Rugby youngsters given festive cheer

Youngsters at a rugby club have been given some festive cheer from UK Power Networks.

The under-9s squad at Bury St Edmunds RUFC have been presented with a £250 grant from the power company which delivers electricity across the East of England.

The money will be spent on a gift that will keep on giving – a new gazebo to protect players from the elements for the remainder of the winter.

Beverley Hope, who works in logistics at the power company’s Barton Road base, applied for the Team Sports Award with her husband, Adam, a volunteer coach at the club, while son George plays for the under-9s team.

Beverley said: “The children will be happy as we have no cover on our pitch for them to stand under when not playing, so we will be getting a gazebo to protect them and keep them warm and dry between games.

“My son George has been playing rugby since the age of four. He loves the sport and even when he broke his finger playing last year refused to come of the pitch until the end of the game.

“We are involved as a family with fundraising and my husband is one of the coaches for the under-9s too which involves doing a lot of additional RFU courses.

“All the coaches and admin are all volunteers and we all spend a lot of time arranging activates and games to strengthen their skills on the pitch as well as driving to away games. Bury St Edmunds RUFC has a great family feel and we welcome all ages and abilities. The club is still seeking further sponsorship and anybody interested should make contact directly.”

The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and development of sporting opportunities.

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. So far this year over 70 teams have benefitted to a combined sum of more than £18,000.

Pictured above are youngsters at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Union club celebrating a £250 Team Sport grant from UK Power Networks.

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