RUGBY players are raising money to help pay for improvements to their ground that will make girls and women feel at home there.

Winnington Park will ask planners at Cheshire West and Chester Council to approve a proposal for an extension to the clubhouse at Burrows Hill.

It includes a separate space for female players and teams to change and shower.

An indoor gym and training area for all of the Northwich club’s members, as well as a first-floor balcony for spectators, also form part of the plan.

If approved, Park provisionally hope to have finished building work by the end of the calendar year.

“A lot depends on how much we can collect in the next few months,” said chairman Brian Concannon.

“We’re pulling together a lot of different events, and a number of people have said they want to back us because we’ve done such a good job over the past year or so.

“Girls’ rugby is growing, and Winnington Park Ladies Hockey Club have been based here for a while, so it’s important we make the changes to properly integrate them.

“The gym will be a valuable resource when the weather stops us from training outside. It’s also an important part of the first-team’s preparation, meaning they can do conditioning work here.”

Last month, a group of parents of players from Park’s junior section – along with their coaches – cycled from London to Paris to raise money for the project.

The club’s Summer Ball this weekend and the inaugural Chester 7s later this month will do the same.

Concannon told the Guardian that Park are keen to improve spectators’ experience when they visit Burrows Hill.

A small kitchen on the ground floor will serve hot drinks and other refreshments on match day, while the new balcony – entered from the refurbished Bowden Room – will provide a high-level view of the action on both senior team pitches.

He added: “It will be quite the sight to see a full balcony on a sunny afternoon when there’s a big game on.”

Weaver Valley Cycling Club, along with the hockey club, also meet now at Burrows Hill.