A roundtable was hosted at the Salford Community Stadium which aimed to help advance and shape the future Rugby League.
The roundtable hosted by Salford City Council on Thursday 3 April, was used to construct a coalition of voices, empowering the call for further investment.
Chaired by Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, renewed his and the council’s commitment to supporting grassroots sport and empowering the North’s cultural heritage.
The roundtable brought together key individuals from across Rugby League playing constituencies and local authorities to determine the structure and content of a national strategy.
Attendees discussed where precisely investment is needed, how localities can collaborate to succeed in obtaining more investment, as well as their experiences of support for rugby both locally and nationally.
Participants included Michael Wheeler MP (Worsley and Eccles), Rebecca Long-Bailey MP (Salford) and the Leaders of Warrington, Wigan, and St Helens.
Throughout, they discussed that Rugby League is integral to the culture of the North of England and called for the inclusion of the sport in future Government-led reviews of the sport.
Attendees also highlighted the cultural opportunities for both residents and tourists deriving from enabling the region’s rich rugby heritage to thrive.
To conclude the roundtable, participants agreed to work together to secure investment from the sport at every level.
Following the roundtable, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett commented: “It was great to bring representatives from across national and regional government together to unite the North under one voice and establish a clearer path for securing further investment into Rugby League.
“The previous government conducted a review on the future sustainability of Rugby Union and failed to include Rugby League.
“We’re here to make sure that this great sport is given the support in needs so our communities and residents can share in the economic, cultural, social and health benefits that rugby league can offer.”
The roundtable was also part of Salford City Councils commitment to creating a fairer, greener, healthier, and more inclusive city for all.
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