Hemsworth Dragons ARLFC - New Changing Facilities

Aim: The project aim is to provide much needed shower and changing facilities for the players.

Who are we?

Hemsworth Dragons was established in 2011 as a junior rugby league club.  Our aim is to encourage young people of all ages to experience the sport of rugby league.  We currently have two youth teams (both boys and girls) ranging from the age of 6ys to 11yrs, an open age team (18yrs+) and are looking at starting a ladies . The club currently consists of approximately 70 members including around 20 volunteers in various roles.

We aim to tackle the issues that affect everyone socially e.g., antisocial behaviour, through the provision of an outlet for young people. We are an inclusive club who regularly subsidises player subscriptions for players from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to play rugby league.  Our club also actively embraces neuro inclusivity and works closely with players, families, and coaches to create a supportive environment for our neuro diverse members.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 the club was forced to re-establish at a new premises. Unfortunately, the new premises has no changing or shower facilities which is a minimum requirement for rugby league. Having no facilities means that opposition teams can either decline games, or ask for fixtures to be reversed so that matches are played at opposition grounds. Many of these grounds are between 20 and 30 miles away which means significant travel time and costs to parents. The club is in an extremely deprived area and in the current financial climate, this cost can be unaffordable to many families.

In 2023, the club was successful in securing a grant from Sport England though the Small Grants Programme.  This helped purchase two portable cabins which have been placed on the grounds of the new clubhouse. The intention is to convert these into showers and changing facilities. We estimate the total cost to be around £21k. We have already secured £11k from the local authority and have held various fundraising event to fund some of the work already carried out. We require an additional £8k to complete the project therefore are asking for your help in raising these funds.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money will be spent completing the conversion of the portable cabins into showers and changing rooms for the players and referees.

Community impact

The new location for the club is in a deprived area where there are no other opportunities to play junior rugby league. We aim to continue to provide and promote the take up of rugby league in the Hemsworth and surrounding areas in order to engage young people in positive activities and to encourage healthier lifestyles and behaviours within the community.   Also, to provide opportunities for parents who may not have had the opportunity to do so previously, to be involved in an organisation.

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!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 6th September 2025 at 8:52am