NRL announces funding for expansion

The National Rugby League has announced a new funding program to support rugby league facilities beyond its traditional strongholds of Queensland and NSW.

NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg announced the establishment of the National Footy Facilities Fund ahead of the historic, sold-out Test match between the Kangaroos and New Zealand at Perth’s nib Stadium.

Greenberg said $3 million would be committed in seed funding to support the continued growth and participation of rugby league at all levels and across States and Territories.

He explained “this is a dedicated funding program to support growth here in Western Australia and in all other States and Territories beyond the Origin strongholds of Queensland and New South Wales.

“The funds will be available to support projects which have attracted support from governments or other funding partners – to ensure that the NRL can play a part on the ground, at the grassroots level."

Greenberg said the establishment of the Fund was an important commitment by the NRL to increase participation and improve the quality, availability and standard of local leagues and facilities.

He added “every one of our Test and elite players started at a local junior rugby league club, some with plenty of great facilities; others with not many at all.

 “Our intention is that all junior clubs will have access and support to quality equipment, fields, coaching and education, so that everyone enjoys playing and participating in our game, no matter what level or location.”

The National Footy Facilities Fund will be made available to community based, not-for-profit organisations and local government councils across Western Australia, Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

Nominations for funding will commence in February 2017, with successful applicants confirmed in May 2017.

Registrations and further information on the funding will be available on www.playnrl.com ahead of the opening of the first funding round next year.

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