Groundmatch
Grant Scheme
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Groundmatch
Grant Scheme
T
he Groundmatch Scheme is in place to provide easy-to-access grant funding for
projects that contribute to the recruitment and retention of community rugby
players. There are a number of projects that qualify with clubs at level 5 and below able
to apply for loans between the values of £1,500 and £5,000 on a matched £ for £ basis.
Applications can be made on a
rolling basis throughout the year and
to be considered an application form
must be completed and submitted to an
RFF Administrator. Clubs can apply for
one grant per project and are eligible
for £5,000 in a 24 month period. The
RFF aims to turnaround Groundmatch
Grants in eight weeks from the receipt of
a completed application.
The Groundmatch Grant Scheme
comes as a result of the RFU’s longterm commitment to establishing and
supporting a high quality accessible
facilities network for rugby union
in England. Facilities that are are
well designed, built to last and well
maintained can be a pleasure to use and
provide clubs with a significant return
on the time and money invested in their
construction.
Some of the projects that can qualify
for funding include grass pitches,
artificial pitches, grass pitch maintenance,
clubhouses and floodlighting.
There are four key stages that should
be considered when applying for support
in building a new clubhouse. The first of
these is the Project Brief which should
include, among other things, a site plan,
maintenance arrangements, a programme
of use, parking requirements, details
of disability access as well as funding
sources and the initial capital.
The second stage is appointing
consultants with the RFU recommending
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referring to the ‘Sport England/CABE
document; Better Places for Sport, a client
guide to achieving design’ for assistance
in this stage also saying that The Royal
Institute of British Architects Client
Advisory Service can supply names of
suitable designers.
As all sites are different, meaning that
they have certain site factors, a feasibility
study will be the 3rd phase covering
design solutions and project details. This
study is crucial, ensuring an informed
and considered proposal is sent that
outlines a well-designed project.
The final stage required is an
application checklist to make sure
that a feasibility study/architectural
brief, performance standards and
specifications, planning permission,
design drawings, a detailed professional
budget estimate or three detailed
competitive tenders and confirmation of
provision for people with disabilities are
all covered.
Another area that the scheme
covers is floodlighting. High quality
floodlighting has the potential to allow
clubs to play rugby during the dark
evenings throughout the season. Before
clubs look to purchase floodlights they
need to consider the whole-life costs
involved. This will include the cost of the
floodlights, professional fees, planning
application fees as well as any electrical
upgrade, connection or supply charges.
The cost for 100 lux lighting for a
full pitch may be between £35,000 and
£40,000 while a 200 lux full pitch could
be between £45,000 and £50,000. Cabling
also has the potential to be a significant
cost, making it important to consider the
proximity of the pitch in relation to the
power supply.