THREE York rugby league clubs are among the latest beneficiaries of the grants being given out by the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The competition’s CreatedBy programme has given out £230,000 in this latest round, taking its overall total of small grants to more than £780,000.

York City Knights Foundation, Heworth ARLFC and New Earswick All Blacks ARLFC have been supported by the RLWC2021, having been handed over £25,000 between them.

The Knights Foundation have been granted £4,300 to “help expand participation among children and young people aged 4-16 and to capitalise on the impact of the RLWC2021 coming to York,” said a Rugby Football League statement.

Heworth have been given £11,200 towards the development of an onsite gym and £6,750 for grounds equipment to help maintain its three playing fields and two acres of training fields.

And, New Earswick have received £3,400 for kit and equipment “to support the delivery and growth of junior age groups, from under 7s through to U11s”, added the governing body.

Ralph Rimmer, chief executive of the RFL, said: “The Rugby League World Cup is going to be the nation’s biggest celebration of international sport this year and with these grants our RLWC2021 partners are also building a legacy for our game beyond 2021.

“Once this pandemic is behind us, we will see more and more people participating in rugby lLeague, so it’s essential that the quality of facilities keeps pace.

“Even in the depths of winter, in the midst of another lockdown, rugby league is building strong foundations for the future.”

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, added: “Our CreatedBy grants programme amounts to an unprecedented level of investment in the game, with every £1 invested matched by additional funding.

“Rugby league’s places are becoming even more welcoming and even more inclusive. More people than ever will be experiencing rugby league and the social impact will be genuinely transformative.”