Membership Fees 25/26

Important Update Regarding Membership Fees 2025/26

I hope this message finds you well.

Our ambitious plans to redevelop Millbrae are ongoing, and we have completed phases 1 and 2 of the plan. The impact of the new road and car park has been huge, making Millbrae more accessible for all. It has been great to see all our teams return to Millbrae to train and play, made possible by the new multi-sport, all-weather pitch.

This week, we applied for planning permission for the first part of phase 3, which will see a new 300-square-metre construction housing a large strength and conditioning gym, a golf simulator, and a shop. It also includes a rethink of our changing facilities in the main clubhouse and in the old squash courts.

The redevelopment has been funded by outside sources of income, including the Macdonald Legacy, the SRU, and other grant funding. However, the cost of running the club and facilities comes from income generated by membership fees, sponsorship, events, and the bar/function suite. Over the last number of years, we have seen ever-increasing overheads, including utilities, wages, and maintenance. Insurance premiums, for example, have increased by over 300%.

For the upcoming season, we are investing heavily in our youth section, which we see as the future of our club. Ayr have been accepted into an elite tier at the top of the domestic U18 and U16 structure, consisting of five private schools and three clubs. To meet the challenge, we have created a new post of Youth Rugby Performance Director, and Frazier Climo and his team will oversee the performance of our youth section from U13 to U18. All of this will be under the direction of our new Director of Rugby, Pat MacArthur.

Our physical facilities have been transformed with the development of Millbrae and the purchase of Dam Park. This has been matched by an increase in investment into coaching at all levels. When we compare the cost of membership at Ayr RFC with other clubs, sports, and classes, it is clear that current levels of subscription are unsustainable.

As such, the decision has been made by the Board of Directors to increase the members’ subscriptions for 2025/26 at the following rates at the bottom of this email.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we grow our club and capabilities to meet our ambition to excel in modern-day rugby. If you have any concerns or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out: [email protected]

Best Regards

Brian Williamson

Chairman

Ayr Rugby Football Club Ltd

Section 2025/26

Country members - £120

Senior members - £168

Mini - £180

13/14/15 - £210

U16/U18 - £240

Senior Player - £240

Ordinary Member - £240

Spouse - £78

Family - £480