Community Rugby League Growth Fund delivers support to grassroots Clubs

The NSW Community Rugby Leagues Association (NSWCRLA) has announced the successful recipients of Round 1 of the Community Rugby League Growth Funding Program, with grassroots Clubs across NSW and the ACT sharing in funding to support participation growth, inclusion initiatives, facility improvements and reducing barriers to play.

The program is delivered through a collaborative effort between the NSWCRLA, Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and NSW Rugby League (NSWRL), bringing organisations together to support practical, community-focused initiatives that strengthen local Rugby League and help clubs respond to growing participation across NSW and the ACT.

NSWCRLA Chair Kristie Laird said the response to the inaugural round highlighted both the strength of Community Rugby League and the important role local volunteers continue to play.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the ARLC and NSWRL for backing Community Rugby League through this program,” said Kristie.

“The quality of applications received showed just how much innovation and commitment exists within grassroots Rugby League communities.

“These projects will help clubs grow participation, improve player experiences and create more inclusive and welcoming environments for players and families,” she added.

Successful projects funded under Round 1 include:

• Singleton Junior Rugby League (Group 21 JRL) for goal posts to unlock access to a new playing field

• Snowy River Bears RLFC (Canberra Region RL) to establish an in-town junior competition in Jindabyne for players aged 6s to 13s

• Yanco Wamoon Rugby League Football Club (Group 20) to launch inaugural junior teams

• Tathra Minor Rugby League Club (Group 16 JRL) for girls and women’s engagement initiatives, including L Tag, non-contact programs and bring-a-mate registration incentives

• Belrose Rugby League Football Club (Manly District JRL) for female participation and inclusion initiatives, including Share the Dignity hygiene kits

• Cooma District Junior Rugby League (Canberra Region RL) for portable shelters, benches and dugouts

• Guyra Junior Rugby League (Group 19 JRL) for registration subsidies to reduce financial barriers and cost-of-living pressures

• Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League Club (Balmain JRL) for multicultural/CALD and female participation initiatives

• Liverpool Catholic Club Raiders (Macarthur Wests Tigers JRL) for ground signage, shelter and club infrastructure improvements

Kristie said the investment reflects the importance of investing directly into local Clubs and volunteers who are driving Rugby League participation within their communities.

“These projects reflect the diversity of challenges and opportunities across Community Rugby League - from regional participation growth and female engagement through to practical infrastructure improvements and reducing barriers for families,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Clubs, Leagues and Districts to support positive Rugby League experiences across NSW and the ACT.”

Further opportunities are anticipated later this year, with future rounds expected to place a stronger emphasis on participation initiatives, player growth and retention.