Dozens of volunteers gave up their Saturday to get the clubhouse and grounds ready for the new season. Walls were painted, pitches were marked out, the kitchen and bar reopened for the day, and the next generation of Grove players ran their own Rounders tournament on the side.

What got done
- Painting walls throughout the clubhouse
- A deep-clean of the showers
- General maintenance around the building
- Clearing and organising storage and equipment areas
- Line marking the pitches ahead of pre-season training
- Kitchen deep clean and reorganisation
- Countless smaller jobs that keep a club running

While the grown ups worked, the kids had their own competition, with a rounders tournament keeping everyone entertained on the field. The kitchen team kept spirits and energy levels up with burgers for the hungry workforce, and the bar was open for a well earned drink once the tools went down.

Why it matters
Rugby clubs do not run because of buildings or pitches. They run because of people who care enough to give their time, skills and energy so that hundreds of players, families and supporters have somewhere to call home.

Today was a reminder of what makes Grove RFC special. The community spirit, the friendships, and the willingness to pull together for something bigger than any one person.

Thank you
From everyone at Grove RFC, thank you to every volunteer who turned out. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and this club simply would not exist without people like you.

Here is to a fantastic season ahead.

Want to get involved?
Grove RFC is open for new players, supporters, volunteers across all age groups. Get in touch at playrugby@groverfc.co.uk to find out how you can help.