Following our announcement on subs, some members have asked for more context behind the membership subscription increase. We are glad we have been asked. As a club owned by its members, where every contribution helps create something bigger than any one team, it’s important members have the information they need to understand the decisions we make and the resulting benefits for both our players and the club.

Nobody likes paying more, and we haven't taken this decision lightly. For context, membership subs provide less than half of the income needed to run the club. Every pint bought after the match, every sponsor introduced, every event supported, and every volunteer who gives their time helps reduce our reliance on subscriptions and keeps rugby affordable for everyone.

While headline inflation may be around 3%, the operational costs that hit a rugby club most - pitch maintenance, catering, utilities, repairs, and borrowing costs - have risen significantly faster. Like every household, we're feeling the effects of higher prices.

Specifically, this increase directly aligns with our strategy and will help us to:

Protect our long-term financial stability: The club has run at a loss over the past few years. We cannot continue to absorb rising costs without risking our long-term sustainability, and we need to safeguard our financial future today.

Invest in our facilities & assets: Major repairs and replacements are now inevitable as our clubhouse reaches twelve years old. The boiler is fixed, the air conditioning needs doing and we want to maintain our facilities and equipment without taking on further borrowing.

Elevate our rugby experience: Following welcomed promotions and improved playing and coaching standards throughout the club, our ambitions continue to grow. We have expanded our coaching team alongside subscribing to enhanced player support services.

The increase isn't simply about paying today's bills - it's about balancing today's needs with tomorrow's ambitions. Your subscription doesn't just buy your rugby; it helps make everyone else's possible, too. It is an investment in all our shared assets, from our coaches and pitches to the facilities that make Farnham Rugby Club what it is.

A note on Blue Light Discounts: We found the previous scheme was being abused, so we have decided to replace it with a more personal and confidential approach. We never want anyone to stop playing rugby due to financial hardship. If anyone - family or individual - is struggling to afford their subs, please reach out to Vinny in complete confidence. The club will always support those in genuine need.

Thank you for your continued support - whether that's by pulling on a shirt, cheering from the sidelines, buying a drink after the match, volunteering at an event, or simply encouraging others to join Farnham Rugby Club.

Every contribution makes a difference. Every member helps build our future.