Overhead flat-lay photograph of a worn leather Rugby Fives glove resting on a dark wooden court floor, with a hand-stitched ball nearby; deep browns, burgundy shadows, and warm cream highlights evoke a vintage sporting atmosphere.

Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

How to Fundraise for your local Rugby Fives club

A strong local club gives players somewhere to compete, train and build friendships. Yet court hire, equipment, coaching, competition entry, insurance, travel and venue maintenance can place constant pressure on membership fees. A well-planned fundraising campaign can help cover these costs while bringing players, families, schools and local businesses closer to the sport.

Fundraising works best when it reflects the character of Rugby Fives. The game is fast, social and community-focused, so activities should feel welcoming rather than like a simple request for donations. A club can raise money through events, sponsorship, grants, online campaigns and practical partnerships, with each income stream supporting a clear purpose.

Start with a specific club goal

People are more likely to support a campaign when they understand exactly what their money will achieve. Begin by reviewing the club budget and identifying one or two priorities, such as replacing worn balls, subsidising junior coaching, paying for court repairs or helping players attend a national competition.

Set a realistic target and explain how it was calculated. “We need £2,000 to provide ten weeks of junior coaching” is more compelling than “Please support our club.” Break the target into achievable milestones so supporters can see progress throughout the campaign.

A small fundraising group can then assign responsibilities for finance, promotion, event planning, sponsorship and safeguarding. Include players of different ages and experience levels, along with at least one person who understands the club’s accounts. Clear ownership prevents tasks from being overlooked and helps volunteers contribute without taking on too much.

Choose fundraisers that suit Rugby Fives

An open day is a natural way to introduce new people to the sport. Offer short demonstrations, beginner sessions, equipment displays and friendly matches, then invite visitors to make a donation or purchase refreshments. Players can explain the rules and show how a compact court creates an energetic, tactical game.

A sponsored challenge can involve a continuous rally target, a club tournament, a sponsored wall session or a day of matches between junior, adult and alumni teams. Online fundraising pages make it easy for supporters who cannot attend to contribute. Include photographs, a short explanation of the club’s work and regular updates as the target rises.

Other options include a quiz night, auction of sporting memorabilia, cake sale, raffle, clothing sale or skills clinic led by experienced players. Combine an activity with a clear Rugby Fives identity so the event strengthens awareness of the club as well as generating income.

Build local sponsorship and partnerships

Local businesses may be willing to sponsor a tournament, junior programme, team kit or a season of court hire. Approach organisations with a concise proposal explaining the club’s membership, community reach and planned use of funds. A business may value links with schools, families, health initiatives or local sporting participation.

Sponsorship does not have to mean a large cash payment. A café might provide refreshments, a printer could donate flyers, or a sports retailer might offer discounted equipment. In return, the club can provide appropriate recognition through its website, social media, event signage and printed materials.

Prepare several sponsorship levels so businesses can choose an affordable option. Benefits should be practical and proportionate, such as a logo on event materials, a mention in match reports or an invitation to a club showcase. Keep a record of every agreement and ensure promotional claims are accurate.

Compare practical fundraising routes

Different methods involve different levels of volunteer time, financial risk and potential return. The right combination will depend on the club’s size, facilities, calendar and local relationships.

Fundraising route	Best suited to	Main costs or risks	Ways to improve the return
Open day	Clubs seeking new members	Refreshments, advertising and court preparation	Pair demonstrations with beginner coaching and membership information
Sponsored challenge	Active player communities	Administration and collecting pledges	Use an online page, regular updates and a visible target
Quiz or social night	Clubs with a broad supporter network	Venue, prizes and event organisation	Secure donated prizes and sell food or team packages
Business sponsorship	Clubs with local community links	Time spent preparing proposals and managing benefits	Offer clear packages linked to specific projects
Grant application	Equipment, youth or access projects	Competition for funding and reporting duties	Match the application to the funder’s stated priorities
Coaching clinic	Clubs with qualified or experienced coaches	Staffing, venue and safeguarding arrangements	Invite schools, families and beginners and charge a clear fee

A blended campaign is often more reliable than relying on one large event. For example, a club could combine a spring open day, a local sponsor, a small grant application and monthly online donations. This spreads the workload and gives supporters several ways to help.

