BURY Broncos head into the new season hoping to build – quite literally – on the momentum they generated in 2015.
They plan to revitalise their clubhouse before the start of the forthcoming campaign with more than £8,000 raised in a successful crowdfunding initiative.
A large chunk of that cash came from Ideal Debt Solutions, who agreed to donate a substantial amount of money for the naming rights of the Broncos' home on land at Philips High School.
They have been based up to this point in a former cricket pavilion at the school, but this will be revamped to include a kitchen and other facilities and is now known as the Ideal Debt Solutions Paddock.
The club were also awarded £3,000 by the Pitch to Win organisation, which helps to support grassroots sporting sides renovate their playing surface.
Work cannot start on that project until the summer, meaning the Broncos will have to find an alternative venue to play for its nine teams for up to a month in the height of the growing season.
But chairman Ryan Lewis views the challenges that will face as just part of the club's exciting adventure.
"We are looking forward to another great summer," he said.
"Our plan is to create a sporting hub that the whole community can enjoy, and we are just waiting now for the plans for the building work to be finalised.
"All being well, the work will be finished on the paddock before the season kicks off and it will be great to get the new facility up and running.
"Work on the pitch is a little bit more tricky as the plan is to re-seed it and sort out the drainage.
"That cannot be done during the winter, and with the season running from March to October it will mean us having to find somewhere else to play for a month, which is not easy when you have nine teams, but that is something we will sort out."
Broncos first team will be looking to go one better after losing to Orrell St James in the play-offs for the past three seasons. They finished fourth in Division Two of the North West Men's League last season and will be going all out for promotion this campaign.
The second team will look to build on their sixth-place finish in Division Four while the thirds start the season as the reigning champions of the NWML Merit Division.
Pre-season training has already begun on Saturdays at Philips High School, with the club continuing to field three adult sides, an under-18s team and junior sides for most age groups up to Year 8.
Last year also saw the club's players pick up a number of individual honours. Blake Roberts was selected to represent England Lionhearts against the Serbian national team, while Dave Kelly was named National Community Coach of the Year, and club secretary Jean Palin was crowned Clubwoman of the Year.
Lewis added: "Once all of the improvements are made we will have a fantastic playing surface for all of our teams to use, as well as the space for players and parents to gather round and watch training and games.
"This will help us develop our base into one to be even more proud of, and further increase the warm welcome we’re able to provide to all.
"Anyone interested in playing rugby league, whatever their age or experience level, are more than welcome to come down and give it a go – it’s a great way to get fit and meet new people!"
To find out more, email contact@burybroncos.co.uk.
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