Future Building

Chesham Rugby Club (Chesham Stags) has launched its campaign to build a permanent clubhouse as part of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU's) World Cup 2015 legacy, which aims to get a million more young people involved in the sport by 2015.

Backed by England Women's World Cup Winners Rochelle (Rocky) Clark and Katherine (Kat) Merchant, the campaign has also been endorsed by Chairman of the RFU Bill Beaumont.

Speaking about the campaign, the former England Captain said; "Investing in young people and nurturing their talents now will secure a bright future for them and for rugby in England for years to come, which is why the RFU is supporting Chesham Stags' plans to build a clubhouse."

Legacy building

The RFU aims to create a lasting legacy from the World Cup in 2015, building upon the success of the England Women's team taking the title in the World Cup in Paris this summer.

As part of its legacy plans, the RFU will be focusing on several areas, including the improvement of facilities to help build capacity for clubs across England.

Investing in young people in Chesham

Chesham Stags actively promotes the engagement and development of young people through sport and provides opportunities for them to nurture their talents on and off the pitch, regardless of ability or background. The club's youth teams are coached by current and former players, ensuring that skills and experience are passed from generation to generation.

World Champion coaches

Chesham Rugby Club is also lucky to have two of England Women's World Cup Champions on its coaching team. Rocky and Kat head up the coaching for the senior sections and say there is no other club they'd rather be at.

"We never tire of watching individuals develop their skills and grow in confidence. The players and volunteers of the Club continue to amaze us and the support we received during the World Cup was truly inspiring" says Rocky.

The pair also provide much inspiration themselves, especially to the Club's young women.

"We're proud to say that our girls and women's teams are central to the Club and afforded the same opportunities as the men. Enabling women to play at such a young age will ensure that the RFU reaches its target of getting 25,000 more women into the sport by 2017" says Kat.

The pair, joined by Chesham Women's Captain, Victoria Boorman, recently attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament with the Prime Minister David Cameron, where the RFU launched its strategy to capitalise on women's interest in the sport and provide the right opportunities for them to participate.

A permanent fixture

Having voluntary given up their clubhouse to make way for the redevelopment of Chiltern Hills Academy, the Stags are currently renting temporary accommodation there.

The lack of changing facilities and hospitality space does not allow the Club to provide the quality of coaching and skills development it is capable of. a permanent clubhouse, which provides first-rate facilities, will enable the Club to provide opportunities for more young people to join. The clubhouse will also provide a home for other sporting and social clubs in Chesham, providing a benefit beyond the club that will serve the community for years to come.

Campaign for support

The Club officially launched its campaign to build a clubhouse on 20 September, and is calling upon members of the community, both individuals and organisations, to help raise the much needed funds. With an estimated build cost of £450k, the Club is also seeking support from a variety of sporting bodies, including the RFU.

"Supporting the build of the clubhouse will enable you and your organisation to invest in the development of young people in and around Chesham" says Club President Cliff Davies.

"We are looking to lay the foundations for future generations to come and we hope that people will get behind the campaign and help us to create our own legacy for youth."

Ways to support

There are several ways you can support the campaign, either as an organisation or an individual. You can make a one-off donation to the Stag's Just Giving page, or contact the team at fundraising@cheshamrugbyclub.com to discuss corporate packages. You can also find out more about the campaign and fundraising events on our Future Building pages.