LYMM Rugby Club are hoping World Cup fever will help them continue to build momentum for the future.

And funds are now being raised for a huge new project at Crouchley Lane.

A fair share of success has been enjoyed at Lymm since Jonny Wilkinson kicked that famous drop goal in 2003 but the club are positioned for even greater things ahead of September’s World Cup on these shores.

Back in 2000, recognising the facilities at Crouchley Lane were inadequate for sustainable development – with just one pitch to play and train on – the club members launched the Lymm Grass Roots Sports Appeal.

Funds of more than £1m were raised for the community amateur sports club through various, volunteer-led activities.

With the help of the RFU, a further 10 acres of farmland were subsequently bought and developed into four pitches, which the four senior teams and the mini, junior and colts section in particular, now benefit from.

Membership has grown to more than 1,500 members, with over 450 aged between five and 18.

The Colts Academy is now one of the most successful in the country with an incredible track record of success.

Over this period, the under 19s and under 17s teams have won the North West Colts League A Division five times, the League Cup five times and the Cheshire Cup seven times.

The under 19s team has won the Cock of the North Cup in four of the past five seasons, making them the best team in the North of England.

England RFU, Sale Sharks and other Premiership clubs are regularly rewarding Lymm players with England age-group caps and professional contracts, and are looking closely at how and why Lymm are also producing future England players.

Club chiefs know success on the pitch can only be maintained if the base is sustainable.

All funds raised are invested directly back into the facilities.

Leading the way has been the annual Lymm panto, now in its 30th consecutive year.

However, erecting a huge marquee for the past five years, hosting corporate events has paid off.

It has also hosted fundraising sportsman’s evenings, women’s lunches and gala dinners.

The objective now is to build a new, state-of-the-art clubhouse and the re-named Lymm Grass Roots Clubhouse Appeal is steadily building momentum and funds.

Club president John Hopkinson said: “We are looking at all avenues to raise a further £500,000 in the next six months.

“If you can help, or know someone who wants to help Lymm Rugby Club succeed please contact me at jhopkinson@live.com.”