Ayr RFC have published their annual report for season 2023/24.
The report charts their on-field and off-field successes over the last 12 months and the club’s ongoing community work.
Chairman Brian Williamson also updated members over the Millbrae redevelopment, which has seen the completion of phase one relating to a new access route to the stadium- with work now underway on phase two, the multi-sports pitch.
It’s hoped the phase three development will start in the Spring of 2025. This will involve the replacement of the existing clubhouse with a new state-of-the-art facility; including a lounge bar, beer garden, restaurant and multi-purpose function room, studio space, as well as modern team changing facilities and community gym.
Mr Williamson said: “This phase of the redevelopment will be carried out in stages to allow for additional fundraising and to keep the clubhouse operational.
“From January 2025, Millbrae will be a hive of sporting activity, not just during match days, but every day.
“The new access from Murdoch’s Lone will provide easy access. For the first time, we will be able to accommodate the majority of our training sessions at Millbrae, saving us money and generating money by offering commercial hires.”
Mr Williamson paid tribute to Alan Macdonald, a central figure in the redevelopment.
Mr Macdonald made a £3m investment in the club, known as ‘The Macdonald Legacy.’ The legacy honours club member and former 1st XV player, Barry Macdonald, who died suddenly in December 2020.
Mr Williamson said: “I often think how lucky we are at Ayr to be in the position of having such a benefactor. You cannot underestimate the size and complexity of the task which could not have been achieved without Mr Macdonald’s contacts and guidance. The legacy is a tribute to Alan’s only son, our friend and former 1st XV player, Barry Macdonald.”
Mr Williamson also hailed the first XV gents.
He said: “Our 1st XV clinched the Tennent’s National League One title before Christmas, winning Premiership promotion. And our 2nd XV had a barnstorming season, winning promotion.
“Ayr Ladies put out two teams for the first time and their 1st XV won the West Region 1 title. Our mini and youth sections continue to prosper with 300 registered playing members. The Under-18s team won the National Shield, while the Under-16s team won the West Shield.”
The chairman also highlighted the purchase of Dam Park, where the club’s youth section is based.
He said: “In September 2023 the club took possession of Dam Park Stadium from South Ayrshire Council. The £200,000 purchase was funded by The Macdonald Legacy. A further £40,000 was spent from club funds on ground maintenance, repairing floodlights and reinstating essential services. Within weeks, Dam Park was “rugby ready.”
“As part of our vision (The Millbrae Way) for developing our youth players from S1 up, the coaching teams are now supplemented by allocated senior players and we have set up a Scrum Academy at Dam Park with specialist equipment and coaching.”
There was also praise for the club’s Super Series team, the Ayrshire Bulls.
Mr Williamson said: “In February, Super Series rugby was disbanded by the SRU without a clear plan. But I’d like to pay tribute to the Ayrshire Bulls who have made a huge contribution to our club. Home grown Pat MacArthur holds the title of most successful Super Series coach with more wins, finals and titles than any other. I’m delighted that Pat has remained at Ayr.
“We have been fortunate and retained many of the Ayrshire Bulls players, creating a very strong senior men’s section that has enjoyed a strong start to the season. We have also established a third team, known as “The 2As,” which will ensure game time for our players and help develop players as they cross over from Under-18s to senior rugby.”
Walking Rugby has also been a “great success” and available at Dam Park every Monday morning at 10am.
Brian said: “The group has taken part in a number of events including a pre-match exhibition at the Ayr Rugby Father’s Day festival. There have also been recent trips to Murrayfield, Scotstoun, Annan and Moffat with the common factor being enjoyment and friendship.
“We have also been engaging with the wider community and forging partnerships with Ayr CC and Ayr United with whom we have been sharing best practice and co-hosting charity events. This included the ‘Dash of Pink’ and the ‘Santa Dash’ which raised thousands of pounds for Cahonas (Scotland), Ayrshire Cancer Support, the Ayrshire Hospice and Whiteleys Retreat, as well as many smaller community organisations.
“And in May we engaged with Harbour (Ayrshire) hosting their sleepout at Dam Park to raise awareness around addiction and homelessness. The event raised £30,000. “
In December 2022, Ayr Rugby Football Club changed from a being private club to a charitable organisation. It enabled the new Ayr Rugby Football Club Limited to tap into external funding sources. But the change also resulted in members of the private club relinquishing control of the ‘old’ club’s assets, namely the land at Millbrae.
The chairman addressed the need for that change to occur, saying: “With the opportunity created by the Macdonald Legacy we had to restructure the club and be in a position to accept the funds and the accompanying benefits, This made some members uncomfortable. I’m pleased to report that we are now through the hardest part of the transition.
“With new leadership and a new board comes new energy and we have been incredibly lucky to have a dedicated and talented Board of Directors who have brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the many challenges we have faced.”
The new directorship is as follows: Brian Williamson, Drew Young, Graham Duncan, David Beattie, Neil Reid, Neil Howie, Richard Longmuir and Billy McHarg.
If you are interested in getting involved, email: [email protected]
Brian added: “This is a very exciting time for our club with many of the changes becoming tangible in January as we reap the rewards of the restructure and redevelopment.”