BANFF
Smith Warren is doing a fantastic
job providing rugby training
within local schools; laying the
foundations for us to re-establish
our juniors section and achieve
our aim of providing rugby for all
ages.”
Community
“Banff Rugby Club is 100% a
community club. Our aim is
to make rugby inclusive for
everyone. We employ a Club
Development Officer who is doing
a fantastic job within our local
schools and the club plays host to
a number of interschool tag rugby
competitions which are run in
partnership with the local councils
Active Schools Programme.
The club also runs Easter and
Summer rugby camps which the
Seniors get involved in. We’ve
got a good relationship with other
local sports clubs and community
groups who make use of our
facilities. We’re not complacent
though and we’re striving hard
to make the club the heart of the
local community.”
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ISSUE 48
Facilities
“We’re based in the grounds of the
picturesque Duff House and have
got a great set up with two pitches
(one of which is flood lit) which
are owned and maintained by the
local council. I’m probably biased
but I think we have one of the best
pitches in the league!
The clubhouse is brilliantly placed
and as well as offering fantastic
facilities for visiting teams it offers
spectators the chance to watch the
game under cover, an essential
attribute for the North East’s
unpredictable weather! Visiting
teams are welcomed into the
clubhouse post match and often
comment on how warm and friendly
the atmosphere is. We have a
number of dedicated volunteers
who run the bar and the guys muck
in with food so it’s a really positive
atmosphere.
We’re always looking for ways
to improve the facilities and this
season we’re looking to update our
kitchen facilities and give the club a
general overhaul.”
Challenges
“I’d say the biggest challenge for
us is the recruitment of players. In
a football dominated area it can be
difficult to make playing rugby an
attractive prospect. We are having
success though and are starting to
see a good few players joining the
club.
Another challenge, which is
I’m sure is one faced by many
amateur clubs across the country
is maintaining a sound financial
grounding. In the current climate
it’s not cheap to run a rugby
club but we have some fantastic
sponsors and are looking at
improving our commercial potential
to raise further funds.”
Ambitions
“The club has big aspirations
for the next five years. We’re
implementing a development plan
which will see us develop the club
on and off the field and build on the
clubs solid foundations.