Most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever set for kick-off

The Rugby League World Cup kicked off in Newcastle on Saturday 15th October, with the event having already made a lasting impact on the communities hosting it.

Comprising the men's, women's and wheelchair events, this is the first time they've been held concurrently, making it the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever held.

Taking place in 18 different towns and cities across England, the tournament has already made its mark thanks to almost £26 million of investment into its social impact programme - with more than £23m of that total coming from Sport England.

The event's CreatedBy programme - which is transforming rugby league facilities across the country - has received £22.7m, while £333,000 has been invested into the inclusive and community volunteer programmes.

This follows Sport England's £35m investment in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which was also focussed on creating a lasting impact from a major event.

Delayed from 2021 because of complications arising from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the event will see 32 teams from 20 nations championing culture, diversity and inclusivity throughout the 61 fixtures.

The delay has meant the CreatedBy capital grants programme is already making an impact, with investments made into:

• 38 clubhouses
• 22 changing rooms
• 18 pitches
• 23 goalposts
• 3 kitchens
• 10 lawnmowers
• 4 gyms
• 102 kit and equipment packs.

These grants are giving people more and better opportunities to engage with the sport of rugby league and, in doing so, get active in welcoming and accessible environments.

Aside from CreatedBy, Sport England's £333,000 investment into the inclusive and community volunteer programmes has been helping to engage new people to make a contribution to the sport and wider community.

Supported by the social care charity Community Integrated Care, the programmes have overcome barriers to volunteering, with the inclusive programme engaging those with mental, physical and learning disabilities before, during and after the tournament.

The impact of these programmes has been demonstrated in the event's interim social impact report, which showed that 83% of the inclusive volunteers said the programme had helped them be more independent, and 89% of the community volunteers saying they were motivated by making a positive difference to their communities.

Sport England's investment will continue to make an impact during and after the Rugby League World Cup, with a final impact report expected in due course.

Source and Image: Sport England