Volunteers Making a Difference at Workington Town Rugby Club

Workington Town goes from strength to strength, buoyed by a recently renewed sponsorship deal from Fibrus. Yet nothing would be possible without its committed army of volunteers.

A few years ago, the club nearly went out of existence. Last year it embarked on a new era when its Derwent Park stadium was renamed the Fibrus Community Stadium as part of significant injection of investment in Town by Full Fibre broadband provider Fibrus. The company is committed to supporting Cumbrian grassroots sports and has recently renewed its sponsorship, giving a further boost to the many dedicated locals driving the club forward.

Behind Town stands an unseen team, including Stephen ‘Patch’ Daniel. Between them they have given decades to the club, helping to turn it around and set it up for a brighter future. And, aside from the volunteers, the board has made strategic decisions to boost the club’s paid workforce to help strengthen the club.

“The club’s had its bad times,” says Patch. “But we’re helping to take it forward now.” A retired bricklayer, Patch began volunteering in 2012. He helped to prepare for the two 2013 Rugby League World Cup matches that were played at Town. He recalls: “I looked at the grandstand and thought ‘that looks shabby.’” So, he bought some paint and painted its back wall.

He is often here seven days a week. His remit has expanded as the club has grown. Patch is kit manager for Town’s men’s team and its recently formed women’s rugby and football teams.

Patch’ once chose to spend the night sleeping in a chair in Workington Town Rugby Club’s kit room after a late night and early start at the stadium.

“We had an event on, and it was finishing late,” he recalls. “The following morning, I had to be back down for eight o’clock. It was a waste of time going home. It was easier for me to sleep here.”

There are many such examples of kit manager Patch and his fellow volunteers going the extra mile for Workington Town Rugby League Club.

This rugby club also now has 300 children affiliated to its football team. Helping young people is a big motivation for the volunteers. Patch says: “I get a lot out of seeing people happy. When you go in the marquee in the Fan Zone and you see the kids’ parties and they’re all enjoying themselves, it’s great. And helping the teams – it’s very much appreciated by them.”

Volunteering helps the club, and it gives a lot back to the volunteers. Patch says: “Four or five years ago I was going through a bad time. It was the rugby side of it and being down here that sorted me out really. I came down every day. There was always something to do. I could switch off from my feelings at the time. It did me a lot of good. It was very therapeutic. I sorted myself out. But it did help a lot.”

The volunteers have helped to ensure that the Fibrus Community Stadium is no longer somewhere people come just once a fortnight during the rugby season. Volunteers created the Fan Zone in the car park. This hosts gigs and parties, as well as being busy on match days.

The club’s volunteers include Richard West, who spends much of his time preparing the pitch. Wayne Scholey is responsible for areas including ticketing and stock control. His wife Julie volunteers to manage the club’s food and soft drink outlets. Lindsey Borthwick runs the club lottery, and also volunteers as office manager.

There’s electrician Malcolm Hill. George and Christine Taylor’s roles include picking up litter from the stadium the morning after a match. Adrian Sharp bought a burger van, and cooks the matchday burgers and chips himself. He also had the idea for the Fan Zone marquee. Patch and Richard paid for it, as a gift to the club.

Patch was there, too, on the day to lend a hand when the ground was renamed the Fibrus Community Stadium, marking an important new chapter for the club. “I couldn’t believe it was happening. I remember I was shaking with excitement because we have been through some hard times and to see the club going forward was a brilliant feeling.”

Colin Hutchinson, CFO of Fibrus, said:

“We’re on a mission to connect communities in Cumbria, and our partnership with Workington Town is central to this. Clubs that are so well grounded in the local community fly the flag for community spirit amongst players, fans, and volunteers alike.”

“Volunteers like Patch are integral to the smooth running of Workington Town. Their tireless dedication is what makes all the difference in keeping that community spirit alive. I would like to extend a big thank you on behalf of Fibrus to everyone who is working hard behind the scenes to support the Fibrus Community Stadium.”