A NEW outdoor social and exercise space has been created at Coventrians Rugby Football Club after Toolstation accessories and building supplies teamed up with the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) social enterprise.
The refurbishment project means that the club, which celebrates its centenary this year, can now increase the number of activities it hosts on site.
Greg Richardson, head of marketing at Toolstation said: “We are really proud to support the Volunteer It Yourself programme and to help young people learn practical trade and building skills and earn a qualification.
“The construction sector is facing a shortage of workers and we hope that this initiative will inspire more young people to consider entering the trades.”
Toolstation’s first project saw 28 volunteers aged between 14 and 24 years old – many who were disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training – create the new space at the club.
They repaved an existing patio, built and fenced a new pagoda and redecorated the changing room.
The scheme is helping more young people learn DIY skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry.
Tim Reading, CEO and founder of VIY said: “This project with Coventrians Rugby Club has been a great example of how Volunteer It Yourself combines trade skills and employability outcomes for young people with the physical transformation of a valued community club.
“The project has also been greatly enhanced by the brilliant support of Toolstation, through funding but also the donation of building tools and materials and helping to mobilise tradespeople as skills mentors for the young people involved.”