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 Rugby Fives Can Strengthen Local Charity Fundraising

Rugby Fives is a fast, accessible wall-ball sport with a distinctive community feel. Played in a compact court, it brings together schools, clubs, experienced competitors and first-time participants without requiring a large field or extensive equipment. That makes it well suited to fundraising events where the social experience matters as much as the sporting contest.

For Australian communities, a Rugby Fives fundraiser can offer something different from the usual fun run, golf day or sausage sizzle. A tournament, open court session or coaching challenge can raise donations while creating a pathway into a less familiar sport. With careful planning, the event can support a local cause, strengthen participation and introduce the work of the Rugby Fives Association to new audiences.

A compact sport with broad fundraising potential

Fundraising often works best when an activity is easy to explain and welcoming to people with different levels of ability. Rugby Fives meets both conditions. Participants can compete in singles, doubles or team formats, while modified rules allow beginners to enjoy the game without feeling out of their depth.

The court itself also keeps operating costs manageable. A charity event may need fewer volunteers, less sporting equipment and a smaller venue footprint than a full-field tournament. Entry fees, sponsorships, donations, raffles and refreshments can then be combined into a single fundraising program.

The strongest events give people several ways to contribute. A player might pay an entry fee, a local business may sponsor a court, and supporters can donate through a digital campaign. This mix creates a more resilient income stream than relying on one source alone.

Turning participation into charitable support

A Rugby Fives fundraiser can be structured around a clear purpose, such as youth sport, mental health, community inclusion or support for a local service. Participants are more likely to give when they understand exactly what their money will help provide. A short story about the beneficiary should appear on registration pages, posters and event announcements.

Peer-to-peer fundraising can extend the reach beyond the court. Players can create personal fundraising pages and invite mates, colleagues and family members to support their participation. This approach is particularly useful in Australia, where community campaigns often gain traction through Facebook groups, workplace networks and local sporting connections.

Digital payment options should be simple and familiar. QR codes connected to a secure donation page, tap-and-go facilities and online registration reduce cash-handling demands. Organisers should also explain whether donations are tax deductible. In Australia, a gift is generally deductible only when made to an organisation with appropriate Deductible Gift Recipient status, so local partners should check the rules before promoting tax benefits.

Building stronger clubs and community networks

A charity tournament can help a club become more visible within its suburb or town. Inviting schools, recreation centres, disability groups, local businesses and neighbouring sports clubs creates relationships that may continue after the fundraiser. Even a single event can lead to regular court hire, coaching partnerships or junior development sessions.

For clubs in Sydney or Melbourne, the event may appeal to professionals seeking a social activity after work, especially when scheduled as an early evening competition. In Brisbane, where warm weather supports active community programming for much of the year, a fundraiser can be paired with a casual arvo gathering and refreshments. Indoor courts also provide a practical alternative when heat, storms or sudden weather changes affect outdoor plans.

Local councils and community grant programs may offer support for equipment, venue access, volunteer expenses or inclusive participation. A concise proposal should explain the charitable purpose, expected attendance, safeguarding arrangements and longer-term community benefit. Councils are more likely to see value when the event contributes to health, connection and access rather than operating as a one-off commercial promotion.

Making the event welcoming for Australian audiences

A successful fundraising day should feel social rather than intimidating. Offer beginner sessions before the main competition, provide clear court etiquette guidance and use doubles formats that allow friends or family members to play together. A short skills challenge can give spectators a way to participate without committing to a full match.

Language and presentation matter. Australian audiences generally respond well to practical information, a relaxed tone and transparent pricing. Calling a session a community hit-up or social tournament can make it sound less formal, while the schedule should still state registration times, playing standards and fundraising targets clearly.

Accessibility needs to be considered from the beginning. Venues should provide step-free access where possible, accessible toilets, safe spectator areas and flexible rules for participants with different mobility or sensory needs. Volunteers should know who is responsible for safeguarding, first aid and incident reporting. Inclusive design improves the event for everyone and reflects the Rugby Fives Association’s wider commitment to participation.

Creating business sponsorships that feel local

Small and medium-sized businesses are often valuable partners for community fundraising. A café, physiotherapy clinic, law practice, school uniform supplier or independent retailer may prefer a visible local sponsorship to a distant advertising package. Sponsorship can include naming a competition round, supplying prizes, covering court hire or matching donations made during the day.

The offer should be specific and proportionate. A business might receive its logo on event materials, a courtside banner, mentions in social media posts and a short opportunity to address participants. In return, organisers should set out exactly what the sponsorship funds and provide a simple report after the event.

Australian businesses also tend to value community credibility. A partnership that supports junior sport, inclusive recreation or a recognised charity can strengthen local relationships without turning the event into a hard-sell exercise. When commercial partners are selected carefully, their presence adds resources while preserving the sporting character of the day.

Measuring the value beyond the total raised

The amount donated is important, but it is only one measure of success. Organisers should record participant numbers, first-time players, volunteer hours, repeat registrations, business partners and funds directed to the beneficiary. These figures show whether the fundraiser is helping build a sustainable local program.

A short post-event survey can identify what worked. Ask participants about registration, venue access, match formats, coaching and the clarity of the charitable message. Keep the survey brief so that people complete it while the event is still fresh.

Results should be shared openly with players, sponsors and supporters. A follow-up email might report the total raised, the number of participants and the practical outcome for the chosen cause. If the event helped fund equipment, transport or coaching, explain that connection plainly. Trust grows when supporters can see the route from their contribution to its impact.

Connecting local activity with a national sport

Community fundraising can introduce Australian players to the wider Rugby Fives network. Clubs and schools can share results, photographs and participation stories with the Rugby Fives Association, helping build a stronger record of the sport’s development outside its traditional base.

The association’s competitions, coaching resources, historical records and links between clubs can provide useful structure for emerging events. A local organiser does not need to create every rule, training resource or promotional asset from scratch. Connection with an established governing body can also reassure schools, venues and sponsors that the activity has a credible sporting foundation.

The following formats show how different events can balance fundraising, participation and long-term development:

Event format	Main income sources	Best suited to	Longer-term benefit
Social doubles afternoon	Entry fees, donations, refreshments	Families, beginners and mixed-age groups	New members and community visibility
Sponsored skills challenge	Individual pledges, business matching, online donations	Schools, workplaces and youth programs	Easy repeat event with measurable goals
Club championship fundraiser	Entry fees, sponsorship, raffles	Established players and local clubs	Stronger competition calendar
School taster tournament	School contributions, grants, parent donations	Students and teachers	Junior participation and coaching pathways
Inclusive community session	Donations, grants and partner support	Disability groups and mixed-ability participants	Broader access and stronger partnerships

Organisers can start modestly and build over time. A first event might use one venue, a small volunteer team and a single beneficiary. If the format works, later editions can add schools, corporate teams, junior divisions or regional partners. Consistency is often more valuable than scale because supporters learn to recognise the event and plan for it each year.

The Rugby Fives Association can help turn a local fundraising idea into a meaningful sporting occasion. Clubs, schools, community organisations and businesses across Australia can use the sport to raise funds, welcome new participants and support causes that matter in their own neighbourhoods. Register interest, connect with the association and begin planning a Rugby Fives event that brings people together for a practical charitable purpose.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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