Bolton held a festival of rugby league ahead of a global tournament that will leave a lasting sporting legacy.
Events were held across the borough today as part of Bolton’s Rugby League World Cup Host Impact Day.
The University of Bolton Stadium will host the England v France game during the group stage of the men’s tournament on October 22nd.
The French team will also be making Bolton their home throughout the duration of the tournament.
Alongside this, a series of community events and initiatives will help grow the game’s grass routes and leave Bolton with a tangible rugby league legacy.
Many of these projects were highlighted today with a schedule of events which included local schools, sports clubs, and some big names from the professional game.
More than 100 guests attended a special business breakfast at the University of Bolton Stadium to hear about the economic opportunities the tournament will create.
This was followed by a training session at Westhoughton Highschool where students were joined by players from the professional game.
The day was rounded off with a session at Westhoughton Lions, who recently opened their new club house with the help of a £300,000 grant from the RLWC.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said:
“Hosting major international events like the Rugby League World Cup is part of our long-term strategy for the borough.
“But these events must work for everyone and deliver benefits for all Bolton residents.
“Today we have seen not only the economic opportunities the tournament will bring, but also the impact it will have on sports development, community engagement and encouraging young people to get active.”
Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive said:
“It was a pleasure to speak at today’s Business Breakfast in Bolton, as part of their Host Impact Day, and in particular to talk about the real impact we have having in the local community through the significant capital grant awarded to Westhoughton Lions.
“There was a real feeling of enthusiasm and excitement for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup, and I’ve no doubt that the local partners will help ensure that The University of Bolton Stadium will be a sell out for the much-anticipated England vs France men’s match on October 22nd.”