Coleraine RFC support the local community during COVID-19 pandemic

Several clubs and their members across Ulster are offering to help those in need in their local communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Coleraine Rugby Football, Cricket and Hockey Club - in conjunction with the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council - has been providing community support to the local area in a number of ways. The club has offered the free use of its car park for staff and patients at the neighbouring Causeway hospital as demand for parking increases, as well as being involved in a community response initiative. The club is also ensuring its team spirit is maintained through engagement with its members. Coleraine RFC’s President, Milne Rowntree said: “Our club comprises hockey, cricket, table tennis and rugby so we have a lot of members across different sports. When COVID-19 hit, one of our members saw that a club in England had provided the use of their car park for the local hospital. Coleraine RFC is just a few hundred yards from the Causeway Hospital, so we contacted them to offer the free use of our car park for staff and patients. The hospital and the Trust shared our offer across their social media and it’s now used by a number of people. “We have members working on the front line and we wanted to do something for staff and patients; it’s just a little gesture to ease the situation for those working in the health service and other key workers. “Coleraine Rugby Football Cricket and Hockey Club have also co-ordinated a community response initiative in conjunction with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. It was an Ulster Branch scheme sent to club officers by Ulster Rugby’s Club and Community Development Officer, David McKay, so I made enquiries and we registered with the council as a community response group. “We have a small number of volunteers ready and waiting to carry out any job such as collecting shopping and dropping it off and running errands, and our volunteers work according to the physical distancing protocols to minimise risk of infection. We’re hopefully going to be part of the pharmacy scheme to pick up and deliver prescriptions for those who are in self-isolation as well. The people have been very appreciative of the help they’ve got across the borough. “Coleraine’s coaching staff have organised fitness challenges and made videos for members to get involved in so they can stay active while they’re at home. It’s been fantastic for keeping the club spirit going. The club also has a lot of dedicated volunteers working individually – and safely -  to maintain the pitches and upkeep of the club while it’s closed. “I would encourage other clubs who aren’t already involved in something similar to get in touch with their local council as they all have community response hubs and are often looking for volunteers.” [video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://www.ulsterrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coleraine-21-day-challenge.mp4"][/video]