WELLINGTON Rugby Football Club is celebrating a major milestone in its ambitious ‘Lighting the Future’ fundraising campaign.

The club has managed to raise more than £24,000 since launching its Crowdfunder appeal in September.

The campaign aims to raise vital funds to replace the club's ageing floodlights with modern, energy-efficient LED lighting, securing a more sustainable future for one of Wellington's longest-established sports organisations.

The floodlight upgrade will improve lighting quality, reduce energy consumption and help ensure that teams can continue training throughout the darker winter months.

The club says the latest fundraising total reflects the incredible generosity of the local community, alongside £15,000 in match funding awarded by Sport England.

In the line of fire, the Under-6 coaches got an absolute soaking at their hands of their players.
In the line of fire, the Under-6 coaches got an absolute soaking at their hands of their players. (PHOTO: Wellington Rugby Club)

However, the club must reach its initial £30,000 target before the match funding from Sport England can be unlocked and they have just 41 days left to do so.

With £9,200 raised through community support so far, the club is calling on residents, businesses and supporters to help it reach this important milestone.

Wellington RFC chairman, Gareth Hodgson, said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of our community. Seeing £24,200 on our Crowdfunder is incredible, and we are enormously grateful to everyone who has helped us get this far.

“But we still have work to do. Reaching our £30,000 target is essential to securing the £15,000 Sport England match funding, and every donation, reward purchase and fundraising event brings us closer.”

The club has been delighted by the response to its campaign, with donations, purchases of Crowdfunder rewards and fundraising activities all contributing towards the total. The fundraising effort is now gathering even more momentum, with teams across the club organising their own creative challenges and events.

More 'creative' challenges have been lined up by the teams within the club to help reach their target.
More 'creative' challenges have been lined up by the teams within the club to help reach their target. (PHOTO: Wellington Rugby Club)

The club's Under-6 coaches recently kicked off the activities with a hugely entertaining 'Soak the Coach' challenge, much to the delight of their young players.

Wellington RFC Vixens hosted Bingo Bango, while the Colts organised a charity car wash and a fancy dress training took place courtesy of the Under-16s with further team challenges and community fundraising events planned.

The club is also preparing to introduce more exciting rewards donated by local businesses through its Crowdfunder, giving supporters the opportunity to purchase something special while contributing towards the project.

Chairman Gareth added: “What makes this campaign so special is seeing our whole rugby family getting involved, from our youngest players and their coaches to our senior teams, volunteers, local businesses and supporters.

“This is about much more than floodlights.

“It's about investing in a club that has been part of Wellington for over 150 years and making sure future generations can continue to enjoy everything rugby and community sport have to offer.”

Wellington RFC is encouraging the wider community to get involved by making a donation, purchasing a Crowdfunder reward, supporting upcoming fundraising events or simply sharing the campaign with friends and family.

The Crowdfunder can be found at online with details of upcoming events, new rewards and fundraising progress shared via the Wellington Rugby Football Club Facebook page.