EVENING practice sessions and matches are now a regular fixture at Leamington Rugby and Netball club.
Upgraded floodlights have been installed at the Kenilworth Road facilities, which the two clubs share, thanks to grants from Warwick District Council’s Rural and Urban Capital Improvement Scheme.
Leamington RFC was awarded £20,000 to upgrade its third team floodlights and Leamington Netball Club was allocated £16,980 to replace its floodlights with a new LED system.
Both clubs have previously benefitted from RUCIS grants to make improvements to their pitches, clubhouses and changing rooms.
Gareth Wilkinson from Leamington RFC said: “Investment from club members, sponsors and a Warwick District Council Rural and Urban Capital Improvement Scheme Grant, has enabled Leamington Rugby Club to make improvements to their training floodlights, bringing them up to RFU standards in the process.
“This new lighting system, aimed at both club members and the wider local sporting community who use the “Moorefields” facilities, will enhance the experience of those playing sport and keeping fit.”
Chris Trickey, Chair of Leamington Netball, added: “The installation of this state-of-the-art LED lighting system is a significant upgrade for our netball facilities, enabling us to maximise the use of the club’s two courts and ensure that both competitive and recreational netball will be enjoyed by many people from across our local community. This is a major investment for the club but would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Warwick District Council.”
Over the past year a number of village halls, community centres, sports clubs and parish councils have been awarded RUCIS grants of between £1,000 and £30,000 towards improvement projects.
At a special ‘Switch-on’ Event held at Leamington Rugby Club on Thursday January 19, WDC Leader Coun Andrew Day added: “On a dark and cold evening, it was a joy to officially switch-on these bright, eco-friendly lights, enabling hundreds to safely use the club playing fields for longer throughout winter. The grant funding provided has added to sponsorship and other community fundraising to pay for these much-needed facilities. The club is thriving, so it is great that we’ve been able to work together in a practical way, with our grant scheme once again providing key support.
“We’ve set aside a fresh budget to create more opportunities for not-for-profit organisations across the district to reap the benefits of RUCIS funding, with the next round of grants available from April 1 2023. It is important that we back our community groups, which offer so many benefits for young and old alike.”
