NOSRFC are pleased to announce that work to refurbish our 1st XV pitch will commence on 20th April 2026. Approx 25 years since the last major works were undertaken on the pitch, we’re sure everyone will agree it is long overdue some TLC. The work will be undertaken by SMH Civils, and overseen by Matt Hancock a valued club member. The board would like to thank Matt, Colonial Construction and Will East for all of their advice and guidance in being able to line up this significant work, which represents the biggest capital investment in our infrastructure for some time. Our club chairman has clarified the need / desire for this investment;

“Several years ago, the club board set itself several significant goals to future proof the club for the next generation and we are delighted to report this major step forward to delivering this aim with this pitch refurbishment”

It is anticipated the main works will take between 4-6 weeks to complete after which we will be in hands of the weather gods (hopefully not as dry as last year). Needless to say the pitch will be out of bounds (and fenced off) to everyone from the start date potentially, up to the first home game of next season to give it the best chance of truly establishing itself. The board would appreciate members support with this, and welcome members challenging anyone seen breaching the fencing.
Funding for the works will be a combination of club funds, fundraising, grants and sponsorship. The Board would like to thank Sport England for their generous grant and remain hopeful that a number of other bids may yet be successful. That said the expense is significant and members are encouraged to continue fund raising. If not for the pitch works directly, then for the maintenance required to protect the investment and keep the pitch in a great condition. Please coordinate any ideas with Andy Johnson.
Clearly the club cannot afford to spend funds on everything we / members would wish to improve, and the board are conscious of the need for TLC across the site (all pitches and training areas). In the short term this may require more volunteer effort to make good as opposed to significant capital investment, but please be assured the board are looking at longer term plans to improve our whole estate and ensure it is able to cope not only with the significant usage, but our changing weather patterns which can affect it so much. Anyone with experience or just a desire to get involved please do make yourself known, there are always lots of small jobs where many hands make light work and growing our maintenance team can only strengthen the club as a whole.
If there are any specific questions regarding the pitch refurb then please direct them to Andy Johnson, either face to face when he is down the club or via email andrew.johnson46@btopenworld.com.

NOSRFC Board.