Four grassroots Rugby League clubs have this week benefitted from a total of £188,234 worth of Inspired Facilities funding from Sport England and now the RFL are urging other clubs to take advantage of this fantastic initiative.

The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic games into communities across the country.
Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 inspire mark, celebrating the link to the games.  

RFL Director of participation, David Gent said: “I’d like to congratulate Elmbridge Eagles, Hull Wyke, Lindley Swifts and Blackpool Stanley on their successful funding applications which total £188,234.

“This is a huge boost for these clubs which I’m sure will help them to attract even more people to play Rugby League.

“Sport England’s Inspired and Protecting Playing Fields Funds are almost tailor-made for busy Rugby League club volunteers.

“There is no requirement to find match-funding and the application process is quick and straightforward. The RFL will also provide support to clubs in completing the application.

“Clubs should just get in touch and the RFL will do all it can to help.

“We have already had some great success stories but many more clubs could benefit from these funds and we would encourage all clubs to go to the Sport England website and see what Sport England funding could do for their clubs.”

The Inspired Fund can grant up to £50,000 towards refurbishments, extensions (which could include refreshment or changing facilities), floodlight improvements or new installations, energy efficiency improvements and modular buildings.

Elmbridge Eagles received £50,000 in the latest round of funding and their Chairman, Charlie Tavener said: “For many years the club facility has been held together by dedicated volunteers’ sweat, spit and BlueTac.
 
“The Sports England Inspired Facility Grant has certainly "Inspired" our club. To date, all our worthy efforts and fund-raising have been funnelled into the black hole aka the clubhouse.
 
“Now we will be able to concentrate all our time and effort into our teams and our focus will be on attaining Club Mark Gold. Likewise, we are keen to introduce specialised coaching to develop our existing teams and coaching staff.
 
“Ebony Blake and Dan Steel from London RL have been immense in their support and guidance in this process.
 
“This funding will certainly be the beginning of taking the Eagles to new heights.”

The new round of Inspired Facilities funding opens July 23 2012 and there are many options which are covered on the official website: http://inspiredfacilities.sportengland.org/

Protecting Playing Fields will fund the creation or improvement of pitches. Clubs can apply for funding up to £50,000 and the new round of funding opens in November 2012
www.sportengland.org/funding/protecting_playing_fields.aspx