Community spirit shines at Ellon club during RugbyForce weekend
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A community day organised by Ellon Rugby Club provided an opportunity to improve its facilities and saw it host Scotland international players.
It was part of the celebrations for the Royal Bank of Scotland RugbyForce weekend which saw the club selected as one of two national winners for the 2022 programme.
Former Ellon player Emma Wassell returned to her club, joined by Sarah Bonar, Jamie Bhatti, former International Jim Hamilton and RugbyForce ambassador Caroline Blair.
The club also received £1000 of funding after being awarded Hero status as part of the initiative.
The event included a question and answer session with the players, touch rugby and the club carried out DIY jobs across its facilities to get them ready for the new season.
The Aberdeenshire club was named as one of two overall winners for the national competition which supports teams across the country with funding, training and guidance to connect with the local community and run their clubs sustainably for the future. More than 100 entries were submitted to the judges.
Ellon were awarded the top prize for its efforts in promoting sport and active lifestyles in the region, as well as encouraging its youth players to develop their confidence in leadership on and off the pitch.
As a former Ellon Rugby Club player, Emma Wassell returned to her grassroots club to meet members of the current women's teams, presenting one of her Scotland shirts to Ellon player, Megan Leiper. The shirt will take pride of place in the clubhouse.
The event at The Meadows also had come and try events, a variety of stalls, inflatables and refreshments.
The Royal Bank of Scotland RugbyForce weekend is a milestone moment in the grassroots calendar when clubs welcome the local community through their doors and host a range of events, such as fun-filled taster training sessions for potential new players or volunteer DIY days to get facilities ready for the new season.
RugbyForce is a nationwide programme launched by Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Scottish Rugby.
Since launch, more than half a million pounds has been distributed directly benefitting 75 per cent of amateur rugby clubs in Scotland.
Against the backdrop of rising inflation, this year’s funding will contribute vital financial support, helping amateur clubs across Scotland to improve facilities, attract new members and develop sustainable futures.
In 2021, RugbyForce expanded to offer a separate funding and mentoring programme, encouraging grassroots heroes aged 18-35 to apply to become Young Ambassadors in a drive to help more young people into amateur club boardrooms.
Each winning candidate receives specialist training and close mentoring to develop the skills needed for effective club management including seminars and events led by Scotland international players.
