Pitch Irrigation System

Aim

Our plans are to install an irrigation system to assist in maintaining our playing fields and ensuring that they are safe for use in summer

Who are we?

Oulton Raiders founded in 1962. We are dedicated to providing excellent facilities and promoting our great sport of rugby league and the core values of the game. 

There are teams at almost every age grade and have a flourishing Women and girl’s section. With over 300 players and 20 teams playing and training each season. These are supported by our volunteer section from a resilient hard-working committee to qualified coaches, first aiders, team managers and supporters from players families and friends who are also willing to help. 

Oulton Sports and Social Club is the community hub for not only rugby league but accommodates a flourishing football and cricket section. The club supports the residents of Oulton, Woodlesford and Rothwell and their surrounding areas. Benefits include. 

• Keeps children and adults of all ages fit and healthy. 

• Supports residents of the area 

• Creates teamwork and players to develop as individuals. 

• Organises Community Events and Festivals 

• Provides opportunities for volunteers. 

• Supports the local economy and workforce. 

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Why are we crowdfunding?

We are all aware that this year we have encountered extreme climate change which not only has affected our playing and training opportunities this season but also has had an impact on community events and festivals.  

We wish to have in place a system installed to combat the effects of the climate in the years ahead in order to allow our participants to train and play our great sport in future years.

If you're applying for extra funding, this is a good place to demonstrate why your project is eligible so refer back to the criteria to help complete this section

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money raised will be used to purchase and install key irrigation equipment, including a self-propelled sprinkler system, a pump set, and a 30,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank. Together, these investments will provide an efficient and sustainable way to maintain our pitches, capturing and storing rainwater for later use while ensuring playing surfaces remain safe, healthy, and playable throughout the year.

Community impact

As forementioned; numerically we are the biggest club in or around our area. Around 20 rugby league teams that are reliant on our club as an outlet for exercise and a social community. The risk of pitches being unplayable due to the ground being too hard could be catastrophic for us as an amateur rugby league club; There would also be an impact on our revenue streams which are vital to the future of the club. Installing this irrigation system would allow us to 

•  Allow players to train and play on safe pitches. 

• Decrease injuries 

• Increase player participation 

• Recruit more female players 

• Avoid fixture postponements and cancellation of playing opportunities. 

• Protect our volunteer involvement. 

With the above in mind and your support this will protect our community involvement and secure activity for our current players, volunteers, families for future years.   

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 20th November 2026 at 11:18am