As one of the host towns for the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC2021) in England, Warrington secured a major injection of funding from the RLWC2021 “CreatedBy” legacy fund, receiving £600,000 the facility.

The council worked in partnership with Wolves Foundation to secure the funding, with the remainder of the project being funded with capital investment from the council.

The pitch, part of Warrington’s Central 6 Masterplan, will be a key venue for the England Talent Programme and will support community rugby including increasing women’s and disability rugby opportunities, as well as being used by the Warrington Wolves team.

Local players and community clubs will be able to use the facilities both for training and competitive match play. This includes the intention to make the new facility the home of Women and Girls’ Rugby League in the borough. It also represents a significant milestone in terms of the ongoing project to increase and improve community green spaces and facilities within the Central 6 masterplan area – something Warrington residents highlighted as a priority.

“Warrington is a town known for its love of rugby league and this new pitch is an important part of our ambitions to create a local centre of excellence and support our continued legacy of being a proud rugby league town. It will be a fantastic asset that will meet the needs of our communities, now and in the future,” said Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community.