Strathendrick RFC Community Club of the Year

Strathendrick RFC receive Community Club of the Year Award, at the 2023 Scottish Rugby Community Recognition Awards (Caledonia Midlands) at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 17 March 2023.

The clubs hard work and dedication has been displayed by many people in the community, be they, coaches, parents, administrators, and volunteers who give their time selflessly to make Strathendrick RFC the great club that it is.

For the past 12 months, Strathendrick RFC has been front and centre at the heart of the local community through fundraising and physical activity, leading them to receive the Community Club of the Season award for Caledonia Midlands in 2022/2023.

Now the largest participation sports club in the Trossachs, the club runs 17 different age group teams, men’s teams, and a women’s touch rugby team.

Working in collaboration with Balfron High School, the club have helped establish four new girls’ teams in the last 18 months alone, with the U16 side going on to win the Glasgow North Aspiring League in their first season, narrowly pipped at the National finals.

To ensure maximum inclusion, the club have created a clothing exchange programme where people can donate, exchange, and pick up boots or other kit they need to take part in rugby. The club fundraised over £600 to kick start the initiative and give young players a chance to access kit they need. The club have now extended the kit-store to include a food bank for members of the club who may need some additional support.

This is the second year in succession the club has been highlighted for their tremendous work; current Head of Rugby, Steven McCooey, was awarded SRU Schools volunteer of the year 2021/22, and Head coach of the Men’s Senior Team, Ciera Campbell, received the SRU Young Persons’ Award.

In the last year, the club has also dedicated a considerable amount of time fundraising for local causes. Since May 2022, the club has raised more than £28,000 for agriculture mental health charities and for specialist equipment for a former player affected by a brain injury.

The work we do within the community is aimed at making the sport of rugby and our club accessible to all, removing any barriers some may face. It’s imperative we offer a coaching and player pathway, enabling all to fulfil their potential, however the overall aim is to provide everyone with a happy, safe, fun and learning environment. The nurturing culture we provide will hopefully see future family generations remain involved in our club, and game, due to the positive experience they encounter week on week.

Strathendrick RFC are an incredibly deserving winner of this award. A club with community at its heart, they continue to expand their offering both on and off the field, showcasing the power of sport. Working closely with Balfron High School, the Active Schools programme and as a valued affiliate member of ClubSport Stirling, we would like to thank all involved at the club for their life changing work and congratulate them on this award.

For more information on the work the club do, or to get involved, please contact Steven McCooey, Head of Rugby, T: 07915969803, E: smccooey126@btinternet.com