Wellington Rugby Football Club is asking the community to dig deep to help safeguard its future.

The team wants to upgrade the floodlights at the Corams Lane ground to energy-efficient LED lighting to improve visibility giving the club more opportunities to train throughout darker winter months.

In the first 48 hours of a crowdfundger going live, the club reached £1,500 of the £15,000 target needed to unlock matchfunding from Sports England of a further £15,000.

In addition they are working with community funders to achieve a further £10,000 for an overall investment of £40,000 to safeguard the future of the club.

A spokesperson said: “We need our whole community to get behind the campaign and help us achieve our goal.

“The award from Sport England is only achievable if we raise £15,000 from at least 25 unique supporters.

“This project will benefit 17 teams, hundreds of players, and the wider community creating a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable environment for sport, wellbeing, and connection.

“By upgrading to LED, we will reduce carbon emissions, lower our energy costs, and provide a safer, brighter environment for all.

“This upgrade will allow more year-round training, increase participation, and ensure our facilities remain welcoming and accessible to the whole community.”

The crowdfunder is asking people to pledge money by making a donation or choosing a reward priced from £10 up to £250, including a WRFC bobble hat, to a name on display as a club supporter.

Local businesses can also get involved by donating items that can be offered out to supporters in return for a ‘shout out’.

Any funds left from the fundraising will be invested into further crucial improvements around the club.

The crowdfunder is open until December 2.