A COMMUNITY rugby league club which was hit by flooding has thanked the community for rallying to their aid.
Portico Vine ARLFC, based on Scholes Lane, had enjoyed an "amazing" year in 2022, which saw it open the doors to its new clubhouse.
However, just before Christmas, in one of the club's older buildings, there was significant flooding to the changing rooms, officials room and storerooms.
'Heroic' community response
A "heroic response" by club volunteers and members of the public saw some items salvaged and an online fundraiser was held to support the club.
Chairman Mark Hobin said: "An emergency response was supported in person and online and thankfully we salvaged some of our equipment and goods.
"The recovery phase is well underway and we have been supported by volunteers, local businesses and via some amazing online donations, to help fund the repairs needed before the new season gets underway.
"Thank you to everybody who has helped us, with a particular thanks to Violet-Grace’s Gift for their substantial donation."
Portico Vine ARLFC
Portico is now looking forward to the upcoming season, for an "exciting" 2023.
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"A busy two weeks has seen us begin the registration process for the upcoming season, coaches have undertaken their re-qualification requirements and new volunteers have stepped forward to plug some gaps from last year," added Mark.
"We are welcoming new players and new families who join our seasoned superstars."
Portico Vine ARLFC
Plans for 2023
The club has unique events planned for the year including a Neon Bonkers Bingo Night, talent show, medium/psychic night and comedy night.
Mark says the club is "committed to putting these events on at minimal cost so more people can enjoy them", understand the "demands of everyday life at the moment".
Portico Vine ARLFC
He added: "We are running some significant off field projects this year, subject to external funding, including; a floodlights project, investment in solar panels to become more energy efficient, new pitch care products, a memorial garden, more CCTV and a Volunteer It Yourself project in which we will be increasing the amount of changing rooms to accommodate girls/women’s rugby league from Scholes Lane.
"We have secured numerous partnerships within our local community, in line with our Community Hub Strategy and vision. We will be hosting community coffee mornings, each with a different theme so to bring people together in a safe and caring environment.
"Our close relationship with St Helens Police and Merseyside Police has developed so they will now use our clubhouse to offer six weekly ‘drop in surgeries’ so community members can speak face to face with their local officers. This will develop into bespoke events such as bike marking, crime prevention seminars and family fun days."
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy at Portico Vine ARLFC
The club is alos working with DOCIA Sport, Willowbrook Hospice, Violet Graces Gift, People Empowered CIC, Teardrops, The Women’s Refuge at Merton Bank, The Doyle Phillips Foundation, Saints Community Development Foundation, St Helens Borough Council and British Police Rugby League Team team, with many "exciting plans for this year and beyond".
Portico Vine ARLFC
Mark highlighted The Rugby League Fan Club for their "unwavering support" to the club.
The club has accepted an offer from Sport England ClubMatters to feature as a national case study, detailing Portico's "growth, our commitment to working alongside the community" and how the club will be "highlighted across the country as ‘best practice’ - not just within community rugby league - but all community sports".
Portico Vine ARLFC
Mark added: "Furthermore we have been invited to speak at an Inclusive, Culture and Values seminar with the workforce of professional sporting bodies such as the Rugby Football League, England football team,England and Wales Cricket Board and England Netball amongst others. Little old Portico Vine.
"Hand on heart, this is just a tiny snapshot of what is happening behind the scenes.
"We continue to review our policies and practices, learn off each other, support each other, yet remain committed to ensuring every child has the right to shine and that we will keep chasing the next dream as One Team.
"We are really keen to get our children more heavily involved in running the club this year. "
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