Keighley RUFC is pleased to formally update members, supporters and the wider community on an exciting new project that has the potential to play a major role in securing the long-term future of the club.

The club has now submitted a formal planning application for the development of four padel courts within the grounds of Keighley RUFC at Rose Cottage.

The proposed courts would be operated by Aireplay Padel, a new padel company located at the rugby club. The project is being brought forward as a joint venture between Keighley RUFC and club chairman Russ Gibson, with the full support of the club committee and the clear aim of creating a sustainable new income stream for the club while also bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports to Keighley.

As part of the structure, Keighley RUFC has received a loan from a club member which will allow the club to invest into Aireplay Padel. This means the rugby club will not simply be a landlord to the project. Instead, KRUFC will benefit in several ways: by receiving rent for the courts being located on club land, by holding a stake in the padel company, and by sharing in future profits as the business develops.

This is a significant step for the club.

Like many amateur sports clubs, Keighley RUFC faces increasing financial pressures. Rising energy costs, maintenance, insurance, compliance, facility costs and the general expense of operating a large community sports site all continue to place pressure on club finances. While rugby will always remain at the heart of Keighley RUFC, the club must also look at new ways to protect and strengthen its future.

The padel project is designed to do exactly that.

By using part of the club’s existing site to create a modern, popular and accessible sporting facility, KRUFC can generate new income that can be reinvested back into the rugby club, its facilities, its teams, and the wider community. This has the potential to support the club for many years to come and help ensure Keighley RUFC remains financially sustainable for future generations.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It is easy to learn, accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities, and has a strong social element. The proposed development would provide a much-needed local facility for Keighley and the surrounding area, while also bringing new people onto the rugby club site and introducing more of the community to what Keighley RUFC has to offer.

The project also supports the club’s wider role as a community hub. Keighley RUFC is already home to senior rugby, junior rugby, age-grade rugby, girls’ rugby, community events and social activity. The addition of padel would further strengthen that role, providing another opportunity for people to be active, meet others, and use the club in a positive and healthy environment.

Club chairman Russ Gibson said:

“Keighley RUFC has been part of the local community for generations, and our responsibility now is to make sure it remains strong for the generations that follow.

This project is about much more than building four padel courts. It is about creating a sustainable future for the rugby club. The costs of running an amateur sports club continue to rise, and we have to be proactive in finding ways to secure the club financially while still protecting what makes Keighley RUFC special.

The project has the full support of the committee and has been structured so that the club benefits directly from its success. The club will receive rent, hold an investment stake, and share in future profits. That is a huge opportunity for KRUFC and gives us a chance to create long-term income that can be reinvested into rugby, facilities and the wider club.

I am personally involved in helping bring the project forward, but the important point is that this has been structured so the rugby club is part of the opportunity and benefits directly from its success.”

The planning application follows a positive pre-planning process, and the club will keep members updated as the application progresses.

Keighley RUFC believes this is a forward-thinking and important project for the club. It protects the club’s rugby heritage while helping to create a stronger, more sustainable future.

We look forward to updating members and the wider community as the project develops.