Keighley RUFC Covid-19 Fightback Fund

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us hard financially, in order to continue offering rugby to our Minis, Juniors & Seniors we need your help.

About Keighley Rugby Union Football Club

Since 1920 Keighley RUFC has been at the heart of the community in Keighley and surrounding area.  We have seen many players, supporters, friends and family through the club and many current players are second or even 3rd generation, many of them have played here since they were minis & juniors.

A place where competition and friendship go hand in hand.  We have 3 senior teams and a fantastic Sunday morning mini and junior setup: getting kids playing and training from 6-18 years old.

KRUFC in the Community 

The club acts as a ‘hub’ for the local community. Geographically we are close to and have links with a large number of educational institutions (primary, secondary, FE). These institutions use our facilities for free. ‘Normally’ apart from rugby we facilitate regular charity events and fun activity days, free to all comers. Two mornings a week throughout the year there is social provision and activities for the elderly. it is a lifeline that we are glad to subsidise and support.    

This year has been very difficult. During the ‘lockdown’ stoppage our grounds were used by Pilates and fitness groups. Now, all teams are back at training under RFU protocols. Also, we facilitate outdoor activities for a wide range of clubs and organisations, especially Rugby League and Football. Although we have very little revenue due to circumstances beyond our control we are determined to continue providing and supporting as many sporting activities as possible to support the community.

 How Covid 19 has affected the Financial Position of the Club

Cancelled Centenary Launch night, Centenary Ball, Awards Night, Night of Rugby - £23,000 lost revenue.

Loss of sponsorship £3,633 from reduced pitch-side boards, 1st team kit sponsor, Matchday programme, and one gold level sponsor.

Membership is down by £7,100

Matchday subs down by £2,100 and climbing.

Lost revenue from rugby on Saturdays and events currently 7 months at an average of £8,300 per month - £58,100 and climbing 

How Covid-19 has affected the club 

Senior Rugby

No League rugby from March when the season was abandoned, the new season starts in September however currently no league rugby until January 2021 at the earliest. We have a pool of around 120 who over the course of a season will partake in our rugby fixtures, although we can train in a limited format we have on average of 30 players each session which is a huge drop off of participation.

Junior Rugby

Like the seniors, the juniors also have no fixtures and they also will not have rugby until January 2021 at the earliest. 

Community 

Unable to host our school rugby festivals, this would have seen teams from three local schools take part in a round-robin festival prior to a 1st team game.

We are unable to arrange our annual fixture against the local mixed ability team the Bumble Bee’s which is always a highlight of our season

Representative

We host several Yorkshire age-grade teams throughout the season, last year we had the Under 16’s, 17’s and 18’s along with an RFU academy fixture which was against Sale Sharks, these will be missing off the calendar this season.

This season we were to host one round of the North of England Under 18’s County games, which would have seen teams from Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Northumbria and Durham.

Why do we need your support?

The impact of Covid-19, both socially and financially, is being felt throughout our country and society. Keighley RUFC, a non-profit social business open to all in the area, is feeling this impact most acutely.  The club prides itself on inclusivity from all social backgrounds and has historically kept overheads, training & playing fees, and its operating cash at minimum levels.

Covid-19 has meant an inability to operate a matchday bar, host external events, and undertake our usual fundraising activities.  Therefore, we are asking those associated with the club and the wider local community to help by donating what you can to ensure our survival.

Matched Funding

Through support from Sport England, we have secured matched funding through their "Return to Play: Active Together" initiative. they have pledged a £5,000.00 contribution to our fund. There are conditions to this, we need to raise the full £10k target with a minimum of 50 unique supporters.

And finally

So please do give generously and don't forget to share with your family and friends.

This project successfully funded on 4th January 2021