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Exciting club facilities development news.
As the 2022/23 season concludes the officers of Eccles RFC would like to thank all club members, volunteers and sponsors for their continuing loyal support. The past 12 months has seen Eccles RFC rise phoenix- like from the ashes of the pandemic with renewed vigour!
As a result of our collective efforts, dedication and commitment, our Men's, Women's Junior and Mini Rugby sections have all experienced remarkable growth and success this season, placing our community club in a much stronger position, to compete on the field and overcome the significant economic challenges we face.
The club will be hosting its AGM on 5th June where there will be an opportunity to hear a detailed report on our activities this season and our plans for the future business and direction of the club. However, there is some very exciting news we need to share that will not wait until then.
For some time now, the club management has been exploring different possibilities for the development and improvement of our existing facilities, to better suit our growing membership and ensure we are well placed to continue our progression in the years ahead.
We know that members want a clubhouse and environment they can enjoy and be proud of. So, following many months of research and investigation, we are delighted to finally announce phase one of our development plans which will be the construction of a new entrance extension and patio area at Eccles RFC.
As these visualisations by Architect Sean Monaghan of MOJO illustrate, the enhanced presentation on arrival will provide more daylight into the clubhouse interior and provide a safer, more attractive exterior social space, in which to enjoy food and drinks and an elevated view of the pitch. The entrance will also feature easier access for wheel chairs and push chairs. Please feel free to share these images with your friends on social media.
Planning permission has now been awarded. Work will commence this week and we aim to be completed by early August, in time for the Eccles Festival and the new Rugby season. This new entrance and patio will be the first phase in a facilities development programme. Future phases will include the refurbishment of the clubhouse bar interior, improved changing rooms with additional showers and toilets, and, if we are able to secure the necessary funding, potentially a new first floor extension over the changing rooms.
The year ahead has a great deal of financial obstacles for us to tackle, not least of which is the rising costs of energy. We have wrestled with the figures. We have weighed up the consequences of doing it and not doing it and we have decided to press forward and commit to phase one, as we recognise this development will be a positive step towards building a brighter future and will be an invaluable asset in the long term interests of the club, our members and our community.
However, the only way we can achieve this ambitious project is with your help.
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Over 125 years, Eccles Rugby Football Club has been built by its members. From two WWII wooden Army huts, our humble Gorton Street ground was transformed through the 1980s and 1990s to the clubhouse we have today. It’s now the turn of the current generation to shape the facilities and take them forward.
The construction of the entrance extension will be undertaken by a contractor. However, for this project to be a viable commercial reality we will need to shoulder the responsibility of the construction of the patio ourselves. We’d like to think that being a Rugby club gives us a distinct advantage in recruiting a determined, muscular, spirited volunteer work force!
Naturally, we would appreciate the assistance of the tradesmen within our membership, but all hands will be welcomed.
If you would be willing to commit skills and labour to playing your part in this endeavour please contact project manager, James Wright 07791 227616 for more details.
As part of the project we plan to commission a brand new sign to proudly display our club identity. The large, bespoke Eccles RFC badge will be fabricated in powder-coated aluminium with LED illumination. This impressive statement represents a significant investment, one we can only achieve with the help of our members and patrons. All donations will be welcomed.
If you would be willing to make a contribution please contact club treasurer, Greg Wilson 07944 222083.
These plans reflect our ambition as a club. We hope you are excited by them and will continue to give us your support as we work to achieve them over the summer.
Access to the club will be affected during the construction period, so if you are visiting the site please do observe the safety signage and barriers.
