The Te Papapa Onehunga Rugby & Sports Club is seeing super-strong membership growth – thanks to a key investment from the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.
The proud sports club, formed in 1947, was the beneficiary of a $52,000 strategic partnerships grant in 2024, (spread over three years) to support a range of community outcomes.
As a result, the club has seen its squash memberships double, growth in rugby participation, as well as welcoming netball back to the club, as well as the introduction of an Ultimate Frisbee team.
Club Manager Ben Eder says the funding has been a game-changer.
"The support from the local board, along with the incredible work of our Director of Sport John Hall, has allowed us to put more focus on programmes and events for the community. We simply would not have seen this growth if it wasn't for local board support.
"We want to extend a huge thank you to our incredible community that have supported the club over the years. As a club, we are really excited about a bright future ahead," says Ben.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Debbie Burrows acknowledges the hard work the club has done to lift memberships.
“Being active and playing sport has always been a key ingredient to a balanced and healthy life, but now more than ever, it’s important our local clubs can provide the opportunity for families to be involved with sports clubs, the benefits are countless, and it’s great to see the work Te Papapa has done to increase participation and help play a role in getting kids being active.”
As well as increased club memberships, Te Papapa has also been able to provide additional community events and programmes, and support school sports programmes such as in-school squash coaching and the return of primary inter-school athletics back to Fergusson Domain.
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