‘Help us to build our new community building’ – that’s the message from members of a West Leeds rugby club who want to create a new community clubhouse and changing facilities.
West Leeds ARLFC has launched a £20,000 community appeal to support its plans to convert the existing temporary portacabin changing rooms in Redshaw Road, New Wortley, into a permanent changing facility and community club annexe.
Their proposals include a kitchen, viewing area, toilets and storage area, as well as providing additional off-street parking to reduce the impact on neighbouring properties. The club hopes the proposals will ‘help restore pride in a forgotten area’.
West Leeds ARLFC operates a number of teams from under sevens to open age and also supports the activity of many other groups in the community. They used to meet in the adjoining West Leeds Sports and Social Club until it closed.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Community Clubs Development Officer Sam Horner said:
“We need help to build our new club building after losing our home after 25 years. Please donate to our appeal and in turn we are making a difference to people’s lives in a deprived area of the city.”
The club’s crowdfunding page adds: “We are not-for-profit volunteer-run rugby club providing rugby league activities for children of all ages, ladies, and men all year round. Please help and support us to achieve our dream.
“The impact of the building will help us grow and contribute to changing lives of disadvantaged children. Please give generously to such a great cause and in turn you will be helping the Sport of Rugby League grow at the grassroots level.”
The proposals are currently going through the planning process with Leeds City Council but money raised will contribute to the construction of the building and kitchen.
People can contribute towards the £20,000 appeal here.
In January developers West Leeds Working Men’s Club withdrew plans to demolish the club next door and build ten houses in the area. The withdrawal followed concerns by the council over the loss of a building used by the community. The club, off Redshaw Road, currently sits empty and unused and has been subjected to vandalism.
West Leeds Eagles have been running a junior rugby club for almost 25 years, providing community activity in one of Leeds’s most deprived wards. They currently run teams from Under 7s to open age, for both male and female players.
