Community clubs engage in summer makeovers

Over 40 proactive community rugby league clubs have currently registered to hold ‘self help’ makeovers this summer to rejuvenate or further improve their facilities.

The grassroots clubs have all signed up for the nationwide initiative known as ‘engage with your club’ which aims to inspire and assist clubs to create a volunteer workforce, dedicated to improving their clubhouse, changing rooms, pitches or grounds over one ‘action’ weekend.

The initiative was launched by the former Super League title sponsor Engage Mutual in close partnership with the Rugby League Foundation. To further incentivise participation, registered clubs who hold an ‘action event’ have the chance to win cash donations of up to £2500.

England captain Jamie Peacock and Super League XVII’s current top try scorer Josh Charnley have both thrown their support behind the initiative.

Former Stanningley ARLFC youngster, Jamie Peacock commented:

“Supporting the grassroots is key to the future success of rugby league on the whole. Improving the environment people begin and continue to play in can only have a positive return on every aspect of the game – from the minis on a Sunday morning all the way up to the full-timers representing their country. Here we have an affordable option to make some improvements in tough financial times. Get involved!”

Josh Charnley is a proud old boy of community clubs Chorley Panthers and Wigan St Patricks. “I enjoyed some great years in the Community game and realise that these clubs are the lifeblood of our sport. Any activity which encourages and assists people to work together to improve club environments is fantastic and can only benefit the game.”

For information on how your community rugby league club could hold an ‘engage with your club’ action event plus the chance for them to win one of ten prizes of £1000 or one of two main prizes of £2500 visit www.engagemutual.com/rugby, or follow their progress on twitter: @with_your_club