Investment in Driffield Sports Clubs

Four groups from Driffield have been awarded a combined total of over £375,000 from East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of commuted sums to improve their offer to the community.

Driffield RUFC has been awarded £150,000 from commuted sums to extend their clubhouse. The current clubhouse no longer fits the needs of the club, and the planned two-storey extension will benefit them greatly. The extension will add six new changing rooms for players and referees, additional equipment storage, multi-purpose activity space for indoor training, meetings, and catering, and improved access to playing areas. Driffield RUFC aim to raise a further £579,000 with fundraising activities to put towards the £747,000 total project cost. 

James Kitching, development manager at Driffield RUFC, said

“Driffield RUFC are very grateful for the award from commuted sums. We are now able to start fixing costs and putting the finishes touches to the plans. This project has been in the planning for over 5 years, and the assistance of the development committee at Driffield RUFC has been greatly appreciated.”

Driffield Lawn Tennis Club has been awarded £127,581 from commuted sums to construct a new tennis court and install floodlights on the new court and one of the existing courts. The installation of the upgrades will enhance the club’s inclusive tennis programme. The club aim to contribute 10 per cent of the total project cost.

Ian Reed, Chair of Driffield Lawn Tennis Club, said:

“The club has been active in the community for 146 years and this award from East Riding of Yorkshire Council will enable us to further grow the tennis facilities at Driffield Lawn Tennis Club. We hope more people will join us at the club.”

Driffield Town Cricket and Recreation Club has been awarded £69,356.90 from commuted sums to support the club with their improvement project. The Football Foundation have also contributed £23,084.10 towards the £92,441 total project cost. The award will support with the replacement of a 20-year-old tractor, enable the club to purchase a turf improvement multi-tool, allow the installation of a new irrigation system and borehole for the bowling greens, and help to replace fencing around the bowling greens and tennis courts. 

Ian Stabler, project lead for Driffield Town Cricket & Recreation Club, said

“Driffield Town Cricket and Recreation Club are grateful to receive this award from commuted which will provide the funding to help deliver several projects at ‘the rec’. All the projects at the grounds will help secure the future of sport played in the town.”

Driffield and District Skate and BMX Park has been awarded £29,180.73 to enhance its facilities. The funding will be used to create a new patio area to reduce trip hazards and provide space for younger members to practise, purchase a small shelter, and replace one of the existing ramps.

The group will contribute £500 towards the £29,680.73 total project cost while Driffield Town Council support the group with the cost of running the park.

Spencer Fletcher, Chair at Driffield and District Skate and BMX Park, said:

“We can now move the skatepark onto its next era thanks to the help of commuted sums. Over the past 4 years we've seen a big increase in new skateboarders and this space will now appeal to them and younger beginners who will be able to gain much needed confidence, away from the busier parts of the park.”

Councillor Gary McMaster, the council’s cabinet member for planning, housing and infrastructure said:

“All four of these awards will make a real difference to the organisations in Driffield and offer genuine benefits to the local community. I’m excited to see the positive impact these investments will have on sports facilities and community spaces in the town.”