A RUGBY club is celebrating after receiving a grant of more than £11,000 to boost its facilities.

With the Rugby League World Cup of 2021 to be held in this country the Rugby Football League is allocating funding to support grassroots rugby league.

Part of the support network within the Rugby Football League is the #Created By RLWC 2021 programme, with responsibility for the allocation of a significant amount of government funding to promote and support the grassroots game.

Community clubs have been encouraged to apply for funding based on a number of criteria, one of which is 'creating a welcoming environment'.

Blackbrook Royals submitted a bid and have been awarded £11,100.

Paul Levick, secretary at Blackbrook Royals, said: "Although Blackbrook is a well established club we are always seeking to improve our environment, retain our players and encourage new ones to join us and make us the perfect choice when it come s to participating in rugby league.

"As such our executive committee submitted a bid to the programme to improve our shower and changing room facilities and we are delighted that we have been awarded £11,100 to upgrade this part of the premises."

The club is based at Boardmans Lane and has several junior teams for players aged between five and 16, with around 170 young people enjoying Rugby League, plus an Open Age team and a football section.

The improvement works are now underway at the club.

Paul added: "It is brilliant for the club. It will create a really nice environment for new players to come into and the type of place that parents will think I would like to bring my son or daughter along.

"It's not very often that we come across such a sizeable amount of money been given to us."