About the campaign
Following its formation in 1928 as Magherafelt RFC, the league was won for the first time in 1931-32.
Almost 90 years later, having transformed to Rainey Old Pupils in 1947, in 2019-20 the Club had the most successful season in its history, winning the Ulster Senior League for the first time and was on course for a top 4 finish in Division 2 A of the All Ireland League.
Renamed as Rainey RFC in 2023, the Club currently fields teams at u14, u16 and u18 level, 3 senior teams and a women’s rugby team, an underage girls section and has a thriving mini-rugby section.
As we approach our centenary in 2028 it is vital that we update our facilities to ensure the Club continues to flourish for future generations.
Following many hours work by volunteers, in October 2021, we achieved planning permission for the extension and refurbishment of our clubhouse to meet the demands from our increasing male and female playing numbers.
This is fantastic news and gives us an opportunity to bring our facilities up to date for the benefit of our members and the wider community.
The improved facilities will provide a superior experience from child to adult, attracting new members and visitors which in turn will protect the future sustainability of our Club.
Our objective is to make sure we appropriately and effectively continue to serve our members, players, supporters and the community in a way that sustains us and contributes to success both on and off the playing fields
Our Mission
In pursuing our mission, we:
- Respect the dignity of each individual, without distinction as to age, gender, creed or race.
- Promote a sense of fairness, sportsmanship and teamwork among our members.
- Facilitate the participation of all ages and abilities in our games and other activities and encourage them to achieve their full potential.
Our aim is to:
- Promote the development and playing of Rugby football in our community.
- Encourage the participation of all sections of our community in our sporting and social activities and to foster a clear sense of identity, place and belonging.
- Provide the best possible facilities which are suitable for the growth and playing of rugby in the 21st century.
- Support the development of our members in an environment of sportsmanship, inclusiveness, mutual respect and social responsibility.
Our Future
If we want Rainey RFC to be successful, we all have to play our part.
We are continuing to invest in our underage structures, women’s Rugby, physical resources and training and community facilities. The club continues to be at the heart of the community and provide sporting social and recreational opportunities to the people of Magherafelt and its surrounding districts. We provide this for over 250 young people from mini-rugby to youth rugby to senior levels on a weekly basis. This is an incredible achievement. Our club needs support, volunteers, specific expertise and financial investment in order to maintain our high success at underage levels across to senior levels. We have successfully built one of the strongest underage groups in the province - our goal must be to be the best at underage and to convert this into senior success in all our male and female rugby teams.
Our Plan
Rainey Old Boys initially played rugby at the Pound Road and for many years thereafter at Billy Hatrick’s fields on the Tobermore Road. Many will recall the discomfort of travelling back to the changing rooms at the Rainey School on cold, wet winter Saturdays. A new clubhouse was built in Garden Street in 1984 and in 1996 we proudly moved to our own playing fields and pavilion at Meadowbank. Some 24 years later it is time to redevelop our facilities to help preserve our sense of community and the unique culture and heritage of Rainey RFC for future generations.
Growing Together
We cannot do this alone
Our success will be through a real team effort. together we can achieve our target with creativity, commitment and above all else, energy. It is up to us to turn challenges into opportunities for everyone associated with our club. It is vital that given our growing playing population and variety of supporters, that we continue to grow and serve our community in an effective and positive way. This approach has characterised our club where effective teamwork, on and off the field, has always been our cornerstone.
As a club, we have always shown ourselves to be willing and prepared to adapt to change. We believe this development plan is in the general and overall best interest of our players and community, not only for the current generation, but for those yet to come.
All of this comes at a financial cost, with the current estimate in the region of £400,000. In order to make this bold dream a reality we are asking for pledges of financial support from those who feel they can buy into our vision, to create a true community asset. To date, we have been promised considerable in-kind support from a range of people, including those connected with the club past and present, but we need further support.
You Can Help
Donations
Open to Individuals and Businesses
Corporate Contributions
There are a number of ways businesses can contribute:
- Direct Financial donations
- Provision of skilled labour
- Provision of goods and services (e.g. materials) can be donated for the project
2021 Vision Recognition of Donations
The names of all contributors will be inscribed on a 'Commemorative Board'.
This 'Commemorative Board' will be will be located, pride of place, in a prominent position in the newly renovated Rainey RFC Clubhouse.
So, what are you waiting for? See below for how you can help through buying some bricks!
