This is a guest piece for Bottom of the Ruck, shared by the Hull Ionians RFC for release. Here at Bottom of the Ruck, we believe in sharing grassroots stories whether they are written in house or not. Getting stories shared with the community helps increase awareness and show others that they are not alone. Many clubs across the world face similar struggles and overcome those obstacles in different ways. 

When the grassroots rallies around each other, even the smallest donation replicated many times over can have a lasting impact.   

by Claire Britton

Powering Hull Ionians. Protecting Our Future.

Brantingham Park is home to Hull Ionians Rugby Club and a thriving community hub used by thousands of people every year. From rugby, touch rugby and youth sport to community groups, schools, charities and local businesses, our facilities bring people together and help our community thrive.

We have ambitious plans for the future. Alongside our successful rugby and community programmes, we want to develop Brantingham Park into a multi-sport destination, creating opportunities for more people to take part in sport, improve their well being and enjoy our facilities. However, rising energy costs are putting increasing pressure on the club. We now spend more than £3,000 every month on electricity. That is money which could otherwise be invested in our pitches, facilities, players and community programmes.

That’s why we’re launching the Hull Ionians Solar Panels Project.

Your donation will be worth three times as much

The club needs to raise £12,500 from our members, supporters and local community. Through the British Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund, every £1 we raise will be matched with an additional £2, up to the value of £25,000.

That means:
• You donate £10 and British Gas adds £20
• You donate £50 and British Gas adds £100
• Together, if we raise £12,500, British Gas will contribute £25,000
• This will unlock the full £37,500 needed for the project

Every donation, whatever its size, will have three times the impact.

What your donation funds

The £37,500 will help us install solar panels at Brantingham Park. 

This investment will:
• Reduce our energy bills
• Lower our carbon emissions
• Improve the club’s long-term financial sustainability
• Protect funding for rugby, sport and community activities
• Create a greener future for Hull Ionians and our community

Why it matters

Brantingham Park is much more than a rugby club. It hosts community events, school activities, charity fundraisers, NHS services, local business meetings and social gatherings throughout the year.

You can help us enormously to reach our goal by going to our crowdfunding page and donating. Large or small, everything helps.

Click here to donate

You can also sponsor Tim, or get involved yourself and join our Sponsored Social Cycle.

Click here for the Sponsored Social Cycle