New Milton Rugby Club’s New Forest Family Fun Day organiser Matt Wale’s ‘incredible’ achievements hailed as he steps down after 14 years

NEW Milton Rugby Club hailed the “incredible” achievements of its popular fundraising event organiser as he stepped down after 14 years.

Matt Wale has masterminded the running of 12 New Forest Family Fun Days – with two barren years during the Covid pandemic – and seen more than £100,000 raised for the club and community.

Thousands flocked to its Ashley recreation ground base on Saturday for his last annual event before passing on the baton.

Described as the “biggest and best fun day in its 20-year history”, it collected well over £10,000 to help replace training equipment.

Club president Phil Hoyle said: “What Matt has achieved since he took over the running of the fun day has been nothing short of incredible.

“The time he has put in is astonishing and he is still playing and for many years was captaining the third team as well as putting on the fun day.

“Every year the day has got bigger and better and the funds have enabled us to improve the facilities and create an infrastructure that is much envied.”

There was also praise for the army of volunteers Matt has assembled, whose number he will join once player Jack Corbett takes over.

Thanks also went to the event’s sponsors and the town council.

Phil added: “Thanks to all the money raised over the years we have great facilities for all our teams – from the toddlers and minis through the girls and women’s section to the colts teams and the senior men’s teams.”

Matt told the A&T: “I’m extremely proud of how the event has grown from a local community fun day to a much larger regional event across the New Forest.”

Thanking his team of volunteers and his family for their support, he added: “I’m delighted to have contributed £100,000-plus in fundraising for New Milton Rugby Club – a club I’ve been part of for the past 42 years.”

Attendees at Saturday’s fun day enjoyed a variety of activities and entertainment, including sumo wrestling, boxing, inflatable slides and radio controlled cars.

There was a dinosaur show, land train, dog show, entertainment, bar and food stalls, and free taster sessions with local sports clubs.

Next year’s event is due to take place on Saturday 13th June.