Kendal rugby club fights cost of living crisis in new appeal

Over the last two rugby seasons, certain areas of the Mint Bridge pitch have been waterlogged due to the drainage not working effectively.

The problems have had an impact on space availability for playing and training, with many teams not able to train on a grass pitch.

They have started a Crowdfunder page, as they, 'like many other organisations, have been hit by the price increase relating to the cost of living crisis which has included soaring energy costs'.

The current state of the pitch at the club (Image: Kendal Rugby Club)

A spokesperson from the club explained: "The increases have seen the club's costs increase from an average of £2,500 per month to just over £10,000 during the winter period.

"And to compound this the club have recently suffered from some large and unexpected costs for equipment and repairs to make the club safe.

"The bill for urgent works to their water heating system, which involved replacing two boilers and installing a fire suppression system in the kitchen, has come to £54,000."

The club has three senior sides, colts, a girls section, and five age grade boys’ teams, plus their mini teams trying to use the grass pitch. 

The aim of the project is to replace the bottom half of the main pitch, while the original drainage system is laid in five metre spacing.

A professional sports pitch company will be engaged to carry out the work on the club's behalf, ensuring it is installed correctly and in a timely manner, ready for the start of next season.

As part of the appeal, they are encouraging people to 'virtually' cycle from Blackpool to Paris to raise money.

Kendal are using a keep what you raise’ approach which means that if they fail to meet the funding goal within the time limit, the club will still put any and all money raised into the 'Pitch Fund' and they will continue their fundraising work

To find out more or to donate, you can visit the fundraising page here.