Published: Thursday, 4th Aug 2022

Just months before the Rugby League World Cup arrives in Bolton, local young people were introduced to the game by a legendary Super League club.

RLWC HAFThe Wigan Warriors Community Foundation attended a fun day at Westhoughton Central Park on Wednesday, funded with the support of Westhoughton Town Council.

The event was part of Bolton’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which gives children the chance to access fun activities and nutritious food during the school holidays. 

The fun day was supported by multiple partners from across the town delivering family cooking, health advice, arts and crafts, music, archery and much more.

The team from Wigan Warriors held a session giving young people the chance to try rugby league and learn more about the sport.

Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils will continue to support the HAF programme with rugby league sessions over the summer, helping to promote the game across Bolton.

Bolton will welcome the Rugby League World Cup when England’s men’s team faces France at the University of Bolton Stadium on October 22.

The French team will also be based in Bolton throughout the duration of the tournament.

But Bolton’s host status goes far beyond this, to include a series of community events designed to grow the game’s grass roots and encourage more young people to take up rugby league.

With the Rugby League World Cup coming to Bolton later this year, this was a great opportunity for them to enjoy a sport they may not have played before.

The tournament will leave a lasting sporting legacy in the borough, including the brand new a £300,000 club house for Westhoughton Lions built with a grant from the RLWC.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said:

“A key part of the HAF programme is encouraging young people to get active and try new things.

“With the Rugby League World Cup coming to Bolton later this year, this was a great opportunity for them to enjoy a sport they may not have played before.

“Bolton Council is working with the tournament organisers to ensure a lasting legacy for the sport, and I’m sure many young people will be inspired to pick up a ball and give rugby league a try.”