Stornoway RFC SCIO Trustees’ Annual Report
2023 to 2024
Charity contact information stornowa Ru b Football Club SCIO Scottish Charity Number.. SC048432 Website www.stornowayrugbyclub.com @stornowayrfc l #syrfc Social media" Charity Trustees
structure, governance and management Stornoway Rugby Football Club was founded in 1952, over the years the club has always strived to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where people can enjoy all the benefits that the sport of Rugby can offer. th Stornoway RFC SCIO was registered in its current legal form on June 4 2018. It has a two- tier structure consisting of Members and the Board of Trustees. It's main purpose as stated in the Constitution is: To promote the public participation of Rugby Union within the Western Isles. and thereby develop the mentol, physicol ond sociol copocities of its members Gnd others supportive of the purposes. so that their lives are enriched and conditions in life are improved, whilst ensuring equal opportunities for all members of the community to enjoy the benefits of participation in, and spectating of, the game of rugby. Appointment of Trustees Trustees are appointed in accordance with the constitution. Nine trustees are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The AGM was held at Lodge Fortrose in Stornoway on 7th June 2023.
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Ru8by Activities (2023-24) Senior rugby had a full season with plenty of games and player numbers seem to be stable. As a club we continued to ensure that any activities were undertaken were in keeping with the main charitable purpose as detailed above. The following section presents selection of activities undertaken by the club during the period under review: Provide regular coaching and social events for all ages Adult training and coaching opportunities were back in full swing after many months of no rugby during COVID with excellent number5 regularly attending both men's and women's training sessions. Raise awarene55 of rugby and its benefits through actively 5UPPOrting local cause5 SYRFC members donated Christmas gifts to local care home residents. The gifts were paid for through fundraising within the club's playing membership. Using Club's social media presence club members participated in raising awareness of mental health issues. Grow participation in Rugby in the Western 151es After the adverse effects of the pandemic restrictions on grass roots sport in general, the club has made a concerted effort to restart rugby activities for younger age groups. It has been encouraging to see new faces attending coaching sessions throughout the year.
Rugby Achievements and Performance As a rugby club the best way we can achieve the aims of the club is to strive to develop and improve our playing membership. The following section details our achievements over the period under review. Junior Rugby The effects of the pandemic continue to present challenges for the club in rebuilding our junior membership. However. coaching sessions for the P7-S5 age range have continued. Coaching sessions were held at Bayhead on Saturday mornings throughout the year with a core of some 10-15 children participating regularly.
Ladies Season Re A difficult season for the ladies with a large number of the more experienced members not being available to play for various reasons. However. great effort was put in to recruit new member5 to fill the gap. This alongside competing in a full league Set up presented a signif icant challenge for the group and their commitment and work ethic is to be commended and a credit to the club. Men's Season Re ort In contrast to the challenges facing the ladies squad the men's team seemed to be in a pretty good place, with healthy numbers training every week in pre season, they pushed on through the season finishing in mid table. They did however take a number of "big scalps" along the way. Playing numbers were as good as has been seen in many decades. Club Events The annual boxing game was well attended with the Masonic Lodge hosting us after the game for a social event. The Masonic Lodge have given us use of their function space for post-match events and other social gatherings indefinitely, the arrangement suits both parties very well and we are very lucky to have use of the space. There was also the annual Christmas collection for gifts to be given to a local care home, to which many of the players contributed to.
Financial review Stornoway Rugby Club's finances are well managed and 5UStainable however, the Trustee's understand that with the expansion of the club in both the junior and senior women there needs to be continuing development in the funding of the club and not to be over reliant on central funding from the Scottish Rugby Union. Statement of the chariws policy on reserves Prior to attaining SCIO status SYRFC did not hold reserves as such, however a prudent approach was taken to maintain a healthy balance year on year by ensuring that income from sponsorship, membership and SRU subsidies were sufficient to cover operating costs each season. The growth in the club since becoming a SCIO has highlighted the need to be able to develop our own facilities which will require significant capital investment. A 5 year development plan is currently being finalized. the plan includes a reserves policy which will sUPPOrt the 5U5tainable growth of the club over the medium term. The board has already allocated funds to the reserve fund which currently stands at approximately £5000. Donated facilities and services SYRFC SCIO currently use temporary storage and welfare units at Bayhead pitch. These were donated by club sponsors. Future plan5 Over the next year we will continue to put the plans and structures in place that will help to ensure that the club grows sustainably and continues to deliver its main purpose of promoting rugby in the Western Isles.
We continue to progress our club's"Development Plan" for 2021-2026. A summary of elements to be included are listed below: Travel Costs- Set out and agree annual travel budget in advance of each season. Board to monitor throughout season. Sponsors Increase revenue through more structured approach, identify new sponsors, agree range of 5pon50rship opportunities. Fundraising- Focus/publicise efforts on raising funds for club house development. Create formal Clubhouse Development Fund Direct Club Investment - Identify 5UStainable options for both short and longer term provision. Increased revenues from increased membership. Merchandi5e- Formalise agreement with next providerto maximise revenues to the club. Use social media presence/reach to maximise income. Increase membership Declaration Signed on behalf of the charity trustees: Designation Trustee Date 22103125