A new artificial grass pitch has been unveiled at Hinckley Rugby Football Club by local MP, Dr Luke Evans.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, joined players and supporters of the Club to unveil the new 3G grass pitch following Hinckley RFC’s successful application to the previous Government for a grant of £150,000.
The artificial pitch is critical to enabling Hinckley Rugby Football Club’s (HRFC) Community Programme to support young, disabled, elderly and disadvantaged users to participate in sports in a safe and accessible environment while providing health and wellbeing opportunities across the community.
Dr Evans said, “The project was a combination of sports such as football and rugby, local bodies and Government all working together to deliver the much-needed facilities in Hinckley.”
In November 2023 the local MP wrote to a Minister under the previous Conservative Government, Jacob Young MP, to support the Club’s application. Dr Evans said “HRFC have a clear track record of delivering high quality and sustainable sporting opportunities to the local community. Therefore, I am pleased to write this letter in support of the Community Ownership Fund bid to refurbish the 3G pitches which risk being lost to the community.”
The new pitch was unveiled ahead of a pre-match lunch at the Club in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Later in the afternoon, the Hinckley Hornet’s played Exeter University.
Vicky Macqueen, Commercial Manager at Hinckley Rugby Football Club, said “We are super grateful for the support of Luke Evans in officially opening our 3G pitch. His endorsement of our work at the Club and application for funding has been so valuable in helping us to support and serve our community with this amazing new facility!
“We thank him and his team for their time, and continued support of Hinckley RFC and our wider community!"
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said “It’s said that a community that plays together stays together, but you need facilities to do just that.”
“The opening of the artificial grass pitch at Hinckley Rugby Football Club is great news for our community, providing another fantastic sports facility for people of all ages to enjoy.
“Hinckley RFC are a credit to our town, it was a real pleasure to join the team for the opening of the pitch and to see so many supporting the Club and celebrating the new facilities which were quickly put to use by the younger players!
“The day was topped off with a terrific pre-match lunch at the club, in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Congratulations to John Tilley, Ross McMurran, Vicky, Ross Cunningham and the whole team for securing this investment for our area.”
