all community members. By investing in modern compliant additional showers for both women and men, we will ensure that everyone, regardless of their needs, can enjoy a comfortable and dignified experience. These upgrades will not only meet current accessibility standards but will also encourage greater participation from individuals who may have previously faced barriers to using our facilities.

In addition to enhanced shower facilities, the provision of a dedicated room for first aid and physiotherapy treatment will significantly contribute to the overall safety and well-being of our users. This space will be designed to accommodate individuals with varying mobility needs, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical support when required. With prompt and professional care available on-site, we can promote a culture of safety and well-being that is accessible to all.

In summary, this project will not only improve our facilities but will also pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible community. By addressing the diverse needs of our members, we will cultivate a sense of belonging and support, ultimately enriching the health and well-being of everyone in our community.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The grant will be allocated to the current grant that has been given by MHDC and the match funding amount we have already raised.  The amount granted will bring us closer to the actual build costs and bring us closer to our dream renovation.

Community impact

With the work going ahead this will create extra jobs from within the local area and we also have a wealth of tradespeople that are members and families that associate with the club.  

We will have extra spaces within the club that could help with local businesses especially if the plans that have been researched and designed go ahead.  We will have space for external classes, meditation, therapy groups, Mental wellbeing spaces among other uses that will be available to the local community and business's to allow the growth of Upton Rugby Club within the community making a longer and maturing relationship within the community for many more years to come.

Meet our 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 closed unsuccessfully on 23rd March 2026