Newton Storm and Hunslet Warriors are urging their local communities to get behind them after beating off competition from over 60 other community clubs to win a “makeover weekend” worth up to £5,000.

The clubs have been awarded the unique makeovers as they registered to take part in the ‘Engage with your club’ campaign led by Super League title sponsor Engage Mutual and in partnership with the RFL.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage grassroots clubs to run volunteer days where members and supporters step forward to improve and enhance their facilities for the new season ahead. All those that registered to be involved were also given the opportunity to justify what impact a £5000 makeover could have on their club.

The two successful applicants are holding their volunteering weekends on August 13 and 14 (Newton Storm) and 27 and 28 (Hunslet Warriors) and the clubs are now calling out to their local communities and businesses to help make the weekends a success and ensure the funds go as far as possible.

The Newton Sports Club has been standing for over 150 years and the Rugby League club plans to use the money to give its changing facilities a much needed facelift, bringing them into the 21st century and up to the standard of neighbouring teams.

Hunslet Warriors is planning to use the money to help modernise its 20-year old kitchen facilities which are feeling the strain from catering for players and spectators from its 10 junior, two youth and two open age teams.

It is also hoping there will be enough money left to replace its ageing shower facilities.

In the long term, both clubs hopes that the investment will go a long way in safeguarding the success of amateur rugby league in their region.

Malcolm Hankey, Coaching Co-ordinator, at Newton Storm commented: “We are delighted to have been selected by Engage Mutual to receive this much needed makeover."

"It will be a great opportunity for the club to pull together and forge further links with the local community.

“We have already received a generous offer from one of our sponsors JWS, who will provide skilled tradesmen where required and source many of the materials and equipment needed."

Keith Walker, Chairman of the Youth and Open Age Section at Hunslet Warriors, said: “I was surprised and delighted to find out that our application had been successful as I knew that the competition was particularly tough."

“There are a whole host of jobs to do on the day – from painting railings and tidying up the grounds to helping to install new kitchen and shower facilities."

"We are keen for as many people as possible to get involved by volunteering their time and skills over the weekend – even if it is just for a few hours.

“As an inner city club, we play a vital role in the local community – giving boys from five years old the chance to learn a wide range of skills and disciplines through Rugby League."

This is the perfect way for the community to help give something back and I hope as many people as possible will show up to lend their support.”

Both clubs are appealing to local businesses to lend their support. Anything from paint and DIY supplies to food and refreshments for the volunteers will be well received.

Ex-Great Britain captain, coach and Rugby League pundit, Brian Noble is supporting the initiative alongside Jon Wells and Lee Radford. Brian said: "Community and youth teams are hugely important to the future of the game and supporting grassroots clubs is something that is close to my heart.

“This initiative is about more than a quick lick of paint, it is about inspiring communities to recognise the importance of their local teams and come together to help revitalise facilities."