UPDATE - April 2021
We are delighted to announce that we have received a further £120k from Eastr Riding Council commuted sums to finish this project and hope to complete over summer 2021. This is a tremendous achievement and we look forward to updating you as we progress!
Picture shows John Bryant (Chairman), Chris Clegg and Andrew Winn (M&J Section) receiving a cheque that is "big" in more than one way!
History of the Kilnwick Project
The "Kickstart Kilnwick" project was initiated to drive the building of Pocklington RUFC’s Kilnwick Park facility on the edge of the town of Pocklington at Kilnwick Road. The site was opened for limited use in September 2020 and is 90% complete at this time.
Pocklington RUFC's main facilities are located at Percy Road in the town centre, where the clubhouse and two main pitches are located. It has been at the heart of the town of Pocklington for many years. The club has a membership in excess of 1000 people, with the club 1st XV playing in North East 1, the 6th tier of English league rugby. Although the 1st XV is the standard bearer and public face for the club it represents only a small part of that which represents Pocklington rugby.
Run entirely by volunteers, the club provides a positive environment in which residents of the town and out-lying areas can take part in competitive sport. Just as important is the opportunity for the same individuals to benefit from the social and personal development opportunities that the game of rugby offers. This is particularly true of the large numbers of junior players (6 to 19 years old) that the club supports.
For the last 20 years the club has run teams at every age group from 7 to 19 years old. The philosophy is simple to include everyone, develop their skills, promote teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and respect but above all to enjoy it. It remains a winning formula with junior membership strong, success on the pitch, regular county players and a strong feeling of identity. Importantly many of these juniors stay or return to the club as adults representing the senior sides and the town club to which they belong. As a result Pocklington RUFC's reputation is highly regarded throughout the county and beyond. The club’s main base is and will remain the clubhouse and the two pitches at Percy Road in the centre of the town. However, quite simply to support such a vibrant junior section alongside the adult side of the club there is insufficient room to do this at Percy Road. This is particularly relevant when opposition clubs visit for junior matches and in winter when all sides look to train on the single floodlit pitch.
To address this issue two further pitches and sizeable parking was developed at Kilnwick Park primarily for junior rugby. This facility has proved invaluable - on many Sundays in excess of 250 junior players and associated spectators can be found at Kilnwick Park. Whilst the space is provided, to date the facilities have been basic, with little or no changing rooms, temporary toilets and no shelter in bad weather.
The new pavilion will quite simply transform the rugby experience at Kilnwick Park for players and spectators alike. It will provide a permanent base, proper changing facilities for players and officials, first aid facilities, toilets for all and a club room and kitchen facility that will enhance the experience for all concerned.
The erection of floodlights to the main pitch will also allow mid week training taking the pressure off the Club’s facilities at Percy Road. Through providing this facility the
Club’s intent is simple:
*To provide the best facilities we can for or members and guests, particularly through the club’s junior section.
*To further encourage participation in a community rugby club and promote a feeling of belonging and identity
*To promote competitive sport
*To promote social and personal development of the club’s junior players
*To maintain the club’s reputation as a highly regarded rugby club amongst its peers within the county and the north of England.
*To protect and maintain all the above as the club moves forward in the medium term
