Risborough Rugby Club opens its doors to build a stronger community

Risborough Rugby Club is launching an ambitious five-year plan to expand opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, relaunch its ladies’ team and bring local people together through sport, volunteering and community events.

Rugby may be at the heart of Risborough Rugby Club, but its ambitions for the future stretch far beyond the pitch.

The Princes Risborough club has embarked on an ambitious five-year plan to expand playing opportunities while becoming a more accessible, welcoming and active part of the wider community.

The expansion is already gathering pace. The club has relaunched its ladies’ team, introduced mixed touch rugby and is developing a new youth rugby programme for children from Under-6s through to Under-18s, with the aim of launching in January.

The message is simple: rugby should be something everyone can discover and enjoy, regardless of age, experience or ability. The club is also keen to ensure that its community spirit extends well beyond match day.

“We want to create a club that’s welcoming to everyone and provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities,” says development officer William Morton. “There is a real desire to promote local businesses and share opportunities with the wider community.”

The club has already started building those connections. Members recently volunteered to support the Best Kept Village award in Princes Risborough, helping to repair bollards alongside Aylesbury Road. It was a practical way to contribute to an initiative celebrating the town.

Touch rugby has also helped bring the sport into the community. Over the past four months, players and volunteers have run free sessions at the Wade Centre, attracting more than 40 people.

Supported by Princes Risborough Town Council, the initiative has demonstrated an appetite for informal, accessible sport, and the club is keen to build on its success.

More plans are in the pipeline, including free rugby sessions in local schools, fitness sessions and family fun days. The club is also looking to create more opportunities for volunteering and community activities, while events such as Ladies’ Day are helping to foster a welcoming social atmosphere.

Collaboration is another key part of the vision. The club is working with local organisations and sporting groups, including Risborough Sports Group, to explore ways of sharing resources and creating more opportunities for people to get active.

Ultimately, the ambition is to build a club that belongs to the whole community – whether you are picking up a rugby ball for the first time, cheering from the sidelines, supporting a local business or volunteering at a town initiative.

The next chapter for Risborough Rugby Club is about throwing open its doors and creating something for the next generation. And you don’t have to be a player to be part of it.

Find out more at risborough-rfc.com.

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