GRASSROOTS rugby league clubs have been given a cash boost due to the borough’s successful bid to be a World Cup host.

Money from the Rugby League World Cup’s (RWLC) CreatedBy legacy fund will help teams with new facilities, kit and equipment.

Leigh Sports Village and the DW Stadium in Wigan were chosen as venues fopr matches during the 2021 tournament.

It is hoped the fund initiative will create a legacy for the 2021 tournament by providing opportunities for young players to follow in the footsteps of their heroes.

An estimated 150 million people across 115 countries are predicted to watch both the male and female RLWCs with 32 squads of elite players arriving in the UK, as well as thousands of overseas supporters.

Leigh Sports Village will host three matches as part of the showpiece event, which will be held in October and November 2021.

Those benefitting from the grant include Golborne High School who have received £2,268.77 for new kit and equipment to generate inter-school and after-school activity, with links to Golborne Parkside ARLFC.

Meanwhile, St Peter's Pavilion Limited, the parent club for Hindley ARLFC, have been awarded £4,972.83 towards an innovative digital solution for signage at the club.

Leader of the council, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome teams and fans from across the world to Leigh Sports Village.

“The games are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our borough and we expect it provide a big boost for our local economy.

“Our team worked tirelessly in securing games for Leigh and once it was confirmed that we would be one of the Rugby League World Cup hosts, it was essential that the grassroots of the sport benefitted from the legacy of the tournament.

“Investment in our local teams is a vital component of securing this legacy and the money provided should mean that future generations of players are encouraged to take up the great sport.”

More than one million people are expected to attend the games over the five week tournament.

Tracy Power, legacy director of RLWC2021, added: “The CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme is focused on ensuring the next generation of rugby league players have the best possible experience and barriers to participate are removed.

“We are delighted that community organisations in Wigan and Leigh have accessed the funding and look forward to seeing the results of this investment and the difference it makes to local communities."

Other clubs from elsewhere in the borough benefitting from grants are:

- Wigan Bulldogs ARLFC: £2,795 for kit and equipment to create a new cubs’ section for children aged 4 and above.

- Wigan St Cuthberts & Norley Hall Sports & Community Club: £11,000 towards renovation of their changing rooms in particular their showers, benches and lighting.

- Wigan St Judes ARLFC: £8,925 to modernise the club’s existing clubhouse which was built in 1984 and currently caters for 22 teams.