Target reached!
If we could raise more than our target, this will allow to secure our facilities for...
Ruskin Rugby Community Covid Response
St. Helens, England, United Kingdom
Aim
Ruskin Park have been at the heart of St Helens since 1954. We are reaching out to the wider community to help us bounce back from Covid.
Ruskin Park Rugby Football Club
Ruskin Park RFC was formed in 1954, under the name of St Helens Recs, by a group of Rugby enthusiasts at Pilkington Glass, and membership of the club was initially limited to employees of the company. This was soon rescinded and the club welcomed all players to its ranks, which resulted in the club being very successful both on the field and off it.
The club changed its name to Ruskin Park in the 1970's to avoid confusion the many other sides in the region with a similar name, but continued to attract other players from the area.
At Ruskin nearly all the volunteers, players and members stay committed to the club for long periods of times. Ruskin Drive has always been a real community hub and has welcomed everyone. Most of the players at Ruskin are second, third or even fourth generations. We have hosted teams, tournaments, been on tours and promoted the enjoyment of the sport for all ages over the last 67 years and long for this to continue.
Ruskin Park Today
As with a lot of clubs in the modern era, Ruskin struggle to keep up with the more professional local clubs and has constantly strived for players, coaches, volunteers and committee members to go about their business purely for the love of the game.
Ruskin do not have their own clubhouse and rent a pitch from the local council. All funds are generated by the members and players through raffles, playing fees, generous sponsorship and social events. As you can imagine, during the recent pandemic, there has been little opportunity to raise any funds.
Despite this, we felt that during the various lockdowns and restrictions we had an obligation to provide some respite for the wider St Helens community.
During the pandemic we have held Community Fitness Bootcamps, Touch Rugby Sessions, On-line Social Events and offered support to anyone who has reached out for help.
How we Help the Community Recover From Covid and Lockdown
As we slowly start to get back to playing rugby we recognise that the community has really struggled during the pandemic and have decided to help ease the burden and make playing rugby as easy and as financially free as possible.
Community Touch Rugby Sessions
We are currently offering free of charge Community Touch Rugby Sessions on Wednesdays these are well attended mixed touch sessions. We encourage women, men and have couples who join us on a regular basis
Providing Free Rugby For All
We have waived all Membership Fees for the coming season and we are again working behind the scenes to provide all the Kit, Training Equipment, Matchday Supplies and Medical Support - Free of Charge for all players.
As you can imagine; this all costs money, as does the hiring of facilities, washing kits, providing post match food and all the other ongoing expenses involved with running a community sports club. That is where you come in...
How will the money raised be spent?
All money raised will directly go to our community rugby projects:
- Provision of appropriate equipment and Covid precautions
- Training and Touch Rugby Pitch Hire
- Training equipment, balls and player kit
- First Aid provisions and basic training of coaching staff
- Coach training and development to allow us to offer the best experience for our players
- Match day pitch and facility hire
We DO NOT charge our players any membership fees as we want to be 100% inclusive and not dissuade any one from joining our projects.
How you can help
Whether you've played for, supported, occasionally watched or even know someone who has; we are asking to give a little back to your community club. Whether its £5 or £50, £10 or £100; please help us continue the great work our volunteers are doing to help continue the great work of Ruskin Park.
All monies will go to providing opportunities for everyone in St Helens to partake in Rugby regardless of ability. We don't have a clubhouse to refurbish or a roof to fix, every penny will be spent on Rugby related costs in order to provide a home for those who just want to play rugby whatever their background or financial situation.
"Always remember Ruskin are a Team of Mates!" Lou Kwasnicki
Rewards
To say a huge thank you for donating we have and are working with a few local sponsors, friends and partnerships to offer the chance of some rewards for your donations. Please note you don't have to claim a reward and can just donate.
New rewards will be added on at any time so please keep an eye out for some great new rewards.
Matchday sponsorship rewards now available!
Sport England: Active Together has provided £1,500 of match funding
This project successfully funded on 22nd August 2021