Carrick Rugby Football Club (SCIO) has been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s Scottish Social Enterprise Awards.
The prestigious awards recognise outstanding social enterprises and third sector projects across the country.

Carrick Rugby has been nominated in the 2023 “One to Watch” category, as they continue moving towards becoming
a sustainable social enterprise, allowing them to provide even more opportunities for communities across South
Ayrshire to play rugby.

The club delivers rugby across North and South Carrick to the whole community, in schools, at holiday rugby camps,
through Diversionary activities and participation in leagues, festivals and cup competitions. The club has been able to
expand their activities, both on and off the pitch, over the past year thanks to their army of volunteers and coaches, led
by the Club Business Development Officer, Aiden Strachan. Drawn from the local communities of Girvan and
Maybole, the combined individual talents have allowed the club to move forward in its endeavour to become a
sustainable social enterprise.

Aiden commented: “We were encouraged to enter the Scottish Social Enterprise Awards by the Community Wealth
Building team at South Ayrshire Council and were both surprised and delighted to be shortlisted. We’ve been
supported over the past year to develop both our rugby and business skills, and it’s a big part of my remit to make sure
we can keep building on this. We could not have done this without our many sponsors, including Lynch Homes, JMP,
Carrick Futures, Scottish Rugby and the Council who have supported us all the way”.
“We’re really proud of delivering free rugby camps in the holidays, with good food and free transport provided. Our
Friday night Diversionary rugby is also an ongoing success because we can provide free transport from our local
villages and towns. Our contribution to the professional development of our young volunteers is highlighted by their
successes on and off the pitch. A great example of this is our young volunteer coach, Daryl Conway, who has been
selected as a Scottish Rugby Young Ambassador”.

Carrick Rugby will continue to develop its business strategy following funding from SAC Community Wealth
Building. This will allow the development of a business plan which will secure the crucial post of Club Development
Officer for the future and with that, the future of community grass roots rugby in North and South Carrick.

The Scottish Social Enterprise Award winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 26 October 2023, at the
Scottish Parliament, with category winners progressing to the Social Enterprise UK Award finals in London on 30 th
November.

For more information on Carrick Rugby, see their Facebook page or contact the club directly at
carrickrugby@gmail.com

ENDS

Photo captions:
The club in action with our new strips thanks to all our sponsors and supporters

For more information, press only:
Aiden Strachan
Email: rbdocarrickrugby@gmail.com

For more information on club:
Carrick Rugby Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/CarrickRugby/

Carrick Micro/minis RFC
https://www.facebook.com/groups/204488873243240/posts/1048247725534013/