Old Alleynians
in to the potential redevelopment of the club’s ground. The
club’s pitches need extensive work, and this is currently
being assessed with the help of England Rugby’s
facilities and grounds team. This will be the
first phase of a larger project to bring the
grounds up to the standard required
to support the growth in playing
numbers.
The scheme is likely to
include new pitch drainage
and irrigation systems, pitch
regrading, extensive new
parking as well as new
clubhouse and changing
room facilities, which
will allow the club to
offer
its
membership
more appropriate, safe,
modern facilities that meet
all current RFU & Sport
England standards.
Part of the option study
will include a sustainability
strategy to ensure that the new
facilities are carbon neutral and self-
supporting in energy terms. The club
is also on a very long list for one of the
RFU’s one hundred 3G pitches, which would
further support growth and offer more playing
opportunities, for members and the local community.
The new pitches and the redevelopment plan will also
support the community outreach programme, providing
grass pitches to partner schools, colleges and universities
landlocked in urban sites with no green playing space. Also,
33 Issue 73
part of the club’s community partnership programme is a
bursary strategy for disadvantaged young people to ensure
that rugby at Old Alleynians is inclusive and
excludes no-one.
The club’s biggest challenge for the
next five years is probably keeping
up with the pace of its growth in
player numbers, supporting the
massive rugby family that now
includes 839 youth players
and in excess of 250 senior
players and their families
to ensure that they and the
wider community can get
access to quality rugby,
whether that’s sevens, tens,
tag, touch or XV-a-side.
Old Alleynians aim to
deliver rugby for all in a safe,
appropriate, high quality
environment that supports
the personal development
of its players, volunteers and
coaches, celebrating what is great
about the game.
England Rugby’s core values:
teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline
and sportsmanship are alive and well in
South East London. Inclusivity and rugby for all
is paramount, fun is at the top of the agenda. Sometimes the
journey is as much fun as arriving at the destination!
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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