Old Brods: Pitch Perfect

by James Ogden in Halifax, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

We did it
On 27th May 2024 we successfully raised £20,534 ( + est. £2046.75 Gift Aid ) with 136 supporters in 116 days

To prevent another season of hiring external pitches or cancelling sessions altogether - we must install new drainage measures THIS SUMMER

by James Ogden in Halifax, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

Right now, we're just hoping for a useable training area for all our teams, as a result of the additional drainage and sanding. 

Any additional funding would go toward enhancing the pitch further so it was of the quality that matches could be played on it.


Who are we? 

The Old Brods is a not-for-profit Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) dedicated to providing excellent facilities for rugby and promoting the sport's core values. 

There's a team at almost every age grade, plus three senior men's teams and one ladies team. Over 350 girls and boys, from 3 years old, playing every week. 

Our brilliant volunteers - from our committee to our team managers - are committed to providing the very best for the membership and the local area.

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Why are we crowdfunding?

At the heart of the club's 2015-20 strategy was the creation of a brand new floodlit pitch. It was our biggest facilities undertaking since the clubhouse was built 21 years ago.

Little did we know, a world-wide pandemic was coming, prices for everything was about to rocket, and a cost of living crisis was on the cards.

The club's committee worked hard to make sure the aspiration stayed alive. Martin Smith led an unbelievable crusade to keep things moving and so many members stepped forward to help.

Three years ago, the Project90 fundraising campaign made sure work didn't stop, despite all club income streams grinding to a halt due to COVID-19 and the subsequent hike in all utility bills.

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Why we want to be PITCH PERFECT!

Our playing numbers are the highest they've been in our 93 year history. Due to the demand, the new floodlit pitch has been a necessary focal point for some time. 

We now have a new playing field. It's flat, with grass, rugby posts and floodlights! On a bright, dry day, it's a sight to behold. But..... there is one huge issue to resolve; drainage 

The slightest bit of rainfall and the pitch puddles. The compacted nature of the soil below is preventing the water from reaching the built-in drains and we've also been told more drains are required. 

The experts (Grounds Management Association) have surveyed the pitch and prescribed a number of next steps. They include a series of new drainage channels and a program of sanding and verti-drainage (essentially aerating the ground beneath the grass line so surface water can find it's way to the drains).

Our PITCH PERFECT campaign is all about FINISHING THE JOB right. 

To be frank, it's not even about "perfection". We just need a floodlit playable training surface so more people can be playing and training all-year round, radically reducing the amount of sessions getting cancelled, and allowing even more to get involved in sport .....and we're so close to all of that.

So far this winter, we've had to cancel countless matches, school's tournaments and training sessions. Sadly this will continue until the drainage issues are resolved.

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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!

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Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£10 or more

Our big PITCH PERFECT raffle

To be draw on TUESDAY 28TH MAY! Prizes includes a signed Zac Mercer Bath jersey, booze hamper, a Brods bar tab....plus many more! Please note; everyone's names will be published on the Brods Facebook page ahead of the draw.

£3 or more

3PeaksChallenge: Sponsor Charlie Loach!

On Wednesday 29th May, to celebrate his 14th birthday, Brods Junior CHARLIE LOACH will we hiking the 26 miles of the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise funds for the club! Sponsor Charlie here and let him know you're right behind him and the Brods. Dad Ryan will be in support throughout. Good luck with the challenge Charlie!

£4 or more

Buy us a bag of gravel

Gravel is essential for our new drainage channels! You're more than welcome to buy us a 25kg bag full :)

£5 or more

16 of 25 claimed

Limited edition, Brods pin badge

Each badge is in the traditional red, black and white displaying the Old Brodleians' crest along with "Est 1930", highlighting our year of origin. A beautiful collectors item!

£10 or more

1 of 10 claimed

Brods club crest large wall sticker

Self adhesive vinyl wall sticker displaying the Old Brods RUFC badge in full colour (black, red and white). Perfect for a players bedroom wall! Measuring 600mm x 400mm and kindly provided by a local printers.

£14 or more

2 of 5 claimed

£15 Voucher for the Bottomleys Arms, Shelf

The Loach family truly are wonderful supporters of the club and we thank them again for supporting us with these vouchers. The Botts Arms is the home of fine ales and outstanding home cooked food, so treat yourself to a visit.

£14 or more

0 of 2 claimed

England Rugby Replica Jersey (Alternative: navy)

SIZE: XL Canterbury England Alternative playing shirt (was £65). Limited adult sizes only - this is a quality item for either leisurewear or training. Still in it's packaging. Collection will be from the club.

