Lewis Moody kicks off NatWest RugbyForce 2016

England Rugby union legend and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner, Lewis Moody kicked off NatWest RugbyForce 2016 at Market Harborough RUFC.

The former Leicester Tigers and Bath flanker spent the afternoon with the club taking part in a training session and showcasing how the nationwide initiative helps clubs up and down the country attract new members and become more sustainable.

Market Harborough is one of 653 clubs who benefitted from NatWest RugbyForce 2015. NatWest RugbyForce supports grassroots clubs by providing those who enter with the opportunity to attend free workshops, organise their volunteer weekend, receive financial support and join pitch maintenance sessions with the RFU’s head groundsman Keith Kent. The aim is to provide guidance, assistance and encouragement to help rugby clubs utilise local support to improve their facilities and in turn help inspire younger generations to play for years to come.
 
Market Harborough used the support of NatWest RugbyForce to carry out key upgrades and improvements to the club’s facilities. The main focus was to improve the patio which is the club’s focal external social area. The new and improved patio has enhanced the reputation of the club by providing a pleasant social area for all including local schools. Seating and tables has been provided so that families and younger members can sit outside to eat, drink or enjoy the rugby therefore enhancing their experience.
 
Lewis Moody said “Grassroots rugby clubs are the heart of local communities – they are also the foundations for helping continue to build the future of England Rugby. With rugby currently at the forefront of people’s mind, there is no better time for clubs to use available funding and support from NatWest RugbyForce to make their club more sustainable, and guarantee its legacy for the next generation.”
President of Market Harborough RUFC, Mike King said: “NatWest RugbyForce has benefitted the whole club from our under 15s squad to our groundsman who has been a member for 60 years. It has given everyone the chance to be involved in making their club more sustainable and ensure it remains at the heart of the community.”
 
Lee Bailey, NatWest Sponsorship Manager said “NatWest RugbyForce helps the club members work together to improve facilities and reap the benefits that ultimately maintains the community that only a rugby club can bring. Market Harborough RUFC has served the local community for many years and through its involvement with NatWest RugbyForce, we are pleased it will continue to thrive for many years to come.”
 
Rugby clubs across the country can now register to be part of the NatWest RugbyForce programme by visiting www.englandrugby.com/natwestrugbyforce. Registration is open until 14th February 2016. Clubs must explain in words what they would like to do with the funding, how the project can help your club improve, and describe how your club will use NatWest RugbyForce weekend to involve your   local community and attracts new members. NatWest RugbyForce Weekend 2016 will take place on 25th and 26th June 2016.
 
200 clubs that register before 14th February 2016 will have the opportunity to take part in a new and improved programme of free workshops across the country, as well as being in with a chance of receiving financial support, mentoring from key England Rugby figures and a host of exciting prizes.