Rhiwbina RFC has shown tremendous business initiative by starting a photocopying business to raise funds for a much needed clubhouse. That is the view of WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis who opened the Rhiwbina RFC club and copy shop recently.
Rhiwbina has grown rapidly in recent years and now boasts over 400 registered players and the largest junior club section in Wales. However, the Squirrels have no clubhouse or changing facilities of their own and the shop opening is the latest development in a massive fundraising effort which has already raised £100 000 towards achieving the goal of building a suitable facility.
Roger Lewis said, “Rhiwbina RFC is a model for all of Welsh rugby. This initiative shows how a rugby club can be the focus of a community, bringing together parents, grand parents, kids and players. It’s a great initiative of the club’s to get themselves a premises for a shop and office and creatively, they have had the initiative to acquire some photocopying machines which will enable them to generate some surplus revenue to go back into the club.
“Seeing everyone working together is very impressive and we will work with Rhiwbina to see if the WRU can help with their efforts. The good news is that Leighton Andrews AM, of the Welsh Assembly Government has also pledged to help community rugby clubs build strong communities for the future of Wales.
“Rugby reaches out in so many ways and is so much more than just a game – it’s the glue that holds communities together. It’s great to see a rugby club that is using its initiative and we will reward and support clubs who help themselves.”
Rob Dunlop, chairman of the Division 4 East outfit and architect of the initiative said, “It’s a special day for Rhiwbina Rugby Club, taking us one step closer to owning our own clubhouse on Cae Delyn Park. We’ve got a huge club now – we run teams from Under 7s to Under 16s, a Youth team and three senior sides but, but we’ve got nowhere for our players to change or to have a drink and speak with other players after their games. We have a goal, which is to build our own clubhouse and our junior section especially deserve that.
“The shop sells all club merchandise, from fridge magnets to full kit, but the photocopying business is able to generate added income from day one – last week alone, it raised £300.
“We have also qualified for stage one of Sports Council funding worth £50 000 and we hope to apply for a WRU club loan soon too – we think the opening of the club office and shop will help to centralise our efforts in order to achieve our goal.”
