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The NRL is setting its sights on expanding its territory throughout Australia, today announcing $3 million of seed funding to encourage growth of and participation in rugby league outside the traditional heartlands of Queensland and New South Wales.
This will come through the establishment of a new funding program, the National Footy Facilities Fund, which was announced by NRL CEO Todd Greenberg today ahead of the Kangaroos vs Kiwis Test match in Perth.
“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,” said Greenberg.
“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.”
The aim of this funding is to improve the game at a grassroots level, acknowledging the vital role that local leagues play in developing the national game.
“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 funding will be made available specifically to organisations outside of the traditional rugby league strongholds in New South Wales and Queensland, but will otherwise be available all over Australia.
The $3 million that has been committed is just a minimum and the amount may grow in time. It is to be distributed over the next six years at $500,000 a year.
The question that will be left on the minds of many after this announcement is just how far NRL expansion will eventually go.
Tonight’s sold-out Perth Test is a feather in the league’s cap suggesting that there is vast interest in the game beyond Australia’ eastern states.
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