Esther McVey: Sport England help Hoylake enjoy winning start

Sep 5 2012

Saturday saw the start of the new rugby season at Hoylake Rugby Club.

It was a dazzling day, not only because weather-wise it was one of the best days of the summer so far, but more significantly Hoylake romped home with a massive win against Orrell.

I was there along with the Mayor Cllr Gerry Ellis and the Lady Mayoress Margaret Ellis to shout and cheer for the home team as well as to officially open the new club facilities. For after much local fundraising and a substantial £50,000 donation from the Sports England Inspired Facilities scheme the club managed to redevelop the existing club house.

The aim of the Sports England scheme is to modernise grassroots' facilities. The sporting clubs selected were recognised as contributing much to the local area and these enhanced facilities will further strengthen the Club's ties with the local community.

This project is part  of the Olympic 2012 legacy to encourage increased participation in sport. £50 million of National Lottery funding will be given to over 1000 projects across the UK between 2011 and 2014, Hoylake Rugby club being just one.

And by the size of the crowd gathered for Saturday's game that had already happened, and such a wonderful mix too of family members, young children and rugby players of all ages! And after such a sensational win at the start of the season I'm expecting gate numbers to swell!

To contact Esther : Esther.mcvey.mp@parliament.uk or tel 0151 632 4348