Its sad to say that a lot of people have taken a hit recently with the lockdowns over the year. Retail, restaurants, hairdressers and pubs all included, not to mention small business. Sadly sports clubs are included in this.

Due to current government restrictions this season has been called of and the clubhouse has closed. Being unable to operate as normal has unfortunately meant it has become extremely difficult to meet the financial needs of the club

Founded in 1921 Burley Rugby Club is a sports club in central Leeds that provides activity, socialisation and entertainment for a diverse range of people and has done so for decades. Our rich history and successes have only come about through the community participation and support of ex-players, locals and any willing to represent the club.

We are a popular club sporting 2 teams: One competitive team and one social team, both of which unite for a love of the game and a community of inclusivity. Recent achievements include winning the Aire Wharfe Cup, the Kathleen McNally Cup and being promoted to Yorkshire 3. We have recently renovated our pitch and invested in a perimeter fence planned to be put in place for the 100th season along with plenty of celebrations for 2021.

My name is Andrew, and for the past 2 years I've been living in Leeds. I joined Burley as recommended by a friend from home and the club has provided me with a hobby and regular fitness as standard, but I feel as though the club had given me so much more than that.

Burley stands as the first sports club where I have been able to open up and felt listened to by team mates, their partners, the coach and even the local old boys who come down and give us support. In an age of growing awareness of Mental Health, the people of this club have helped myself and others through the rough patches. I've never felt as much relieve as to have a group of teammates listen to my woes and offer me nothing but the upmost compassion and empathy, sharing their own stories and reinforcing the knowledge that I'm not alone.

The point being that for a lot of us at Burley, the club is more than just a sports club. It's a place of belonging and it's a safe space in a difficult world for many of us to open up, be our ridiculous selves and laugh and cry about our week.

On this year it has been an active social hub of the Burley/Kirkstall area and has supported the community for 100 years.

Burley isn't the top level of rugby, or the largest, but since coming to England from rural Northern Ireland, I've found a family for life here.

Because all our revenue from the bar and membership fees has ceased, we are politely asking for any contributions from players, friends, family and community members. This will help us to continue to operate in these difficult times, providing ongoing sustainability for the club, providing entertainment and facilities to the local community as well as setting the club up for future generations to benefit.

Your help will be greatly appreciated by every member involved in this historic club.