This weekend, Bristol Bisons RFC are taking centre stage at Bristol Pride, proudly marching as the South West’s first inclusive rugby team. But the rainbow flags and celebrations are just part of the story. Behind the scenes, the Bisons have been using Spond Superdraw as a vital tool in their ongoing efforts to raise funds for the 2026 Bingham Cup – the world championship of inclusive rugby.
With over 80 active members playing both union and touch rugby, the Bisons are a shining example of how inclusive sport can create community, drive change, and lead the way in fundraising for grassroots sport. And at the heart of their operations? A free-to-use tool making it all possible: Spond.
Tackling Barriers and Building Community
Founded in 2005, the Bristol Bisons have spent 20 years building an inclusive space where everyone – regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or rugby experience – is welcome. The club proudly operates under a one team ethos, uniting three distinct squads: the Tantankas and Buffaloes (Union) and the Red Dogs (Touch). Together, they represent a powerful and visible force for change both on and off the pitch.
During Pride Month and Bristol Pride, their visibility steps up even further, with events, recruitment drives, and player stories shared across their platforms. But throughout the year, their mission remains constant.
“We are a safe space to help heal any players who’ve had negative experiences of team sports or school PE,” says Dale Upward-Sheppard, Social Media Officer at the club. “We’re somewhere our members can escape to two or three times a week to be surrounded by love.”
This ethos goes far beyond what happens on the pitch. It’s about community, connection, and showing the world that rugby – and sport more broadly – can be a force for good.
How Spond Supports Fundraising for Grassroots Sport
The Bisons started using Spond in 2022 after finding social media too fragmented for organising events and tracking payments. “An increasing number of people were stepping away from the platform we used for organising,” Dale explains. “We knew we needed something more focused – and Spond ticked every box.”
From training invites to match day payments, from touch team socials to Pride parade logistics, Spond has allowed the Bisons to streamline their operations and stay connected. But perhaps most powerfully, it’s allowed them to boost their fundraising for grassroots sport through features like Spond Superdraw.
“Fundraising for grassroots sport has always been a challenge,” Dale says. “But Spond Superdraw made it easy to set up, promote and engage with. We’ve seen a real boost in our ability to raise funds for events like Bingham 2026, without constantly chasing people.”
And that matters. Travelling to international tournaments costs money – and for clubs like the Bisons, that funding often comes from within. Whether it’s match fees, travel costs, or LGBTQ+ community campaigns, tools that make fundraising for grassroots sport easier are essential to survival and growth.
Inclusivity and Identity – Online and Offline
The Bisons’ commitment to inclusivity doesn’t just happen in huddles and half-time chats. It’s embedded into everything they do – and Spond has helped amplify that culture digitally. Their use of polls, private messaging, and open event invites has created a safe digital environment where everyone can feel confident.
“We’ve used the app to build a genuinely supportive space,” Dale explains. “Members can message privately, organise fundraisers, or even manage sensitive tasks like kit sizing – all without judgment. That matters to people who may have felt excluded from sport in the past.”
In short, Spond isn’t just helping the Bisons run a rugby team – it’s helping them build a better, more inclusive world of sport.
A Ripple Effect Through the LGBT+ Rugby Community
Like many inclusive rugby clubs, the Bisons are part of a wider network, and Spond plays a role there too. Several players are involved in international tournaments or play for other purpose-driven teams. Using Spond allows them to coordinate everything from training to travel – all in one place.
And with Pride season in full swing, the need for accessible, low-cost tools to support fundraising for grassroots sport has never been clearer.
“Being part of an inclusive club means you’re part of something bigger,” Dale adds. “Whether we’re marching at Pride or travelling to a tournament, we want to bring as many members as possible along. That’s why we fundraise. That’s why we use Spond.”
Results That Speak for Themselves
Since switching to Spond, the Bisons have seen increased attendance, stronger community engagement, and higher retention. Members know what’s happening, feel more connected, and feel seen. When events are easy to find and payments are quick to make, people show up. And when people show up, the club thrives.
Dale estimates Spond saves them 1–2 hours every week – and even more during big match days or Pride season. But it’s not just about time saved. It’s about what that time can now be used for: community building, support, and growing the visibility of inclusive sport.
Looking Ahead: Bingham 2026 and Beyond
As the Bristol Bisons turn their eyes towards the next big challenge – the Bingham Cup in 2026 – their focus is on preparation, participation, and, yes, fundraising. With Spond Superdraw, they’ve found a platform that helps them reach their goals in a meaningful, engaging, and inclusive way.
“Our values are built into everything we do,” Dale says. “And Spond helps us uphold those values – by helping us organise better, fundraise smarter, and keep everyone involved. For any club trying to manage fundraising for grassroots sport – especially one with a diverse and growing membership – it’s a gamechanger.”
A Model for Inclusive Grassroots Sport
The Bristol Bisons aren’t just a rugby team – they’re a model for what fundraising for grassroots sport should look like in 2025: inclusive, community-driven, and supported by tools that make life easier. As Pride celebrations hit full swing in Bristol, they’ll be out in force – waving flags, recruiting new players, and raising funds for the future.
And behind the scenes, Spond will be helping them every step of the way.
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