The facilities team are in place to help you with advice and understand the projects you have planned or are in the pipeline.
Herts Rugby Facilities act as a liaison with the RFU. We aim to help all clubs to provide the best facility environment achievable. This can only be done if we are aware of your plans well ahead of scheduled implementation.
Herts RFU Facilities: Colin Ashwood ClubDev@hertsrugby.com
RFU Area Facilities Development Manager: Rick Bruin RickBruin@RFU.com
RFU Area Facilities Development Executive: Kieran Spencer KieranSpencer@RFU.com
We maintain a list/plan with the RFU Area Facilities Team which is reviewed regular. The AFT will meet with clubs to understand their proposals and give advice. There are also other advisers at the RFU who can be drawn on as necessary to confirm compliancy.
It is important that all club update their Facilities Audit, as this is used by us to see the plans of each club. This is opened periodical for updating and all clubs will be notified when this will happen together with a link.
Hertfordshire RFU CB Facility Audit 2023/24
There are various areas where funding can be found. The RFU have funding opportunities through various schemes. Currently funding is being awarded through the RWC2025 Impact Facility Fund. Grants are now by invitation, where the Facility Audit is used as the reference point.
Accessing Grants
Outside bodies such as Sport England and many charitable trusts can make grants available:
RFU Facilities & Funding: https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/funding
Sport England: https://www.sportengland.org/funding/small-grants/
Herts Sport: https://sportinherts.org.uk/funding/funding-matters-newsletter-2/
Grant finder: https://www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/rfu
A relationship with your local authority is also necessary as they have community funding available, but you need to apply.
Other sources within the planning authority are areas of planning gain (generally known as Section 106) moneys which developers may be asked to make when they achieve increased land value once planning permission has been awarded. The RFU via Sports England are a consultee on relevant development programmes and highlight local sports clubs.
Charitable Trusts also distribute funding, and there are a lot out there. There are various search sites, but most are subscription based. Regular review of what is available should be made.
Groundsmen support
For your grounds maintenance team, you should ensure your groundsman is registered with Rugby Ground Connected
Natural turf pitches (englandrugby.com)
There a regular sessions, webinars and other information sent out. Also you can benefit from offers and preferred suppliers.
Running your club
The RFU have a lot of information to help with the running of your club. For all areas there are specialist advisers, literature and webinars. These cover areas such as:
- VAT
- PAYE & NI guidance
- Legal help
- Insurance
- Club Management
- Incorporation
Go the Running your Club section of the RFU website.
Running your club (englandrugby.com)
Your facilities team can be contacted for all these matters and will direct you to the relevant advice.
