BIRCHWOOD Community High School will receive £2,400 to create four new school rugby teams to inspire the next generation of players.

The schools was chosen as part of the RLWC2021 Capital Grants Legacy Programme, delivered by Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the Rugby Football League, in partnership with Sport England.

It aims to help grow the sport of rugby and make it more visible, engaging and welcoming to current and potential participants.

Birchwood High will create two new temas for girls and two for boys, both under 14s and under 16s.

The teams will train weekly and their aim is to compete in regular game-based scenarios in order to improve team members’ rugby skill set.

Jacqui Jenkinson, who was instrumental in winning the grant said: "There is an obvious link between mental and physical health and we are keen to create an environment where students are keeping physically fit in conditioning sessions, developing their rugby skills whilst at the same time improving the levels of participation of girls in sport.

"We know that there is a demand for competitive team games from many of our students and we feel that a rugby programme would offer a positive outlet.

"We will be working closely with the Warrington Wolves Foundation and are excited to get the training sessions up and running.

"This generous grant will enable us to buy two more rugby kits, balls, hit shields, bibs, tags – everything we will need to deliver great training sessions.

"We are so grateful to The CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme for selecting us to receive this grant."

Jon Dutton, chief executive, RLWC2021, added: "The CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme is focused on ensuring the next generation of rugby league players have the best possible experience and barriers to participate are removed.

"We are delighted to award this grant to Birchwood Community High School and look forward to seeing the results of this investment that aims to deliver real change in their community."