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Uckfield Rugby Club Secures Major Funding from Wealden District Council for Clubhouse Extension and Community Hub

Uckfield Rugby Football Club (URFC) is proud to announce that it has been successful in its funding application to Wealden District Council, securing a transformative investment that will enable the delivery of its long-planned clubhouse extension and multi-sport community facility.

Club Chairman Gordon Buckland commented:

“This funding award marks a landmark moment in the history of our club. On behalf of all our members, volunteers and partners, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to Wealden District Council for backing this vision. With their support, we can now move forward with the construction of a fully inclusive, accessible and modern facility that will benefit not only rugby, but a wide range of local sports, charities, and community groups across Uckfield and the wider district.”

The project will double changing capacity, add medical and wellbeing space, and introduce flexible social, training, and event rooms—creating a new year-round wellbeing and activity hub. When complete, the upgraded clubhouse will host not just rugby (men’s, women’s, youth, SEN and walking rugby), but also netball, stoolball, darts, fitness classes, local charity events, respite care days, business meetings, and more.

The proposal aligns strongly with Wealden’s priorities for tackling rural isolation, increasing physical activity, supporting volunteerism, and improving local infrastructure. Community benefits will include a new lift for accessibility, EV charging bays, sustainable heating, improved lighting and flood-resilient pitch upgrades—all helping to future-proof the site for generations to come.

“This is not just a win for the club,” Buckland added. “It’s a win for the North Ward and the whole town of Uckfield. It cements our role as a true community asset.”

Uckfield RFC also wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Uckfield Town Council for its continued encouragement and support throughout the development of this project. In particular, the club is grateful to the Mayor of Uckfield – Cllr Karen Bedwell, Cllr Manvell, and Cllr Williams, whose engagement, guidance, and advocacy have helped strengthen the bid and reinforce the project’s importance to the North Ward and the wider community. Their support has been invaluable in bringing the vision of a modern, inclusive community sports hub closer to reality.  

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for November 2026. The club extends its thanks to all those who supported the bid, including members, partner organisations, local businesses, and public sector champions.

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