The grant, which has been awarded to help more people play rugby league at grassroots level in the borough of St Helens, will fund the club’s new equipment.
Willow Bank school has received £1,709.42 from the CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme. Delivered in partnership between RLWC2021, The National Lottery, the Rugby Football League, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the CreatedBy programme is a funding pot made available by the government and The National Lottery to support the legacy of the Rugby League World Cup by growing participation in the sport.
How the funding will be used
"Our short-term goal is to purchase rugby equipment to introduce the children of Willow Bank school to the game of rugby league and overcome the issues preventing them from previously taking part. Through lessons and the lunch club we will be looking to increase the pupil’s knowledge and interest in the sport, boost their confidence and self-esteem, and improve their social and communication skills. We can then direct a number of these pupils to local community clubs and or Super league LDRL /PDRL teams so they can further their enjoyment and development within the sport. Our overall goal should the program prove successful is to have enough pupils interested in Rugby League to be able to work with St Helens foundation and have pupils represent the school at local foundation run festivals"
Kieran Lacey Teaching Assistant and Qualified Rugby Coach
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, RLWC2021, said: “The CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme is focused on ensuring the next generation of rugby league players have the best possible experience and barriers to participate are removed. We are delighted to award this grant to Willow Bank School and look forward to seeing the results of this investment that aims to deliver real change in their community. Our thanks go to the government and The National Lottery, and its players, for supporting the CreatedBy programme.”
Ralph Rimmer, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Hosting the Rugby League World Cup in 2021 offers so many opportunities for everyone involved in the game in this country and beyond, and the projects that will be delivered by the CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme will be a big part of that transformation. The RFL are proud to be involved in that process, and we congratulate all the successful applicants - and look forward to the impact of this unprecedented level of investment in the game for years to come.”
Charles Johnston, Property Director, Sport England, said: "We are proud to be working in partnership to deliver the biggest government investment into grassroots rugby league facilities the country has ever seen. With this funding, communities will gain better access to the facilities, improved infrastructure and essential equipment they need to be active. We are pleased the investment will provide benefit to people engaging in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair game, with a focus on those disadvantaged areas where inactivity levels are stubbornly high. By focusing our efforts on increasing participation in the game, we’re ensuring that the Rugby League World Cup's legacy lasts long after the last ball has been kicked and the crowds have gone home."
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be all inclusive, with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions taking place simultaneously, under one tournament banner for the first time.
Clubs, organisations and communities that run rugby league activities are encouraged to apply for this legacy funding by visiting www.rlwc2021.com/facilities. For further information visit their official social media channels, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram