Howe of Fife
In recent years, the Howe of Fife Rugby club based in Cupar has built up a reputation as a progressive club with a strong emphasis on introducing youngsters to the sport. Its first fifteen are seen as playing a fast flowing game with slick passing of the ball as a trademark that has taken several top clubs by surprise. This attractive style of play has taken the club to the present position near the top of National League Two.
Many of the current players in the top team started their playing career in the comprehensive mini and midi teams that now turn out on a weekly basis at the Howe. Others have moved on to other clubs and some, for example Peter Horne and Chris Fusaro, to representing Scotland on the national stage. Currently with up to three hundred youngsters turning up for training on a weekly basis, the Howe is seen as one of the most forward thinking in Scotland.
These on-field achievements have come about despite the clubhouse being in the middle of the town far from the Duffus Park playing fields and also despite the basic changing and training facilities in the park.
This state of affairs is now being addressed with an ambitious plan to build new facilities in the grandstand adjacent to the playing pitches. The plan will include modern changing facilities, meeting rooms and catering facilities.
Fund raising for the million pound plus project started fifteen months ago. Reflecting the ethos of the club, all members were encouraged to become involved in raising money for the new facilities. This saw sponsored walks, jumble sales, quiz nights, members' crowd funding and a gala dinner.
The project committee were also active in applying to major funders such as the local authority, SportScotland and the Scottish Rugby Union. Forms were also filled in for grants and awards from a whole host of local and national Trusts and Bequests.
And along with all this effort came unexpected but very welcome support from a number of organisations such as the Friends of Scottish Rugby. These latter awards play a double role in that the not only increase the money in the fund but they also encourage members to double their own efforts.
The club is now moving towards the physical building of the new facility with tenders going out to potential contractors for the work. The aim is to get underway in early summer with a completion date by the end of 2015.
All those who helped contribute to the fund will then be able to play or watch in facilities fit for the modern day and know they have helped provide a sports pavilion fit for the twenty first century
So thank you Friends of Scottish Rugby.
Murdo Fraser
Vice President
Howe of Fife RFC
Click below for the Howe of Fife RFC website:
Howe of Fife RFC