**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.

Our Sponsors
EfdGEBRET
ACI(A
www.bo4JtJkrblo(¥nscQ￿*
CAm8ron'g
Lewis Wind Power
CLHnhxhol Gaolthg
DGNFltn•
MEPG
University of the
Highlands and Islands
Lews Castle College

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