Out with the old to boost sports offer

PUT it there . . . Paul Townsend (secretary) and chairman Shane Wilson

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AN outdated clubhouse will make way for a new building at Saddleworth Rangers, thanks to a generous grant.

Saddleworth Rangers Amateur Rugby League Football Club, in Greenfield, currently only has one changing room, which means membership is restricted to males only.

There is no access for those with disabilities, further limiting members.

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The Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded the club a grant of £38,000 to help fund improvements to a new clubhouse, which will improve accessibility for disabled people, mixed gender groups and female-only groups.

This will allow the club to significantly expand its sporting offer and partner with local sports clubs, increasing participation across a range of sports.

Saddleworth Rangers committee member David Chaloner said: "This grant is fantastic news. Upgrading our facilities means we can accommodate a more diverse range of users and offer additional sports at the club.

"This will benefit the whole community by encouraging them to get involved in sports and enjoy exercise."

The clubhouse has not been refurbished since the 1970s and for the past two years it t has worked hard to raise £250,000 towards the £340,000 needed to demolish the existing building and erect a new one.

The existing clubhouse will be knocked down on July 30 and the new one will be finished by March 2017.

Paul Taylor, executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, said: "This project will open up the club's facilities to the whole community.

"We are seeing an ongoing reduction in the amount of funds that we can award, so the club needs to be congratulated on securing this grant in an extremely competitive environment."