Following two successful applications last year, £20,000 was awarded to Leamington RFC to upgrade their third team floodlights, with a further £16,980 allocated to Leamington Netball Club who share the Kenilworth Road facilities to replace their court floodlights with a new LED system. Both clubs have previously benefitted from RUCIS grants to make improvements to their pitches, clubhouses and changing rooms.

Gareth Wilkinson from Leamington RFC commented:

“Investment from Club Members, Sponsors and a Warwick District Council Rural and Urban Capital Improvement Scheme Grant, has enabled Leamington Rugby Club to make improvements to their training floodlights, bringing them up to RFU standards in the process.  

This new lighting system, aimed at both club members and the wider local sporting community who use the “Moorefields” facilities, will enhance the experience of those playing sport and keeping fit.” 

“Leamington Rugby and Netball Club, a family friendly organisation, have ambitious development plans, which encompass all sports and they welcome any approach from the community, to come and share their wonderful space and amenities.”

Chris Trickey, Chair of Leamington Netball, said:

“The installation of this state-of-the-art LED lighting system is a significant upgrade for our netball facilities, enabling us to maximise the use of the club’s two courts and ensure that both competitive and recreational netball will be enjoyed by many people from across our local community. This is a major investment for the club but would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Warwick District Council.”

Over the past year a number of village halls, community centres, sports clubs and Parish Councils have been awarded RUCIS grants of between £1,000 and £30,000 towards improvement projects.

At a special ‘Switch-on’ Event held at Leamington Rugby Club on Thursday 19 January, the Leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Day added:

“On a dark and cold evening, it was a joy to officially switch-on these bright, eco-friendly lights, enabling hundreds to safely use the club playing fields for longer throughout winter.  The grant funding provided has added to sponsorship and other community fundraising to pay for these much-needed facilities.  The club is thriving, so it is great that we've been able to work together in a practical way, with our grant scheme once again providing key support."

“We've set aside a fresh budget to create more opportunities for not-for-profit organisations across the district to reap the benefits of RUCIS funding, with the next round of grants available from 1 April 2023. It is important that we back our community groups, which offer so many benefits for young and old alike."