Kells rugby club is to receive £13,625 to pay for a new roof.
The cash, which has been awarded to help more people play rugby league at grassroots level in Whitehaven, has come from the CreatedbyRLWC2021 Capital Grants legacy programme.
The money is delivered in partnership between RLWC2021, The National Lottery, the Rugby Football League, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and 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 and at Kells the funding will be spent on a much needed new roof for the clubhouse.
Rob Hetherington, of Kells, said: “We are delighted to receive the funding from the CreatedBy RLWC2021 as we are currently carrying out much-needed renovations on the club house and found the roof to be in a degraded state.
“This funding will help us bring the facilities at Kells up to the 21st century as the clubhouse has been thriving over the last year with sell-out events being held.
“With the renovation work taking place we can’t wait to put on more shows with acts booked in on March 25 and July 1. Also after a fantastic season last year the open age season will begin.
“The NCL Premier Division first home game potentially on March 11 against Wath Brow Hornets. The A team will look to emulate their trophy-laden season they had last year.”
Jon Dutton, chief executive of 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 Kells ARLFC and look forward to seeing the results of this investment that aims to deliver real change in their community.”
Ralph Rimmer, outgoing chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Hosting the Rugby League World Cup in 2021 offered 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 was kicked and the crowds had gone home.”
