Richmond Rugby has confirmed community engagement specialists, Community Group, have signed a new two-year partnership with the club ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Community Group specialise in forming and operating community departments for sports clubs across the UK and abroad, developing engaging sustainable sports coaching programmes for both the club and the wider community to enjoy.

The partnership, now into its fourth year, continues to go from strength to strength, with Richmond and Community Group working together to establish a comprehensive schools community programme.

The club delivers sports provision in 12 of the borough's primary/prep schools and seven secondary schools, as well as running the ground-breaking rugby programme in Feltham Youth Offenders Institute.

Richmond Rugby also operate a joint rugby programme with several local schools, and offer rugby camps for kids to attend during the school holidays.

Most recently during lockdown, the community department managed a team of more than 50 volunteers collecting food for the vulnerable and those in need as part of AFC Wimbledon's - Dons Local Action Group, as well as supporting the launch and delivery of the club's summer meals initiative.

A fantastic club with great people

Community Group managing director Matt Price said: "We are delighted to agree a two year extension with Richmond Rugby Club.

"The department is growing year on year which in turn means we can work with and impact larger numbers of people each year.

"We want more and more people to enjoy Richmond Rugby. It's a fantastic club with great people and we look forward to working with them for years to come."

Strengthening community ties

Richmond Rugby's commercial director Jimmy Wallace said: "We're hugely grateful to Matt and his Community Group team for their continued support and commitment to our club.

"Over the last four years our community department has made a huge impact in our local area and we are looking forward to forming an even stronger relationship over the next two years and beyond."

The Community Group logo will continue to feature on the shoulder of the Men's First XV shirts for the next two seasons as the club embarks on an exciting return to the Men's Championship.

Richmond Rugby has launched a One Club campaign and fundraising drive which you can read about here.

Many thanks to Richmond Rugby who contributed this piece for Richmond Nub News.

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