Royal Wootton Bassett RFC

We are extremely excited to announce details of a major upgrade to the training facilities at Ballards Ash.

After years of planning, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC has been granted permission for the development of a new state-of-the-art gymnasium facility.

The club wants to create a new indoor ’strength & conditioning barn’, which would be the half the width of a rugby field, incorporating a fully-equipped gymnasium, a 30 metre indoor sprint track, specialist medical studios and new offices for staff.

The facilities at Ballards Ash are already much admired by the Rugby Football fraternity, providing space for four senior teams as well as coaching, training and matches for Colts and all Mini & Junior age groups. But it is vital that we have a top-class facility for the squad to train at, not just to drive performance, but also to develop the calibre of future players we want to play at the club. The club enjoys incredible support from the local community and it is planned that the fitness facilities would also be made available to Club Members and local community groups alike.

The development will also convert the club’s former Tractor Shed into a new Club Office and a purpose built Club Merchandise Shop, sited for ease of access and releasing much needed space within the main clubhouse. The facility will be built on space behind the club’s changing rooms currently filled by temporary storage containers, replacing the unsightly containers with a purpose built kit room and equipment store. The block will also include two new Physio Studios/Medical Rooms with adjoining showers.

The plans are being championed by experienced 1st XV Centre, Tim Gallimore. "The new gymnasium will create a one-of-a-kind training facility in the area for our entire membership and other user groups within the local community.  As a club we pride ourselves on developing our players to the very best of their abilities and the new facility will create an environment were we can provide the best strength & conditioning support to go with the superb on-field support we already enjoy."

The next steps are to finalise the finances and organise additional fundraising before appointing the build contractors to start the more visible work towards the end of the forthcoming season. It is hoped that the new building should be completed ready for the 2018/19 season.