£14 or more

0 of 1 claimed

England Rugby Replica Jersey (Alternative: navy)

SIZE: LARGE Canterbury England Alternative playing shirt (was £65). Limited adult sizes only - this is a quality item for either leisurewear or training. Still in it's packaging. Collection will be from the club.

£20 or more

18 of 50 claimed

Brods/Brodstock Bucket Hat

Your summer essential! This limited edition hat displays the club badge and festival logo. It's predominantly black with white and red around the brim. One size fits all.

£25 or more

4 of 20 claimed

Old Brodleians RUFC Umbrella

Massive thank you Ben Smith and Spray Plant UK for supporting the club and supplying these quality Brods Brollies! Featuring black, red and white panels and proudly displaying the club badge on two sides. This is a quality lightweight windproof golf umbrella. With a 75cm rib length, 14mm diameter fibreglass shaft and 3.5mm diameter ribs. Pistol grip handle tips, tip cup and ferrule. Polyester canopy and tie wrap.

£60 or more

0 of 13 claimed

Buy a WHITE brick

Our Project90 fundraising wall is pride of place in our clubhouse entrance. A number of people have asked if they can take one of the available brick, so here's your chance. We also have RED bricks available for £90.

£60 or more

Brods supporters retro rugby shirt

Here we have a traditional cotton rugby shirt with long sleeves, white collar, and a new take on the traditional red white and black. A comfy traditional rugby shirt that's quintessentially Brods and an instant classic.

£90 or more

2 of 5 claimed

Buy a RED brick (finish the wall)

Our Project90 fundraising wall is pride of place in our clubhouse entrance. A number of people have asked if they can take one of the available brick, so here's your chance. We also have WHITE bricks available for £60.

£900 or more

Life Membership

Take hold of the exclusive RED membership card and never have the need to pay your annual subscriptions again! The usual Old Brods Life Membership is £1000 so this has been discounted to support our PITCH PERFECT campaign.

£6 or more

63 of 63 claimed

Brods Bavarian Night Ticket (worth £10)

One tickets to the Bavarian Night on Saturday 10th February. These are worth £10 so grab yourself a Crowdfunding bargain!

£10 or more

5 of 5 claimed

Old Brods RUFC Oddballs Towel

Usually £15 from the club shop. These quality towels are perfect for all sports, holidays or just around the house. Black, red and white (of course!) displaying the Brods badge. A must-have for any Brodleian! 100% Cotton back - 100% Microfiber front. Machine wash at 40C. Towel size - 140cm x 72cm approx

£13 or more

1 of 1 claimed

England Rugby Alternative Pro shirt (red/navy)

Canterbury England Vapodri Alternative shirt (was £49). Limited adult sizes only - this is a quality item for either leisurewear or training. V-neck, stretch fit, VapoDri, comfortable, soft feel fabric yet build for playing. Still in it's packaging. Collection will be from the club.

£13 or more

1 of 1 claimed

England Rugby Alternative Pro shirt (red/navy)

SIZE: MEDIUM Canterbury England Vapodri Alternative shirt (was £49). Limited adult sizes only - this is a quality item for either leisurewear or training. V-neck, stretch fit, VapoDri, comfortable, soft feel fabric yet build for playing. Still in it's packaging. Collection will be from the club.

£13 or more

1 of 1 claimed

England Rugby Alternative Pro shirt (red/navy)

SIZE: LARGE Canterbury England Vapodri Alternative shirt (was £49). Limited adult sizes only - this is a quality item for either leisurewear or training. V-neck, stretch fit, VapoDri, comfortable, soft feel fabric yet build for playing. Still in it's packaging. Collection will be from the club.

£13 or more

1 of 1 claimed

England Rugby Alternative Pro shirt (red/navy)

SIZE: XL Canterbury England Vapodri Alternative shirt (was £49). Limited adult sizes only - this is a quality item for either leisurewear or training. V-neck, stretch fit, VapoDri, comfortable, soft feel fabric yet build for playing. Still in it's packaging. Collection will be from the club.

£33 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Brods gym T-shirt (supplied by Gilbert).

This is a must have! Brods sublimated performance fit t-shirt (100% polyester). These are the shirts that the men’s first team warmup in on a match day and feature a number of the clubs sponsor logos.

£49 or more

3 of 3 claimed

£50 voucher for the Shibden Mill Inn

To be spent on the finest food and drink, this voucher has kindly been donated by the award-winning Shibden Mill Inn. The Brods has a long and cherished relationship with a stunning 17th century inn. We again thank Max, Simon and Glen for their wonderful support.

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