Rlwc 2021 Delivers Facilities Funds

The Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced its second initiative as part of the tournament’s ‘Inspired by 2021’ legacy programme.

Government funding of £10 million, to be delivered by Sport England, will be invested in local clubs and community projects to grow the sport and make it more engaging to current and potential participants.  

The funds will be split across transformational community projects and smaller-scale initiatives such as refurbishing changing rooms and installing new artificial pitches as well as supplying new kit or equipment to clubs.

Overall, the investment will focus on four key areas: creating welcoming environments, encouraging more players, building community engagement and cultivating further investment resulting in an innovation fund for the community game.

Commenting on the project, minister for sport and civil society, Tracey Crouch, said: “Hosting the Rugby League World Cup is a huge opportunity to promote the sport. We want the tournament to leave a lasting legacy and inspire more people to take part.

“Excellent sports facilities are important in encouraging people to get involved and keep playing. This £10 million government investment will fund new equipment, improve local clubs, and help grow the game.”

Jon Dutton, chief executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, added: “In hosting this tournament it is imperative that we engage and inspire people. The facilities theme of our legacy programme is really focused on ensuring the next generation of rugby league players have the best possible experience and that barriers to participate are removed.

“The government funding must be used to leverage local match funding and all this investment will go directly into community rugby league. With a new Legacy programme manager set to be appointed along with staff to administer the funding, we’re confident that this programme will target the right areas and affect real change.”

Charles Johnston, property director, Sport England, concluded: “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.”