Southport Rugby Football Club has launched a fundraising appeal to help them through the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The club, based on Waterloo Road in Hillside, has seen some of its big events cancelled since the outbreak hit the UK in March.
As they look ahead with high hopes of playing again next season, they are now trying to raise enough funds to get up and running again.
The club normally sees hundreds of players train and play on its pitches each week with senior, junior, ladies and veterans teams all competing and enjoying the sport.
The venue also helps local charities, raising thousands of pounds during its fundraising events such as Ladies Day; holds community events such as its annual Fireworks Extravaganza; and hosts functions such as birthday parties, wedding receptions and funerals.
Southport Rugby Football Club Vice Chairman Enda Rylands said: “Like everyone else we have been affected by Covid-19.
“We have started a Club Maintenance and Equipment fundraising campaign to allow us to keep facilities up to date along with some new equipment for the new season, when it starts.”
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Making sure the club is able to host training sessions and matches with top quality facilities means Southport has to raise significant funds each year. And like other sports clubs in the UK, they have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.
Generous supporters have already raised over £700, and others are being urged to do what they can too.
Southport Rugby Football Club Director of Rugby Mike Dale said: We are very proud of the facilities we offer to members throughout the season and non-members who look to book special occasions in our facilities.
“Every year we commit significant expenditure to the upkeep of these facilities, particularly throughout the close season.
“The funding for this is generally made from surpluses we make throughout the year but in particular towards the end of season when we have a number of large scale events such as Sportstours, end of season awards, our Summer Ball and also numerous private events through the summer.
“This year, however, is different and whilst we have secured some grant support from the Government and Sport England, we do need more.”
The tasks which the club is looking to complete include:
Re-decoration of Clubhouse internal and external.
Maintenance and re-painting of the Alan Havard Stand.
Installation of new smooth paving to the front of the stand.
Creation of an exterior gym area for use by all members.
Creation of additional storage for club equipment.
Replenishment of training equipment such as tackle bags.
Installation of new exterior furniture.
Enda Rylands said: “Please support your community club and help us make our facilities safe, secure and welcoming for all.”
If you would like to support the SRFC Club Maintenance and Equipment 2020 appeal please visit the Virgin Money Giving page here:
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