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Major funding boost for local rugby club
A local rugby side have received a welcome funding boost to help them grow the sport across the area.
Irvine Rugby Club was established in 1962 and recently received almost £30,000 from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust (NAVT).
This grant programme was developed to enable voluntary, community and social enterprises in North Ayrshire to explore new opportunities to help them grow in size and improve long-term sustainability.
The money will be provided over a three-year period to support the appointment of a community rugby coach who will look to promote rugby across local primary and secondary schools.
The coach will work to encourage participation in the sport and create pathways for students to transition from school-based activities to playing at Irvine Rugby Club. It is hoped that the new appointment can encourage at least 300 young people to take up the sport each year.
In terms of the wider community, the community rugby coach will also offer rugby taster sessions, workshops, and events – and promote rugby as an accessible and enjoyable sport for all ages.
Quote: We are delighted to be supporting this application. The Club have the community very much at their heart and know the positive impact sport can have on people of all ages and demographics. Rugby can definitely serve as a catalyst for positive change and we hope the new community coach can really start reaching more and more young people and get them involved in the game. It’s not just about creating brilliant players but about making memories, developing teamwork and creating that community spirit through the rugby club. We look forward to learning how the new community coach is getting on in the coming weeks and months.”
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands
Robert McIlvenna, Youth Convenor of Irvine Rugby Club, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have received NAVT funding—it’s a game-changer for Irvine Rugby Club and for the children in our community. Having a dedicated Community Coach means we can bring rugby directly into local schools, breaking down barriers to participation and making the sport accessible, inclusive, and fun for every child. This support allows us to nurture not just future players, but confident, resilient young people who feel connected and valued. We’re proud to be building something special here in Irvine.”
If you would like to apply for NAVT funding, please email infonavt@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Published: 25 September 2025