Budding Maro Itojes and Alex Matthews in rural communities around Saffron Walden have been given a boost towards achieving their dream thanks to a new sports fund backed by former England cricketer Darren Gough.
The £75,000 Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund aims to support teams based in rural communities across the broadband company’s full fibre network, which spans 26 counties.
Sports equipment including tackle bags and crash mats have been netted by Saffron Walden RFC to help the young rugby players develop their gameplay and help them progress.
Mini & Youth Committee member Ben Ogilvie said: “The funding from Gigaclear came at such an important time for us, as much of our tackling equipment was coming to the end of its life. The new equipment allows us to continue with our excellent coaching offering to the local community, especially with the new tackle height laws that came in this season.”
Fund ambassador Darren Gough said: “Since launching the fund, it has gone from strength to strength, providing valuable support where it is needed most. It’s great to see so much kit and equipment being sent out to rural sports clubs such as Saffron Walden Rugby Club. I believe it will help make a difference to players now and to the rural sports teams of the future.”
The club, whose teams play their matches in Henham, has a strong ‘one club’ policy where they encourage players who join at a young age to transition to the seniors and beyond.
More than 3,500 homes and businesses in Stansted Mountfitchet, Elsenham, Henham Widdington, Rickling Green and Gaunts End are now able to access Gigaclear’s full fibre broadband offering ultrafast speeds up to 900Mbps. For more details, visit Gigaclear.com
