Wigton walking the walk
On the West Coast of Cumbria between the Lake District and the Solway Firth, Wigton RUFC have weathered challenges, and thanks to a review under the guidance of club chair, Alystair Miller, are now seeing their long-term plans and hard work bearing fruit.
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This hasn't happened overnight, and the club's leadership team and a group of dedicated volunteers have spent countless hours on both planning and providing a positive profile in their local community.
A vibrant playing offer includes senior men’s now up to two teams on occasion, a new women's section who played their first touch rugby game on the 11th November, a great youth section with strong transition into senior rugby, a walking rugby offer and a club providing what players want and taking their place at the heart of the community.
They are in the process of rebranding the site to 'Wigton Sports and Fitness' as part of their ongoing community engagement efforts. The appointment of a club manager to oversee the site, which includes a gym and squash courts as well as a floodlit hockey astro turf, has allowed volunteers to focus more on making a difference on the pitch. With a club manager in place, they are driving revenue for the club and additional sponsorship which is all invested back into the game. Partners include Innovia Films Ltd, Reays Coaches, Story Homes, Hope’s Auction Co Ltd and many more. They are also partnering with Looseheadz, who work with clubs to improve players’ mental wellbeing from encouraging physical activity to providing a safe space for players to open up.
Current work includes an upgrade to the floodlights, additional volunteer recruitment and efforts to reduce utility bills. With coaches and club referees helping in the local secondary school, young players are encouraged to join the club. The club has great celebrations over the festive season including a Christmas party and a Boxing Day fixture involving Over 25s vs Under 25s, which brings the club together and players who’ve moved away to further and higher education can catch up with friends and play in a game that supports a local charity.
Alystair Miller says: “A lot of work has gone into changing the perception of the site by working closely with the other clubs sharing it and using the clubhouse as the key to sustainability and survival. It’s this joint effort, that has brought the progress we are now seeing. In terms of rugby, next year we’ll continue to build links and increase our player base, providing sporting opportunities for the whole community. Many local sponsors have become involved with the club and from age grade rugby to the men’s first XV, women’s touch and walking rugby, we are welcoming a wider group, with rugby for everyone.”
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