Yeovil Rugby Club

Yeovil Rugby Club has always prided itself on being at the heart of our community, providing opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the game we love.

After careful discussion, and in recognition of the challenges many families and individuals face in an ever changing society, where the cost of living continues to rise, we have seen a noticeable decline in the number of young people and adults joining clubs and playing sport.

At Yeovil Rugby Club, we believe that a season of free membership of rugby will empower our community and elevate participation numbers. By removing financial barriers, we invite players to discover the sport and embrace the camaraderie it offers. When it comes time to renew membership after the free season, the exceptional value of rugby at Yeovil becomes evident. Our fees are significantly lower than many other sports, particularly local football clubs that can charge over £200 a year and additional weekly subscriptions. Joining Yeovil Rugby Club isn't just joining a sport; it's stepping into an incredible journey of growth, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences.

We firmly believe that sport, and rugby in particular, plays a vital role in personal development. The core values of rugby, teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, are central to building confidence, resilience, and community spirit.

With this in mind, Yeovil Rugby Club has taken the decision to offer free membership for the 2025/26 season to:

• All new players, and
• Those returning to the club after an absence of one season or more.

We hope this initiative will encourage new members to join, welcome back familiar faces, and strengthen our teams across all age groups. Our goal is to ensure we can continue to field competitive sides at every level and remain a sustainable, thriving club for many years to come.

We recognise that many of our members, particularly students and those serving in the Armed Forces, have commitments that make it difficult to participate throughout an entire season. This initiative is designed with them in mind, providing flexibility and inclusivity for everyone who wants to be part of Yeovil Rugby Club.

We acknowledge that there may be concerns from both new and long-standing members regarding this decision. However, in light of declining membership numbers, we believe offering free membership will foster growth and benefit the club in the long run. It is crucial for us to adopt a holistic perspective and consider initiatives that prioritize the club's overall well-being

We are confident that this proactive step will bring renewed energy and growth to the club. Alongside this, we are exploring additional measures to ensure Yeovil Rugby Club remains player-driven, with safe, well-maintained facilities and pitches that promote enjoyable and competitive rugby.

Together, we look forward to a successful and positive 2025/26 season, united by our shared passion for rugby and our commitment to the community in which we live.

Yeovil Rugby Club

October 2025