Community spirit to hold the key for Camborne
A National League hiatus of more than a quarter-of-a-century has come to an end for Camborne, and a million pound-plus investment is aiming to bring new heady days to a club which was once a staple fixture for touring All Blacks.
The Cornish club's classy campaign in South West 1, with only four defeats, is being matched by hard work off the pitch to secure their place in rugby's top tiers for the considerable future.
More than £1million is being spent on impressive new changing and physio facilities within the Recreation Ground grandstand, which was recently reroofed, while solar panels are being installed as part of new floodlights at the club's Crane Park training pitches.
Richard Simeons, club secretary and board member, said: “It's fantastic what is going on for the club, and its hugely important for the Camborne -Redruth conurbation. We're hoping to help put Cornwall's rugby back on a wider stage.
“We've put in a lot of work, applying for government grants, securing key sponsors, and funding over the last five-plus years. Now it's coming together and we'll be providing the best facilities in the county.
“We've got a huge offfield presence, and it's a fantastic situation the club is now in, with improving infrastructure, while Steve Larkin is doing great things with our first and second teams. We're not looking just to end our 27 years out of the national leagues but to secure ourselves at that level long-term.
“The club's adopted the slogan ‘In the Community for the Community', as all of our facilities will be open to local groups. And with St Austall also getting promoted, these could be great days for rugby in Camborne and Cornwall.”
With the area classed as one of the most deprived in southern England, Camborne has secured large grants as part of the government's ‘Town Deal', a Sport England ‘Inspired Facilities' grant while also match-funding the RFU's ‘Lead Up & Legacy' award grant.
Camborne's also secured a long-term deal with international business CLX to support the improvements. Director of rugby Larkin is focused on reversing the decline from when the national leagues came in, and to “re-awaken a sleeping giant”.
He said: “Being back involved this season, after being away for 10 years, has been really impressive. From minute one there's been a great support network from players, the committee, our main sponsors and everyone's been pretty receptive to what we wanted to achieve.
“Pre-season we didn't think promotion to National 2 would be on, but we signed a couple of new players, alongside players who'd learned a lot struggling the season before. Everyone has stepped up, our previous hardships have put us in good stead and it feels like we're steam-rolling on.”
