The cheque, as part of housebuilder Persimmon’s Community Champions’ initiative - they have an interest in the long-awaited East of Otley housing development - was presented to Otley RUFC before the start of their home match against Harrogate in National Two League North (March 22).
Otley RUFC chairman Paul Mackie explained: “We won a monthly award of £1,000 from Persimmon about 18 months ago, and that is not just for rugby clubs but sports clubs and community clubs, and that put us in contention for the national award, which we have won. It is a community champions award which celebrates the work that we have done across the town throughout the club.
“We are very grateful that Persimmon have seen fit to give us this award as £5,000 is a massive amount of money for us to invest back into the club through the age-group and senior teams - things such as safeguarding, coaching, First Aid, physios. The cost of physios is insane.”
Mackie added: “We are getting parents involved in the club and getting young girls and lads to play rugby, use the clubhouse, keep fit and enjoy the rugby. We also go out into the town distributing leaflets to get people to come down here. Trying to get people through the gate is our mission and we hope that we are a welcoming, inclusive National League rugby side, and getting people through the gate is absolutely essential.”
“Active volunteers in any club are an essential ingredient as costs spiral across all aspects of the game - without our many volunteers our club, like many, would not be able to continue. Our vision is to be a welcoming, inclusive and successful family rugby club in the heart of Otley’s community, and this donation helps contribute to that goal.”
Chris Hull, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Otley Rugby Club in this way and help the club continue to play such a vital role in the local community.”