Rugby league club amongst the five projects in Leeds, Copeland, Wigan, Bolton and Kirklees which sees a total investment of more than £835,000 by RLWC2021
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced the latest recipients of its large grants for community clubs and organisations, with Bolton based rugby league club, Westhoughton ARLFC being granted an award. As part of the tournament’s wider InspirationALL legacy initiative, these clubs will receive a total funding from RLWC2021 of £835,000 contributing towards projects totalling over £2m of investment.
The CreatedBy Capital programme is focused on improving existing facilities or creating new ones with the aim of building community hubs and encouraging more people to play rugby league. As well as delivering a wider social impact to the local residents of communities in which they are based. These much-needed investments come as a boost during a challenging time, with the projects representing the hard work of the volunteers that have made them happen.
Thanks to the grant, the Westhoughton Lions will create a new fully accessible clubhouse with new team and official’s changing rooms, male and female toilets and shower rooms, a function room, offices and meeting room as well as a new bar, cellar and kitchen. This will create a community hub for the people of Westhoughton and beyond, providing a wealth of opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while encouraging people from all backgrounds to play rugby league.
Jamie Brown, Chair of Westhougton Lions, said: “Building this clubhouse is going to be a gamechanger for the residents of Westhoughton. It is going to give the community a brand-new facility where they can become more physically active, whilst giving the whole Lions family a place to call their own. Many of our members have been dreaming of the day they can use a real toilet, have a shower after a game and welcome back their opponents without having to drive to a different venue. The Lions really will be able to take Pride in their Den.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, added: “A staggering £2million invested in these projects will undoubtedly have a very positive the future of rugby league. Westhoughton Lions ARFLC have been awarded a large grant via our CreatedBy Capital grants programme, after they demonstrated an excellent vision for how the funding will be used to deliver a wider impact on the local community, with a special emphasis on mental wellbeing.
“We are confident that these new developments will become established hubs for local people, help local players at a grassroots level and have a real positive impact on the development of rugby league in the future.”
“This is great news for Westhoughton Lions and the wider community,” added Cllr David Greenhalgh, the Leader of Bolton Council.
“It will create a great venue for residents to try rugby league and engage in physical activity in a brand-new facility.
“Bolton, being a host town for the Rugby League World Cup 2021, will also now have a fantastic lasting legacy for this fantastic sport and Westhoughton Lions to continue to grow.”
The other recipients are:
- Wath Brow Hornets ARLFC (Copeland)
- Dewsbury Moor ARLFC (Kirklees)
- Orrell St James (Wigan)
- Drighlington ARFLC (Leeds)
The CreatedBy Capital programme is funded by government investment and delivered in partnership with the RFL and Sport England.
Follow all the latest news via www.RLWC2021.com and the official social media channels, on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.