A FUNDRAISING initiative set up to bring through the next generation of rugby players in Coventry and Warwickshire has passed the £10,000 mark.
Wasps Rugby Club set up their community cashback scheme in the summer of 2015 to support the development of local rugby clubs, whereby for every Wasps match day ticket purchased, they receive 15 per cent cash back at the end of each season.
Over 60 clubs have signed up to the scheme so far, which has helped to fund everything from new girl’s rugby teams, to community coaching courses and building refurbishments.
Clubs will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the cashback scheme for Wasps’ home game with Newcastle Falcons on Sunday, October 30 (kick-off 2.30pm).
The club that purchases the most tickets for the month of October will then receive a visit from Wasps fans’ favourite Ashley Johnson.
Verity Brown, community development manager at Wasps, said: “Our cashback scheme is a great way bringing through the next generation of rugby players, by supporting local rugby clubs at grassroots level.
“To have provided £10,000 worth of support to local rugby clubs in such a short space of time is a great achievement. Our focus for the year ahead is to attract other community groups in the area to take advantage of the scheme – we already have the likes of the Warwickshire cubs signed up.”
Johnson is set to do a question and answer session at the winning rugby club in November, and is urging other clubs to take advantage of the scheme.
He added: “When I heard about this scheme I wanted to get involved and show my support. For me, rugby’s grassroots are key to the long-term health of our game and initiatives like this are a great way of recognising that.
“The only other bit of job satisfaction that comes close to a bonus-point win is being able to teach youngsters about the game of rugby, so I’m looking forward to meeting up with the winning club next month.”
In order for rugby clubs to qualify for cashback on tickets, they will need to become Wasps members.
For more information and any enquiries on the cashback scheme contact Wasps Community Development Manager Verity Brown on 07528114994 or at [email protected]
