Olympic funding for club

The club has secured a grant of £48,000 from Sport England’s ‘Protecting Playing Fields’ scheme.

They will use the investment to purchase their existing first team pitch, currently on lease, and will improve the playing surfaces.

The ‘Protecting Plaing Fields’ fund is part of the £150m ‘Places People Play’legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.

Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 mark – to celebrate its link to the Games.

Club President Bob Johnston said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our playing fields to match the quality of our rugby.

“It is the cornerstone of our strategy to have an outstanding club for the 2012 Olympics legacy.

“Following a very succesful London Olympics, we hope to attract new and old players including.

“We plan to form a ladies’ team, and to extend our mini rugby section to include a colts side.

“We can offer the local area an opportunity to enjoy the sport of rugby union for perpetuity.

“All thanks to the award provided through Sport England and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Special thanks must go to local RFU referees Mr Urquhart and Mr Mitchell for their assistance in the funding application process.’’

Overall, 163 projects have benefitted from a total of £7.8m of investment.

Sport England’s Chairman Richard Lewis, said: “Thanks to this investment, generations of young people in Garstang can look forward to playing sport on great sports pitches.

“Playing fields are vital sporting resources for local communities so it’s vital that we provide both investment and protection.’’

Local councillor, Lady Dulcie Atkins, said: “This is a real shot in the arm for Garstang residents and the club deserve great credit for their determination to develop and protect their ground, for all to enjoy for many generations to come.

“I am sure the sporting fraternity of Garstang will be as delighted as I am.’’

The Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Atkins, Former Sports minister and local MEP, said: “This is excellent news for the club and will help to provide long-term facilities.

“I am especially pleased that the future for young players will now be so bright.’