RFL Community Game Services Update

9th April, 2010

Club Survey

Thank you to all the clubs that took the time to complete the club survey.  I appreciate that this was quite a task, however with the information obtained we have been able to analyse the training needs at clubs, obtain an accurate number of volunteers including coaches and details of the clubs facilities.

We have reviewed the requests for training and identified a number of areas that are an obvious priority for the vast majority of clubs, namely courses associated with the achievement of Clubmark, player support, development and funding.  Accordingly we are now speaking with the necessary RFL departments and external providers to ensure that we can meet the demand for these priority courses.  Once we have confirmed the delivery partner’s information on these courses we will be back in touch with information on how to book places.

For information, the following courses were identified as a priority by those Clubs that completed the Club Survey:

• Coaching Level 1
• Coaching Level 2
• Equity in your Coaching
• Positive Coaching
• Basic First Aid
• Safeguarding & Protecting Children
• Time to Listen
• Touchline Manager
• Match Official (Foundation Course)
• Funding; Grants & Generating Income Streams
• A Club for All (Understanding your Roles and Responsibilities)
• Developing Partnerships with Clubs and Schools

The survey will need to be completed again in September however we are trying to obtain as much information as possible via your Clubmark accreditation or Playing Leagues so that most of the information is already entered onto the system.   You can go onto the survey at any time to update your personnel details. 

Community Raffle

The Community raffle will once again be taking place. We have changed the date to ensure that all clubs have the opportunity to take part.

First Prize

Five night stay in New York, (including flight and accommodation), with £1,000 spending money.  Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic and Intercontinental Hotel Group.

The winner will also choose a Community Club to receive £5,000 worth of kit and equipment.

Club Prize – (Most Tickets Sold)

£1,500 worth of kit and equipment plus an eight seater hospitality box at the Engage Super League Grand Final 2010.  Regular updates will be available as to which club has sold the most tickets however the winner will be notified by close of business on the 10^th September. 

The other prizes are ten England Shirts, and ten pairs of Engage Super League Grand Final Tickets 2010

The raffle tickets including information on the draw date will be distributed in May with a closing date of Friday 10^th September 2010.

Funding Opportunity

Cash 4 Clubs (UK)

Sports club that are registered with their sport’s National Governing Body or local authority can apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the Cash 4 Clubs grants scheme. Cash 4 Clubs is a sports funding scheme which gives clubs a unique chance to apply for grants to improve facilities, purchase new equipment, gain coaching qualifications, and generally invest in the sustainability of their club. In 2008 over £30,000 was given out in grants to 30 community sports clubs across the UK. There are three tiers of grants at £250, £500 and £1,000.  For further information please click here

Partnership Club Benefits

An update on the benefits on offer to Partnership clubs is available on the RFL website click here

We are continuing to pursue other benefits for clubs and would be interested in your thoughts as to what would be of use to you. Please email Carol Savage on carol.savage@rfl.uk.com with suggestions.

Sport England Survey

Sport England has commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct a survey with 16+ players about their experience in taking part in Rugby League.  To assist us in obtaining this information it would be really appreciated it you could encourage players to complete the survey.  Click here for the link.

Annual Clubs Congress

Save the date - the next annual clubs congress will take place on Saturday 2^nd October 2010, prior to the Grand Final, at the Lancashire Cricket Club. 

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you do for the Community Game.  We recognise and appreciate all the amount of unpaid work that goes into running the game which simply would not happen without the dedication and support from volunteers like yourself.

As always if you have any questions whatsoever please contact a member of RFL Community Game Services Department on 01484 448000 or your local development officer.