MRC CHANGE 24

Manchester Rugby Club

Hello, and Welcome to the “MRC CHANGE 24” Crowdfunding page!

MRC is an amateur grassroots community rugby club based in Cheadle Hulme. We were formed in 1860 as one of the first and oldest clubs in the world, with players playing in the first ever "club" rugby game in 1857. We are founding members of the RFU and Lancashire RFU. MRC has a rich history and an amazing track record of developing senior rugby players within the club, with some going on to professional and international success. 

We take great pride in our Mini and Junior section, with strong emphasis on player learning, fun and inclusion. We want all players to leave our club on a Sunday morning with a smile on their face. 

Manchester Rugby Club continues to be the heart of the local community, hosting regular social lunches for the elderly, weekly dance groups and partnering with schools to provide sporting opportunities for children.

We are truly community driven with focus on our members and players.

Why do we need new Changing Rooms?

What is “MRC CHANGE 24”? Well, it’s the biggest investment Manchester Rugby Club has made in its facilities on behalf of its players since the club opened at Grove Park in 1967…We’ve had the same changing rooms for 56 years and it’s time to CHANGE somewhere better and we want to do it in 2024!

Our current facility has served us well but now it’s well below the standard of what our great club needs.

Any one of our playing members who have had the delight in changing at Grove Park over the last 56 years will tell you…they were good once but now “not the best”…Moreover, MRC’s Women’s team has been at Grove Park for more than half the time the club has been there and has never had appropriate changing facilities. We need to recognise that the Women’s Team and Girls section need a safe and appropriate space to change, shower and toilet without the risk of bumping into male players… No longer will they have to change their wet clothes in the Disabled Toilets on training nights, or change their boots in the car park or stagger game times with the male teams so the showers and changing facilities are free… they deserve to be recognised and deserve to be given a facility they can freely use unencumbered.

The new facility will be for all players but built with the Women and Girls in mind, and include elements such as a vanity area that will have seating, mirrors and access to plugs for appliances, and space for female match officials…

Not only will we be building a new changing block but will be spending money refurbishing the current changing area to improve it for players as well. This will include improved lighting, improved seating, improved toilet facilities, better doors (that close), re-painting etc.

The club has been working for over a decade to save money towards a new changing block and in August 2023 we received Planning Permission from Stockport Council to build a new, stand alone, RFU standard, changing and showering facility inside the stadium, and we want to get the project moving!

But, we need to find a few more pennies to make sure we can start and more importantly finish the project… We have also secured a sizable grant from the RFU's RWC 2025 Impact Programme and every £ we raise will be match funded by the RFU (up to £100,000) , but we need more than the RFU can give us to complete the project and make essential upgrades to our current facilities.....so WELCOME to the “MRC CHANGE 24” Crowdfunder!

The whole project will cost approximately £250,000 with the money raised by this Crowdfunder putting the finishing touches to how we complete the new building, the fit out and the facilities.

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!

5. Join our “Buy a Brick” scheme. There are a range of packages starting with simply sponsoring an individual brick and be part of Manchester Rugby Club history, as well as further additional add-on benefits such as EXCLUSIVE merchandise (CHANGE 24 Bobble Hats and Hoodies), actual engraved bricks, plaques, and skills clinics with Premiership Players and experienced coaches. We also have additional opportunities for businesses to partner with the club, from brick sponsorship through to facility naming (please contact [email protected] directly to discuss facility naming options). Our changing facility will take pride of place within the stadium alongside the stadium pitch.

"Buy a physical brick" donations will have a real engraved brick on the building

Exclusive Bobble Hat Reward

Exclusive Hoodie Reward

Rewards for all Budgets!

We also have Rewards that fit all budgets, from £2 "Bean to Cup' Coffees, to £3 Cheese Burger and Chips, Courtesy of The Bar and Marks with Splendour at Manchester Rugby Club, plus discounts for local retailers such as Jim Hall Sports, Famous Henry's, No.1 Car Wash Handforth, and JW Fitness in Cheadle Hulme.

We also have Rugby Taster Sessions, Squash Taster Sessions courtesy of Grove Park Squash Club and Cricket Taster Sessions courtesy of Cheadle Hulme Cricket Club.

So something for everyone!

This project is something that every member past and present can be excited and proud about. Yet again it’s MRC doing its best for its members and being truly forward thinking and investing in the future of our great club.

Some rewards include an official thank you certificate.