We have received funding from The D J Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme for the purchase of two new Junior Rugby League kits.

The funding will help the club purchase two new kits for teams built from children in the under 9 and under 11 age groups that the club will be recruiting in the next few months. This recruitment is part of a wider development programme that will see a Rugby league development programme being launched in primary schools close to Blackpool Stanley’s base at Kingscote Park in the next few weeks.

The purchase of kit by the club helps ensure that Blackpool Stanley can maintain there long-standing policy of keeping Rugby League Free at the point of delivery. Nobody who joins the club to play pays any subscriptions and playing kit is provided and maintained by the club. This policy will be key for recruitment and maintaining existing numbers as many local families face the national cost of living crisis, where other costs they face take higher priority over participating in sport.

Simon Hornby, Chairman at Blackpool Stanley, said: “We are really pleased that The D J Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme have made this award. Providing kit for all our young people is important for us in our location and the award makes a significant contribution to achieving this. We strive to remove the cost of playing rugby league for our community so that everyone can afford to participate. This approach helps with the health and wellbeing of all those who choose to play, not just those who can afford it.”

Joy Kavanagh, Glasdon Group Director and Charitable Programme Manager, said “We are very pleased to be able to support this exciting new venture.”