The Hull FC Community Foundation has received a Winter Survival Grant for 2022, supporting its Wheelchair, LDRL, Women’s and Girls Rugby League teams throughout the off-season.
The RFL’s Rugby League Survival Fund forms part of the wider Sport England support package and it is a direct response to the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ultimately, this package supports the survival of integral community organisations, particularly Hull FC’s Wheelchair, LDRL, Women’s and Girls Rugby League teams, whose players are all drafted in from the local community.
All teams, which are supported by the Hull FC Community Foundation, have made significant strides forward since the New Year.
The Wheelchair team took part in their first-ever Betfred Wheelchair Super League tournament, whilst its home venue, the Allam Sports Centre at the University of Hull, hosted the Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final between Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons as interest for the Wheelchair version of the game blooms in the city.
Meanwhile, participation numbers have skyrocketed for Hull FC’s LDSL team throughout 2022. Following its inauguration in 2021, the LDSL team’s participation figures have doubled, with over 30 players now registered with the team.
The LDSL team have competed in a handful of tournaments across the nation this year, whilst they also had the chance to play on the pitch at St James’ Park at this year’s Magic Weekend.
Meanwhile, huge developments have taken place with Hull FC’s Girls teams, with both the Under 14s and Under 16s winning their league titles, respectively, as the club strives to forge a development programme towards Women’s Rugby League for local girls with a passion for playing rugby league.
The winter grant will cover costs for equipment and travel, amongst other things, to help support some of Hull FC’s community-based outfits throughout the off-season as they look to build for the 2023 season.
Head of the Hull FC Community Foundation James Price said: “This will help the club and the Community Foundation become financially stable and sustainable throughout the winter, whilst providing some vital support for our teams that harbour some of our community’s most passionate rugby league players.
“We have made some outstanding developments with our girls rugby league programme this year. Our commitment to growing the LDSL team has yielded great success, and the Wheelchair team has reached new boundaries in 2022, so the Winter Grant from the RFL is only going to help these teams get into an even stronger position for 2023.
“That’s great news, ultimately, because it means we, as a club and a Community Foundation, can give more back to the people who represent their individual teams with so much pride through the year.”
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