3G pitch to become a reality at Melrose

Submitted by Melrose Rugby Club: Melrose Rugby Club have announced the launch of the first phase of their 1883 Legacy Project – to install a 3G pitch with floodlights at the Greenyards. Following a period of consultation with community, public & private sector partners this marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the historic clubs future and for Scottish Rugby. The vision of the 1883 Legacy project is to develop a focus for rugby and sport within a community environment, whilst recognising the heritage and the worldwide recognition Melrose RFC has as the birthplace of the seven a-side rugby game. The 3G synthetic surface technology is designed for rugby and football at competitive, training and recreational levels, for schools and community clubs without the curtailment of weather and ground conditions.Melrose are working closely with SBC, Scottish Rugby and the SFA on the project, however they need to plug the funding gap for this pitch and plan to launch a crowd funding campaign on Friday 9 June on the www.crowdfunder.co.uk platform under Melrose Rugby Club Legacy Project. Additionally the club hopes to raise sufficient funds to apply for planning permission to enable Phase 2 of the project to begin. The Second Phase of the Legacy Project is to replace the current clubhouse, changing rooms and stand, with a modern day multipurpose community facility. Plans for the new clubhouse include community and performance gyms, function spaces, changing rooms and importantly a Heritage Trail to map the history of the sevens rugby and promote sports tourism in the Scottish Borders.Trevor Jackson, Melrose Rugby Club President, commented: “This is an exciting prospect for the club to bring a vibrant, sporting community focus to Melrose and the Scottish Borders, we are working on the mantra that we are inspired by the past, delivering for the future. We sincerely hope that the community will enjoy the opportunities this project presents.”Melrose can boast contributing more than 30 internationalists to the game of rugby, most recently to the hugely successful Scottish Sevens team which included Melrose club members Scott Wight, Mark Robertson and Head Coach Calum MacRae as well as incoming Scotland Sevens coach John Dalziel. The Melrose Youth Development Programme endeavours to continue this success into the future, but the most notable contribution Melrose has made to the sport has to be the introduction of seven-a-side rugby credited to player Ned Haig in 1883. Contact:Dizzy WhiteMelrose Rugby LtdThe GreenyardsMelroseTD6 9SAMobile: 07432 522906Office: 01896 822993 [email protected] : @MelroseFCTwitter : @MelroseRugby