Welsh Rugby Union and NatWest Announce Enhanced Partnership Focusing On Grassroots Games
October 18, 2013
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and NatWest have announced an enhanced four-year partership with a focus on developing the grassroots game.
The NatWest RugbyForce programme, launched in 2009 to help local clubs improve their facilities and become more financially viable business, will be expanded as part of the new partnership. The new partnership will aim to increase the number of clubs who will benefit from the initiative through both the NatWest RugbyForce Weekends and new NatWest RugbyForce Ahead For Business Workshops.
Roger Lewis, WRU Group Executive said: “We are delighted to continue and enhance our relationship with NatWest.
“NatWest believe in the same things – that rugby clubs are the glue that hold our communities together, and that without volunteers, we wouldn’t have a vibrant club scene in Wales.
“NatWest RugbyForce is an awesome project. The NatWest RugbyForce Weekends not only help improve the look and feel of clubs around Wales, but now, in addition the Ahead for Business workshops are bringing some NatWest business expertise to clubs to help them improve their sustainability which is key and in the course of the coming months, in conjunction with NatWest, we will be taking a roadshow around Wales to share some of that knowledge with volunteers so that they can help reinvest it back into the game through clubs, villages and towns.”
Mark Douglas, NatWest Regional Director, Wales added: “Rugby is part of the fabric of Wales and grassroots clubs sit at the heart of many communities. These communities are important to us and we remain committed to strengthen those in which we live and work.
“As a former player and rugby dad myself, I spend a lot of time in rugby clubs and it’s quite clear that most grassroots clubs are totally dependent on volunteers and fundraisers that give up their spare time for the club.
“This enhanced contract with the Welsh Rugby Union means that we can get more involved with our communities and customers and ultimately support the grassroots game in Wales through the NatWest RugbyForce Weekends, and also the business seminars that help clubs to become more sustainable.”