WESTBURY RFC is celebrating a massive boost to the club’s facilities following the success of Vodafone's fundraising event in October 2021, which raised more than £9,000.
The money from the Lions Legacy tour event has been used to improve club facilities and training equipment at Westbury RFC’s clubhouse and ground in the White Horse Country Park in Coach Road.
Emma Samways, Westbury RFC Director, said: “It has been a fantastic year since we held the event at Westbury RFC. We have seen an uplift across the club, particularly the men's teams, but the new resources and equipment have also allowed us to improve the clubhouse and the efficiency of the bar.
"Vodafone's social media tool kits have also helped to boost our volunteers’ digital skill sets which will have a huge impact on the club.”
Vodafone was joined by former British and Irish Lion and Bath Rugby full-back, Jason Robinson, current England rugby player, Emily Scarratt and The Good, The Bad & The Rugby's, James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Alex Payne.
More than 550 people from the local community attended the fundraising event for a day of activities and pitch-side fun, which helped fundraise and drum up support for the club.
Westbury RFC put a significant amount of the money towards much-needed renovations of the clubhouse, which have transformed it into a space for members of the local community to enjoy.
Alongside the funds raised, Vodafone donated a new video analysis camera to help Westbury RFC improve its coaching analysis and to be able to review women’s games for the first time.
A new payment system for the bar, which is the club’s primary source of income, has helped them increase revenue and stock-taking abilities.
Westbury RFC also benefited from Vodafone's new Rugby Hub, a bespoke business resource for all community clubs across the UK and Ireland.
Recognised for its community spirit and solely volunteer-led operations, Westbury RFC was one of four clubs – the others were Aberdare RFC, Bannockburn RFC and Dunngannon RFC – selected by Vodafone for the series of fundraising events in 2021 and 2022.
The day’s events were concluded by a live podcast recording of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, guest starring Jason and Emily. Along with current rugby affairs, injuries and the day’s antics, the panel talked to the importance of grassroots rugby and how – with a little bit of digital and business support – clubs can take themselves to the next level.
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