Basildon Rugby Football Club has unveiled its newly upgraded changing room facilities, creating a safer, more inclusive environment for its growing rugby community.
Part-funded through the Active Essex Places and Spaces Fund and the RFU Impact ’25 Facility Fund, the project has replaced outdated facilities that relied on communal showers and offered limited privacy. The new self-contained changing rooms, complete with dedicated showers and toilets, provide a modern space where players can feel comfortable and secure.
The improvements are particularly important for the club’s growing number of female players. Basildon RFC now supports 16 youth teams from ages 3 to U18, 10 of which are open to girls, alongside senior men’s and women’s teams. Previously, facilities often restricted different groups from training and playing at the same time. The upgrade now allows all ages and sexes to use the space simultaneously.
Club membership has continued to grow over the last decade, increasing from 350 members in 2016 to 422 members in 2026, and the club hopes the new facilities will help encourage even more women and girls to get involved in rugby.
Alongside the facility improvements, Basildon RFC continues to work closely with local schools and the wider community through tournaments and coaching sessions, helping introduce more young people to the sport.
Looking ahead, the club’s ambitions include growing female membership, increasing the number of female coaches and providing stronger pathways for girls progressing into senior rugby.
Nina Head, Active Essex Relationship Development Officer, said:
“At Active Essex, we know that creating lasting change in our communities happens when organisations come together with a shared vision. By working in partnership with other funders such as RFU’s Impact ’25 fund’ and other local stakeholders, we can maximise our collective investment and deliver facilities that have a real impact for residents. The improvements to Basildon Rugby Club’s changing rooms will help create a more welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for players of all ages and backgrounds. Importantly, this investment supports the continued growth of women’s and girls’ rugby by ensuring participants have access to appropriate facilities that meet their needs and encourage greater involvement in the sport. The project also strengthens the club’s ability to provide a safe and positive sporting environment, supporting good safeguarding practice and helping more people to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that rugby brings.”
The project is a great example of how investment in community spaces can help remove barriers, increase participation and support the future growth of women’s and girls’ sport.
The transformation at Basildon RFC shows the difference that investing in local spaces can make, helping more people feel welcome, supported and able to take part in physical activity close to home.
If your organisation has an idea for improving a local place or space that could help more residents get active, the next round of the Find Your Active Places and Spaces Fund opens on Monday 12th October. The fund supports community organisations to create, enhance or revitalise spaces that encourage people to move more and connect with others in their local area.
Find out more about the fund and how to apply at: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active/the-places-and-spaces-fund/
