A RUGBY team from Solihull had the pleasure of taking part in the first ever Wasps Club Take Over Day as part of a community scheme which helps fund improvements in grass roots rugby.
More than 400 players, officials and friends of Camp Hill RFC were at the Ricoh Arena to watch Wasps play Saracens over the festive period.
The club collected a cheque of more than £800 to help boost their facilities development fund which is planning widespread refurbishments to the clubhouse.
“We’re sure that Camp Hill RFC sending over 400 people to the match against Saracens is simply the start of a long and fruitful two way relationship between the two clubs,” said Nigel Busby, chairman of the Camp Hill Minis and Juniors.
“The day was fantastic, from the FunZone at The Ricoh before the game to the care and hospitality Wasps extended to us before during and after the game. They made a considerable investment in bringing this together and we’re really appreciative of everyone there, particularly their community staff.
“The whole day was geared towards the Camp Hill Minis and Juniors having fun and taking away memories to cherish. Can you imagine going back to school and saying I played rugby, or did the Wasps Shirt Shake, or I was a mascot, or in the guard of honour in front of 24,000 people and millions on the telly?
“It was a real family day with the Camp Hill colours of maroon and light blue completely dominating a large section of the ground.
“The real winner was rugby as it demonstrated its core values of teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, respect and enjoyment both at grassroots and at the absolute pinnacle of professionalism as world class players were happy to rub shoulders and share smiles with the next generation of local players, coaches, volunteers and rugby supporters.”
The money was raised through Wasps Community Cash Back programme whereby local clubs who buy tickets for Wasps games, get 15 per cent of the face value donated back.
At least three more Take Over Days are planned this season for clubs across Coventry and Warwickshire and the surrounding area.
Verity Brown, Wasps community development manager, added: “Camp Hill have invested heavily in their club in recent years and are pushing ahead with new improvements so hopefully the funds will help with that work.
“We have established really strong links with a number of clubs who we are now affiliated with and this is one way in which we can financially help grass roots rugby across our catchment area.”
Any clubs interested in the Community Cash Back scheme should contact [email protected].
