Two competitive rugby clubs, one from Chipping Sodbury and the other from Almondsbury are enjoying their respective campaigns with new facilities.

Both clubs were recognised by South Gloucestershire Council and rewarded with large amounts of funding in late 2017.

Chipping Sodbury RFC were given just over £169,000 to upgrade their existing floodlights whilst also making improvements to the playing surface.

Almondsbury-based North Bristol RFC received funding of just under £62,000 in February of 2018 to support development of their changing rooms for dual use by their male and female teams.

Section 106 grants from the council come from contributions by developers that are building housing estates in the area.

The money is given to invest in improving facilities in the area to benefit the community.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism Cllr Paul Hughes said: “This funding has allowed these two rugby clubs to improve their facilities in different ways and increase the sporting opportunities available to South Gloucestershire residents of all ages and abilities.

“It will hopefully get more people active and lead to further sporting success on the field for these teams.”

A spokesperson from Chipping Sodbury RFC revealed that the club can now start planning ahead and moving ahead this campaign.

“This Section 106 funding, and having the newly-installed floodlighting, has given us the chance to now reach our maximum potential," Graham Stait said.

“It has given us the ability to let go of training and fixture obstacles, which had held the whole club back over the past years.

“It provides more opportunities and will benefit those at the club now, and in the future.”

Chipping Sodbury RFC are a team that compete in the Tribute Western Counties North, currently sitting in 6th position.

North Bristol RFC Honorary Secretary Rob Evans said: “North Bristol RFC were delighted to receive this Section 106 funding.

"It has allowed the club to redesign and improve." its changing facilities to cater for the growing demand for rugby, especially from its ladies and girls sections.

“The facility was opened in September, along with the Club's AGP (artificial grass pitch) which was funded by the RFU. Both these facilities will help raise participation and the club offers a warm welcome to new players across all ages and genders.”