Dunfermline Rugby Club have cleared debt and are on track to record a profit this season as they strive to grow across a wide range of areas in a sustainable way.
The McKane Park club, whose senior men's first XV compete in Division Four of the national leagues, have also created new facilities for its members and invested in growing numbers to ensure the sport is accessible for West Fifers.
Greg Robertson, the club's president since last season, joined their leadership team as vice president during the 2022/23 campaign, and conducted a club-wide survey to establish the direction in which those affiliated wished to see them take.
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Guided by feedback, a development plan with short, medium and long-term targets was established, with finances, improvements around the ground, and a closer alignment between youth and senior rugby amongst the areas focused on.
Robertson explained that, for the first time in their history, each section of the club operates under a "single financial strategy", giving them "greater transparency, control and long-term vision".
All debt has been cleared, and Dunfermline are in position to achieve a profit this season, whilst a generous donation from Velux Windows has allowed them to convert a clubhouse room into a purpose-built gym.
Additionally floodlighting has also been installed, which means McKane now has two fully lit pitches for training, and the club have received funding from Scottish Rugby to upgrade their part-time development officer into a full-time role.
That, they say, will help increase player numbers across all age groups, and they have also launched an academy model, integrating their under-18s into senior training, to aid development and transition.
Robertson, who also said that an annual club fun day, including their community awards, has been delivered in each of the last two years, paid tribute to the work of Tammy Ross, head of the minis section, who is Dunfermline's current vice president.
"She has been crucial to bridging this gap (between senior and youth rugby) and has done an outstanding job as vice president so far," he said.
"She will be the future of the club and continue to drive positive change.
"While numbers across rugby are not as high as we would like, we remain committed to our development plan, building sustainability, and growing the club at every level.
"We are always looking for new players of all ages — anyone interested can simply come along to McKane Park to see what we're about.
"Our goal remains the same: to ensure Dunfermline Rugby Football Club continues to thrive both on and off the pitch, and to make sure rugby is accessible and enjoyable for everyone in our community."
To find out more about what the club offer, find Dunfermline Rugby Football Club on Facebook.
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