Strathendrick RFC are honoured to receive this years Community Club of the Year Award (Caledonia Midlands) for the hard work and dedication that has been displayed by so many people in our community, be they, coaches, parents, administrators and other volunteers who have given their time selflessly to make Endrick the great club that is is.

Each of the community award winners were invited to attend the Scotland Men’s team run on Friday 17 March ahead of the Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy, to receive their award.

Scottish Rugby Regional Director for the Caledonia Midlands region, Steve Turnbull said: “The volunteers in our region are a credit not only to their clubs, schools and societies, but they are a credit to Scottish rugby as a whole.

“We’re extraordinarily proud of not just the winners, but everyone who was nominated. The commitment and passion that came through from the nomination submissions was truly inspirational.”

Scottish Rugby President, Colin Rigby added: “As we approach the end of the domestic season, it is really important that we recognise and share our gratitude to the countless volunteers within our sport who make what we do not only possible, but special, fun and enjoyable.

“We received hundreds of applications to the Community Recognition Awards this year, and I know it was a tough job for the Regional Panels to narrow it down to the winners, but it goes to show how many people in Scottish rugby are noticed and appreciated for all they do, and I for one cannot thank them enough.”

The SRU award winner summary for Strathendrick reads as follows:

Community Club of the Season sponsored by Tennent’s Lager: Strathendrick RFC

For the past 12 months, Strathendrick RFC has been front and centre at the heart of the local community through fundraising and physical activity, leading them to receive the Community Club of the Season award for Caledonia Midlands.

Now the largest participation sports club in the Trossachs, the club runs 17 different age group teams, men’s teams and a women’s touch rugby team.

Working in collaboration with Balfron High School, the club have helped establish four new girls’ teams in the last 18 months alone, with the U16 side going on to win the Glasgow North Aspiring League in their first season.

To ensure maximum inclusion, the club have created a clothing exchange programme where people can donate, exchange and pick up boots or other kit they need to take part in rugby. The club fundraised over £600 to kick start the initiative and give young players a chance to access kit they need.

The kit-store has been extended include a food bank for members of the club who may need some additional support.

In the last year, the club has also dedicated a considerable amount of time fundraising for local causes. Since May 2022, the club has raised more than £28,000 for agriculture mental health charities and for specialist equipment for a former player who had been affected by a brain injury.

The club is delighted to receive this accolade and look forward to another great year for the club in 2023-24!