Rams rugby fcinvests in multi-use indoor training facility

RAMS Rugby FC was originally set up in 1924 by the “old boys” of Reading School in Berkshire. While it has pride in its heritage, it is an ambitious, forward-thinking rugby club. It has a strong community spirit and offers a training and playing programme for all ages: from over 500 “minis” and junior players through to three senior sides.

As a busy sporting hub, full of atmosphere and energy, the facilities are well-used and an important part of Reading’s rugby landscape. Also, with a culture rooted in coaching, the quality of its premises and facilities are of utmost importance.

Chair, Andy Lynch, has a mission to continually develop the club. He highlighted how the club’s three floodlit pitches continued to require a lot of maintenance, particularly with the inclement British weather and high impact, constant usage. The committee agreed that this cost could be partially offset by investing in a covered training space with a 3G floor.

The end result is an innovative space, supplied by SAPCA member, Smart-Space. The 20m x 40m x 4m training facility is also a more affordable solution than a previously explored, high-cost, open-air 3G pitch.

Lynch said: “We use the Smart-Space building for general fitness training, skills and drills and line-outs for the whole club, all ages. It’s an ideal size with plenty of open, overhead room which makes line-out practice possible. We have the option to dry-line it at some stage and have already added post protectors which is really important in our sport.”

The RAMS Rugby operational team is now looking at ways in which the building can be monetised and used as a potential revenue stream to create additional funds. This will cover the costs of the building itself but also raise vital funds for the club.