THE close-season at Helsby Rugby Club has been a busy one, with touch rugby sessions being launched and key ground improvements carried out.

More than 100 club members turned out to take part in Helsby’s ‘RugbyForce’ weekend.

The event was part of a nationwide campaign, promoted by the RFU and sponsored by NatWest, which encourages clubs to entice their members to give up their time to help improve facilities.

In Helsby’s case, it meant upgrading the limited facilities at the pitch they play on close to Helsby Community Sports Club.

An initial application by club captain Phil Arkell secured £500 funding from the RFU. Junior chairman Rob Allerston then followed it up with a second request and the club was successful in beating off competition from other Cheshire teams to secure an additional £3,500 grant.

The money was spent on creating a new pitch for under 7s and U8s, installing shelving into the pitchside equipment store, painting all three of the pitchside buildings and renovating the club’s main pitchside pavilion.

Helsby have also launched a touch rugby programme, running on Tuesday evenings through the summer at 6.30pm. More than 60 players – juniors and seniors – took part in the first session, making use of the club’s improved facilities.

Newcomers are welcome to attend and sessions, which are being staged thanks to funding from Helsby Parish Council and Helsby ward councillor Les Ford.

There is a registration payment of £5, with players receiving a free T-shirt. There is an additional charge of £1 per week. The games are open to teams and individuals of any age or sex.

For further information call 07804 656558 or email helsbyrugby@hotmail.co.uk.