Who are we?
Lisburn Racquets Club (LRC) is a charity that exists to provide facilities and an environment for the promotion and advancement of amateur racquets sports. LRC was founded in 1971 and is the playing and social facilities of Hilden Tennis Club, founded 1923, Alpha Badminton club, founded 1932, and Lisburn Racquets Squash Club, founded 1971.
LRC have 15 badminton courts, 12 of which are in a purpose built hall which opened in 1996, and 3 in the small hall and form part of the National Badminton Centre. The Tennis facilities include 4 flood lit courts, two of which are covered with an all weather dome, while the Squash Club have 4 courts. The LRC facility also has a function room with bar and a gym and is open all the year round.
Why are we crowdfunding?
LRC is operating in a very turbulent environment and is facing challenging times with escalating costs to run the facility, particularly with regard to Gas and Electricity. Hopefully, the Club will benefit from the short-term capping of energy costs, albeit the costs are substantially higher than previous years.
LRC are always looking at ways to improve the facilities and by the end of Sept 2022 will have completed Phase 1 of a major project installing LED sensor controlled lighting costing approximately £25k. This was an important investment as it will payback in 2-3 years.
LRC have a number of investment plans to further improve the facility, however face a difficult decision in the current climate and may have to put these on hold until sufficient funds become available. It is for this reason the club is reaching out for financial support to help progress these much needed improvements that will benefit all users of the facility.
We appreciate that many members supported the Club through the 'Covid lockdown' period and we thank you very much for that.
What we are asking, in difficult times, is that members, family, friends, make a donation and help us continue the investment programme and maintain the high standards that expected from the Club. All donations will help us.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The funds raised through this Crowdfund campaign will fully go towards the following 3 projects:
1. Installation of 3 new Badminton Mats in the Alpha Hall.
The current mats are in a bad state and needing replaced, however the cost is £28k. Having the mats provide the best playing surface for Badminton.
2. Install heating on Squash Court 2, costing £8k.
3. The Tennis Dome requires a new top skin to make it structurally sound and water tight for the winter, costing £7k.
When making a donation please add a comment naming which of the 3 projects, Badminton, Squash or Tennis, the donation is supporting.
How you can play your part
There are two 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.
LRC very much appreciate any support you can provide.