Junior rugby players at Farnley Falcons are celebrating after the Rugby World Cup awarded a grant to build a new clubhouse and changing rooms.
Work will soon begin on new changing rooms, a referee’s room, a community social area and off-road parking for 54 cars at the club’s home off Butt Lane, Farnley. The club currently operates out of temporary steel containers which act as changing rooms.
The funding comes as Rugby World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) announced the latest recipients of its ‘CreatedBy’ large grants for community clubs and organisations.
Farnley Falcons has been without a permanent building since Farnley Sports and Social Club closed in late 2014 and was then demolished after an arson attack in 2015 and replaced with houses.
The club, which caters for more than 170 youngsters each week, has been operating out of temporary steel containers which act as changing rooms.
A club spokesperson said:
“We are thrilled to announce that we have been successful in our application to the Rugby League World Cup legacy fund.
“These new facilities mean the world to our club, our players and our friends and family. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Nest later this year and show off our new building.
“We would like to thank the many people who have worked incredibly hard to deliver this project.”
In a video posted to social media site Twitter, Falcons volunteers welcomed the cash injection. They said junior teams had been playing on different pitches and using facilities across West Leeds as they had no permanent facilities of their own.
RLWC2021 is more than 61 games next year. 🏆
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) January 20, 2022
Thanks to the CreatedBy programme, @Farnley_Falcons will be able to upgrade their changing rooms, social and kitchen spaces to support the clubs growth beyond the final whistle of #RLWC2021.
Find out more: https://t.co/0I680UPVQZ pic.twitter.com/VwucOWdTg9
The award has been welcomed by Falcons supporters on social media. Sharon Cook posted: “Fantastic. Well done for all the hard work you guys have put in.”
And Leanne Kisby added: “This is amazing news well done to all involved.”
Jon Dutton, chief executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, welcomed the grant. He said:
“This is another important milestone for us, as we have now delivered over £15 million in large grants. As a tournament, it has always been our aim to leave a long-lasting social impact, as well as great memories for Rugby League fans, and this initiative is proving to support the clubs who are crucial in developing the sport from grass-roots level, all the way through to the professional game.
“The five latest projects that have been awarded large grants via our Created By Capital grants programme all showcased a real desire to develop the sport, as well as supporting those playing rugby league in the local area.”