Nailsea & Backwell RFC have been given £3,000 as part of Persimmon Home Severn Valley’s Community Champions scheme.

The £3,000 cheque was handed over to club captain Luke Sharp, secretary Neil Summerell, and chair of playing Phil Love at the clubhouse on the western edge of Nailsea, which the club – established in 1971 – moved to from Backwell in 1996.

Neil Summerell, Secretary of Nailsea & Backwell RFC, added: “It’s great that Persimmon were able to support our club, especially given our ambition both on and off the playing field, which has been evident in both our progress in the league and making our clubhouse up to a high standard.

“We will be looking to spend this donation on our outdoor facilities as we aim to enhance them as we aim for promotion and provide a better ground for both home and away supporters.

“The club is popular in Nailsea, Backwell, and the surrounding area, so it is crucial for us to offer excellent entertainment and a top-notch venue for watching the games.

“We, therefore, appreciate Persimmon's financial support, which helps us meet these objectives."

The club has around 900 members, with a 50/50 gender split amongst its players, spread across junior, senior, and veteran squads, as well as touch and walking rugby teams.

The first team currently play in the Tribute 1 league and, like the second team, are hopeful of promotion this season.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley has a reserved matters planning application to bring 90 high-quality homes to Backwell on Farleigh Fields, 30% of which will transferred to local housing association partner should it gain approval.

The development will be fully electric, using air source heat pumps to heat the new homes and infrastructure for EV charging at each home. The edges of the development will also have an enhanced “ecological buffer” around the site and investment to improve the nature of a neighbouring field.

The five-star developer grants over £700,000 each year to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain. Recent local recipients include Bristol Children’s Charity, Yatton RFC, and South West Children’s Hospice.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes Severn Valley Sales Director Carly Spear said: “Nailsea & Backwell RFC is an incredibly popular rugby club in the area and we’re keen to support local organisations as we work to ensure we leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we build.

"Persimmon is committed to addressing the urgent need for high-quality homes in North Somerset, where over 2,600 people are on the housing list.

“By providing quality and affordable housing options, we are helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership and making a significant contribution to the local community.

“Nailsea & Backwell RFC are in an exciting period in their history right now and we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season, particularly those teams chasing promotion.”