National Lottery pulls on boots to grow grassroots rugby league

The National Lottery has become an Official Partner of the RLWC2021 CreatedBy Capital Grants programme – a scheme to invest in projects designed to get people from different backgrounds active in rugby league. The National Lottery’s multi-million pound investment in the programme will allow more community clubs to apply for small grants at a higher value of up to £50,000 each.

The money for this initiative is coming from a National Lottery promotional fund. It is not being funded by money allocated for National Lottery Good Causes or by Camelot.

The CreatedBy Capital Grants Programme is the cornerstone of the tournament’s social impact programme and is delivered in partnership with DCMS and Sport England. It is dedicated to improving the environments where Rugby League takes place, and invests in facilities and equipment – everything from clubhouses and gyms to lawnmowers and goalposts – to provide accessible and welcoming environments and a legacy in local communities.

The significant investment from The National Lottery will further strengthen the programme and allow RLWC2021 to deliver even more projects to the community club game that has suffered so much during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RLWC 2021, which features 32 teams from 21 nations and kicks off on 23rd October 2021, is billed as the most ambitious tournament to date. It will see the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions taking place simultaneously for the first time at a major sporting event.

Responding to the partnership with The National Lottery, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, Jon Dutton said, “This is another significant moment for our trailblazing tournament. Local communities have faced significant challenges during the pandemic, so the opportunity to deliver good news and look to the horizon is uplifting.”

He added, “The ability to make a difference to people’s lives as well as supporting the future of grassroots Rugby League has always remained our mission, and this partnership further enhances our promise to put people, place and civic pride at the very heart of the event.”

As part of the sponsorship, The National Lottery will receive extensive rights including branding at all 61 matches, tickets, player appearances, social media assets and unique experiences such as The National Lottery ‘coin toss’ before each game.

Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot said, “Every day, The National Lottery and its players make a huge difference to communities across the UK and have been doing so since 1994. Sports, such as Rugby League, which have such a connection to the local community, make a huge difference to individuals and society as a whole. I am proud that The National Lottery is able to play such a key role in supporting the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the wider community after such a tough year, while, at the same time, being able to give back to National Lottery players who make all of this possible.”

RLWC2021 will be the most visible Rugby League event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC.

14th May 2021