A Swindon rugby club is looking ahead to the new season with renewed confidence after receiving support from a local housebuilder to help fund vital player welfare.
Supermarine Rugby Club has benefited from a £200 donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, whose Honeymans Helm development is based in nearby Highworth.
The contribution supported the club’s fundraising event in May, helping the volunteer-run organisation raise enough money to provide physiotherapy cover for its first four matches of the upcoming season.
As a self-funded grassroots club, Supermarine Rugby Club relies on fundraising and community support to meet the costs of essential equipment, kit and matchday services, while continuing to grow opportunities for women to take part in the sport.
The fundraising event featured a raffle with prizes including tickets to see the England women’s rugby team, attracting strong local support and helping the club exceed its target.
Lauren Watts, committee member and player at Supermarine Rugby Club, said the donation had made a real difference.
She said: “As a completely volunteer-run and self-funded club, we rely heavily on the generosity of local businesses and supporters to continue providing opportunities for women in rugby.
“The support from Barratt and David Wilson Homes allowed us to offer some fantastic raffle prizes, which generated greater interest in the event and helped us raise enough money to fund physio cover for our first four games of the season.
“What makes women’s rugby so special, particularly at Supermarine, is the incredible sense of belonging it creates. Our team is made up of inspiring women from all walks of life, many balancing careers and family commitments, yet everyone gives their time and energy to make the club something truly special.
“We welcome women of all ages and abilities, whether they’re new to the sport, returning after years away, or simply looking for a new challenge.”
Women’s and Girls’ Chairperson Gwen James said access to physiotherapy was an essential part of keeping players safe throughout the season.
She said: “This kind of support makes a tangible difference to the women’s game at grassroots level. Having access to things like physio cover isn’t a luxury for us – it’s essential to keeping players safe, confident and able to perform at their best.
“At Supermarine, we’re incredibly proud to offer a welcoming environment for women and girls of all abilities, and continued backing from local partners helps us not only sustain that, but grow it.
“It allows us to focus on building a strong, inclusive pathway into rugby and ensuring the game remains accessible to everyone who wants to be part of it. A huge thank you to Barratt and David Wilson Homes for their support.”
Campbell Gregg, Managing Director of Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, said grassroots sports clubs played an important role within local communities.
“We are proud to support organisations like Supermarine Rugby Club that make such a positive impact within the local community,” he said.
“Grassroots clubs play an important role in bringing people together, promoting inclusivity and creating opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport.
“We’re delighted our donation has helped the club as it prepares for the new season and wish the team every success.”
With preparations for the new campaign now under way, the club hopes continued backing from local businesses and supporters will help it build on recent progress and encourage even more women and girls to take up the sport.
