Scotland’s rugby communities mobilise to support new ‘Everyone’s Game’ campaign

The aim of ‘Everyone’s Game’ is to encourage clubs to make the most of the summer months approaching the new season to help clubs open their doors to their local community, and promote rugby’s health and wellbeing benefits.

Clubs and referee societies were invited to apply for a ‘Kick Start’ grant last month.

This fund was designed to provide financial support to host events and proactive plans to recruit and retain players, coaches, volunteers, match officials, and support staff.

The ‘Everyone’s Game’ campaign and related Kick Start funding is part of the Recover and Rebuild phases of Scottish Rugby’s new 2021-2024 strategy, which was launched earlier this week.

In total 115 applications were received from clubs and societies across Scotland with an exciting variety of events planned to drive recruitment and participation throughout the summer, and into autumn.

Festivals, touch rugby events, and walking rugby proposals have been submitted, with over 50% of the applications focused on attracting more women and girls to the sport, a key theme in Scottish Rugby’s 3-year strategy.

Clubs and societies found out this week if their applications for the Kick Start Grant have been successful. They will then be able to tap into additional promotional resources provided by Scottish Rugby and its partners. The resources have been chosen based on key themes identified by Rugby Development within the grant applications.

Examples of these are:

• A dedicated one-stop page on the website hosting information on getting involved in the sport, whether playing, coaching, refereeing and much more.
• Resources to support clubs with their social media and traditional media offerings.
• Support for clubs in managing their events and hospitality in covid times. 
• Relationship building – helping clubs re-engage with sponsors and new community and charity partners.  
• Relaunch of the eLearning mental wellbeing resources focussing on nutrition, health and wellbeing.  
• Marketing and promotional material to support clubs and societies with the delivery of their events.

Scottish Rugby is keen to ensure that all clubs are given the opportunity to tap into these resources for the good of growing the game, whether they applied for Kick Start grant funding or not. All clubs and societies are offered the chance to receive support from Scottish Rugby in the same way, by completing an online form and getting in contact with their regional Rugby Development team.

Scottish Rugby Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie MBE said: “I am really excited to see ‘Everyone’s Game’ up and running again. During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, we saw clubs across the country come together to support our men’s national team through the Everyone’s Game campaign as a way to bring new people into their clubs and experience rugby.”

“We really hope that clubs come together again to back this campaign and drive participation in our sport as we rebuild following a difficult period.”
Sheila Begbie MBE

“Over the last few months, we have seen clubs like Dalkeith and Dunfermline organise events to grow their membership and welcome their members back. I also enjoyed seeing our new Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, Maree Todd, taking part in a touch rugby event at her local club, Ross Sutherland. Hopefully, she will inspire everyone to get involved.”

Scottish Rugby Regional Director for Glasgow North, Peter Burgon said: “It has been really heartening seeing the domestic game across our region spring back into action in preparation for the 2021/22 season.

“Already our clubs are planning exciting Everyone’s Game activities to engage their local communities and recruit new players and volunteers. For example, Strathaven Rugby Club will be hosting sessions for children with additional support needs and walking rugby for older people, and Oban Lorne RFC will be hosting a family fun day later in the summer.

“I’ve no doubt that these activities will go a long way in supporting our game recover and rebuild as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Visit the Everyone’s Game webpage to access club support and find out about the different ways you can get involved in the sport.

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