Always on
This project successfully funded on 4th November 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Skipton RFC Refurb Project
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
£2,375
raised so far
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Aim
To raise funds for essential repairs and improvements to our clubhouse and grounds for the benefit of our players, members and community.
Who are we?
Skipton RFC is an inclusive, friendly and family-orientated community rugby club. We are one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world, and we are extremely proud of our rich and colourful history. The club was formed in 1874 when 11 men turned out for a fixture against Ilkley on November 7 under the captaincy of A Sidgwick, a member of the family which owned both Skipton High Mill and Skipton Low Mill.; just three years after the Rugby Football Union (RFU). The club was founded by Sir Matthew Wilson Baronet, M.P and enjoyed plenty of early success, winning the coveted Yorkshire Cup three times between 1903 and 1912.
2024 marked the Club’s 150th year which is a phenomenal achievement. A huge thank you to our members and supporters; old and new! Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible!
Today, we are the proud home to our long-established Men’s Senior 1st XV, a growing Men’s Senior 2nd XV, our hugely successful Ladies XV; “the Roses” as well as one of the biggest mini and junior sections in Yorkshire. During the playing season, weekends at Skipton RFC are busy and vibrant, providing both supporters and players with the warm welcome for which the town is renowned. Our idyllic setting with glorious views across the Yorkshire Dales (we like to call it God’s country!) at Sandylands in Skipton is often used for County matches, events and weddings, and the large accessible clubhouse (with lift and stairlift access) is available for functions.
Our club is entirely run by volunteers for the benefit of our community, and is not run for profit. Our players are local people from all walks of life who come together for the love the game. Our Committee Members are also volunteers playing a vital role in the smooth running, governance and development of the Club. We are especially proud of three of our Roses players who are also Committee Members and dedicated volunteers at the Club; Liv, Kimbers and Lottie, who won Volunteer of the Year Award at the RFU & Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards last year.
Over the last 150 years, Skipton RFC has grown to be a central part of the local community, far beyond just sport. As well as the obvious physical health and agility benefits of rugby, the Club has inclusivity and community at it’s heart; lifelong bonds and friendships are built here!
In the words of our players’ “All Skipton Are We!!!”; we love our town and see our Club as being at the heart of the it. Some of our Men’s 1st XV players feel so passionately about the club, they have had it permanently tattooed... you might need to zoom in... so good is the quality of said tattoo!
We welcome people from a diverse range of backgrounds to our Club and create a sense of belonging; we’re a rugby family! The Club is a family-friendly atmosphere, and our coaches and players are great mentors for our younger members. We are committed to community engagement and supporting our local community through hosting and taking part in local events, and collaborating with local business and schools.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We wouldn’t be Skipton RFC without our amazing members and supporters. That’s why we’re always working to grow and improve, making sure everyone; on and off the pitch, has the best possible experience.
Our Crowdfunding campaign is to raise funds to enable and support us to make some essential repairs and improvements to our grounds and facilities; to maintain our valued community asset and make it a more welcoming and accessible environment, improving the experience for our members, supporters and visitors.
Our clubhouse and grounds have a lot of local history and have grown to be a valuable part of the local community over the last century. Not only are they used for club activities, they are also a place where we can host meetings and events for the local community. We are proud to regularly host a number of local community groups, including Andy’s Man Club, a local dementia support group, Giraffe Sports as well as our local boy’s grammar school; Ermysted’s. We have also collaborated with local charities to run community events, including our sell-out wreath making with Many Hands 25 CIC last year. Skipton RFC is a safe space for our members and visitors alike.
Due to the age of our facilities, there are now some quite significant repairs and improvements that need our attention. The facilities have been in desperate need of proper investment for a number of years. We have used club funds; raised through our local sponsors, player subs, clubhouse hire and bar sales wherever possible however these generally just cover the running of the club. We have also held fundraising activities to make minor improvements however we have now got to the point where more significant investment is needed.
Ultimately, we are a group of local men & women who are trying our very best to run and grow our much-loved community sports club. We’ve not always been the best at asking for help, but we’ve swallowed our pride… and here goes!!! WE NEED YOU!!!
Any pledge; whatever the size will mean the absolute world to us!!!
How we’ll spend the money raised
We have prioritised the following areas for funding through this campaign, and monies raised will be used towards the following:
- Pitch-Side Spectator Stands – Structural repairs & replacement of seating We are very excited to have established a new partnership with Craven College. Joinery students will be working with us as a project to create replacement seating for the stand. We've been really happy with their ideas and designs. Crowdfunding will fund the cost of materials for this project, alongside other structural repairs required.
- Kitchen Refurb/Re-fit - Reinvigorating the dated kitchen & replacing electrical appliances
- Clubhouse Interior Refresh – Carpets, Curtains & Re-decoration
- Clubhouse Exterior Paintwork & Replacement Signage
The repairs and improvements will allow us to continue providing rugby union to the community and provide them with a safe, clean and welcoming space to enjoy after matches, during club events or for external events. As we continue to grow and engage more local children and adults to be active and enjoy sport, our clubhouse and facilities are an important part of what we offer.
This funding would be a game-changer for the club, meaning we can make vital and long-lasting repairs and improvements to our facilities, safeguard it for the future, and concentrate on growing and developing what we do best. It will also reduce the financial strain of ongoing emergency and often temporary repairs.
Any additional money raised will be used to make other improvements around the grounds and clubhouse.
Community impact
Improving the facilities at our community rugby club will have wide-reaching benefits for our players, club members, supporters, visitors and the local community.
For players and members, upgraded facilities mean a safer, more comfortable, and more inclusive environment to train, play, and socialise; enhancing performance, wellbeing, and club spirit.
For the wider community including the wonderful community groups who currently use our facilities, the club will become a more welcoming and comfortable venue for meetings, groups and events. This funding will help us open our doors to more community groups, contribute to local initiatives, and offer a more welcoming and attractive space for events and personal celebrations.
We take great pride in our club as both a sports venue but also as a community asset for all the local community to enjoy and benefit from.
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. 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