Portobello RFC: A Club Built on Community
At Breadalbane Finance, relationships come first.
It’s something we call The Breadalbane Way. We believe the strongest businesses, communities and organisations are built on trust, shared values and genuine relationships. It’s not about transactions. It’s about people. That’s why we’re delighted to recognise Portobello RFC as our Breadalbane Finance Community Club of the Month for June.
The club’s commitment to developing young people, supporting families and creating opportunities across east Edinburgh reflects many of the values that matter most to us. Spending time learning more about what is happening at Portobello, one thing quickly became clear: this is a club that is about far more than rugby.
Anyone taking a walk along Portobello Beach during the inaugural Portobello Beach Rugby Festival would have seen exactly what grassroots sport should look like. Young players from across Edinburgh and East Lothian came together for an afternoon of beach rugby, friendship and fun. Four age groups competed in fast-paced five-a-side matches played on the sand, with plenty of running rugby, offloads and smiles throughout the day.Once the rugby was finished, players enjoyed pizzas courtesy of local supporters Civerinos, while medals ensured everyone left with a lasting reminder of the occasion.
But while the festival was a fantastic celebration of the season, it also highlighted something much bigger – the incredible work taking place behind the scenes at Portobello RFC.
Like many community clubs across Scotland, Portobello recognised a challenge.
The club’s thriving mini section introduces large numbers of children to rugby every year, but what happens when those players move beyond primary school age?
Rather than accepting that some young people would drift away from the game, a dedicated group of volunteers decided to create a solution.
The result was the Portobello Youth Rugby Academy (PYRA). Established as a registered charity, the academy was created to provide young players with additional coaching, development opportunities and support throughout their teenage years while maintaining their connection to rugby and their local community.
What particularly impressed us was that the academy’s ambitions extend far beyond player development.
Alongside rugby skills and performance, there is a strong focus on wellbeing, confidence, personal growth and community engagement. The academy currently supports players from Under-13 through to Under-16 level and will introduce its first Under-18 team next season, creating an even stronger pathway into adult rugby. That’s the sort of long-term thinking that strengthens communities.
One of the things we often say at Breadalbane is that relationships matter. When we meet clients, we want to know more than just the figures on a spreadsheet. We want to understand their story, their ambitions and what’s important to them.
The story of Portobello RFC is built on exactly that same principle.
The success of the club and academy has not been driven by one individual. It has been built through the collective efforts of parents, coaches, volunteers, committee members and local supporters who all share a common goal.
Everyone has brought something different to the table. Whether that’s coaching expertise, fundraising skills, organisational support, sponsorship or simply giving up their time to help, countless people have contributed to creating opportunities for young players. It’s a reminder that the strongest communities are always built by people who are willing to invest in others.
Another aspect of Portobello’s story that stood out to us was the support the club receives from across the local community.
Local businesses, sponsors and supporters have all played an important role in helping the academy grow and develop.
That support has helped improve facilities, create new opportunities for players and ensure events like the beach rugby festival can take place.
The club has also developed a strong relationship with Portobello High School, where rugby now forms part of the curriculum. This gives young people who may never previously have encountered the sport the opportunity to experience rugby and all the wider benefits that come with being part of a team.
For a club that talks so often about community, it is encouraging to see those connections extending far beyond the touchline.
Portobello RFC is a club with plenty to be excited about.
The launch of an Under-18 team next season will provide an important bridge into senior rugby, while plans are also progressing to introduce a girls’ programme and create even more opportunities for young people to get involved in the game. Yet despite all that ambition, what impressed us most was the club’s commitment to maintaining its community-first approach.The beach rugby festival captured that perfectly.It wasn’t simply about rugby matches. It was about bringing people together, celebrating a season’s worth of effort and creating memories for young players and their families.
At Breadalbane Finance, we believe lasting success is always built on relationships. Portobello RFC demonstrates that every day through the work of its volunteers, coaches, parents and supporters.We’re proud to recognise Portobello RFC as our Breadalbane Finance Community Club of the Month for June and look forward to seeing the club continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
Congratulations to everyone involved.