Use grants, Gift Aid and responsible finance

Community and sports funding may be available through local councils, charitable trusts, national sporting bodies, youth participation programmes and community foundations. Before applying, check the eligibility rules, deadlines and permitted spending. A grant application should describe the need, the people who will benefit, the expected outcomes and how the club will measure success.

A project focused on junior participation, disability access, women and girls, school links or facility improvement may align with specific funding priorities. Keep evidence such as attendance figures, waiting lists, coaching records and testimonials. These details demonstrate that the request is based on a genuine local need.

If the club is eligible to claim Gift Aid, donations from UK taxpayers may be worth more to the organisation at no extra cost to the donor. Use the correct declaration process and keep suitable records. Fundraising income should be paid into the club’s designated account, recorded promptly and reported transparently to members.

Promote the campaign with a clear story

Promotion should begin before the fundraiser and continue after it. Use the club website, email, social media, fixture announcements, school contacts and community noticeboards. Every message should state the purpose, target, date, payment method and a named contact for queries.

Images of players in action can make communications more engaging, but obtain appropriate permission, particularly when children appear in photographs. Follow the club’s safeguarding and privacy procedures. Event promotion should also make clear whether participants need to register, what facilities are available and whether the activity is suitable for beginners.

Thank supporters publicly and privately after the event. Share the amount raised, explain the next step and provide a short update when the money is spent. This builds confidence and gives future campaigns a stronger foundation.

Put these fundraising practices into action

Connect every appeal to a defined cost, participation goal or facility improvement.
Use a simple budget that records income, expenses, payment dates and restricted funds.
Ask local businesses for products, services and venue support as well as cash sponsorship.
Make events inclusive, with affordable entry options and roles for players, families and volunteers.
Review the results afterwards and record which activities produced the best return for the effort involved.

Turn community support into court time

A successful fundraiser should leave the club stronger than before. The immediate income may pay for equipment or competition travel, while the relationships created through the campaign can bring new members, volunteers, coaches and supporters into the Rugby Fives community.

Share the plan with club members, contact potential partners and choose one achievable project to launch first. By combining transparent finances, enjoyable events and a clear sporting purpose, your club can turn local enthusiasm into better access, stronger programmes and more opportunities to play.

A close-up photograph of a player's hand striking a small leather ball against a cream-coloured court wall, motion blur conveying speed; warm natural light from above.

What is Fives?

A handball sport with deep roots

Rugby Fives is a fast, skilful handball game played in an enclosed court with walls. It takes its name from Rugby School, where the modern game developed. The RFA provides resources and an introductory video for newcomers eager to understand the rules and spirit of the sport.

Discover the game

A wide-angle photograph of a row of Rugby Fives courts at a traditional British school, with ivy-covered brick walls and cream court surfaces under soft overcast daylight.

Where to Play

Courts across the country

Rugby Fives is played at schools, universities and clubs throughout the UK. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or picking up a glove for the first time, the RFA can help connect you with local venues and fellow players.

Find a court

A panoramic photograph of a tournament in progress across multiple courts, with players in white kit moving against cream walls; warm ambient light and a sense of quiet concentration.

An overhead flat-lay photograph of a handwritten tournament draw sheet on cream paper, with a fountain pen, a leather-bound record book, and a pair of well-worn gloves arranged neatly.

Rankings

Tracking the best in the game

The RFA maintains official player rankings, including a dedicated Women's rankings list and end-of-season standings. A comprehensive record book of tournament winners stretches back to 1925, preserving nearly a century of competitive history.

View rankings

A photograph of a fixture board on a cream-painted wall, with neatly handwritten match cards pinned in rows; soft shadows and warm indirect light.

Fixtures & Tournaments

The competitive calendar

The RFA calendar includes championships, open tournaments, and school and university matches. Major events have included the National Open Singles, the South West Open, the London Open, the Scottish Open, and the Owers Trophy — alongside representative fixtures against schools and clubs.

See fixtures

A photograph of a shelf of leather-bound archive volumes and photograph albums in maroon and tan, with a brass lamp casting warm light across the spines.