July 30, 2009

CASH BOOST FOR GRASSROOTS RUGBY IN THE DEARNE VALLEY

The Dearne Valley’s only rugby union club has received a cash boost of almost £65,000 to improve facilities and help encourage more players to try the sport.

Wath-upon-Dearne Rugby Union Football Club will use the £64,705 grant from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) to build an extension to its existing clubhouse in Wath park. This will provide disabled toilets and access, separate shower and changing rooms for referees, and dedicated female shower and changing rooms for the increasing numbers of women and girls at the club.

Housing Minister and Wentworth MP John Healey joined CRT Trustees and officials from the club today to celebrate news of the grant which will benefit the 200 playing members and the wider community.

Mr Healey said: “As soon as I heard Wath rugby club was seeking funding for new facilities I gave them my full support. The club is an integral part of the Wath community and has been committed to supporting young people for many years. These new facilities will be of great benefit to the Dearne Valley community.”…”

The premises provide an important facility for the local community, hosting Wath Morris Men, South Yorkshire Police Drug Awareness team, Wath Folk Festival and other local events and activities. Meetings of the South Yorkshire Rugby Clubs Committee and Wath Wood Hospital are held at the Clubhouse and Wath Comprehensive School use the facilities.