Sporting celebrations underway as Bolton hosts the Rugby League World Cup
The sporting celebrations began as the city prepared to host the Rugby League World Cup.
Bolton hosted a rugby league festival ahead of the global tournament that will leave a lasting sporting legacy.
Events were held throughout the borough 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 based in Bolton throughout the tournament.
This precedes the Rugby League World Cup group stage match between England and France at the University of Bolton Stadium
Alongside this, a range of community events and initiatives will help develop the game’s grass paths and leave Bolton with a tangible rugby league legacy.
Many of these projects were highlighted yesterday with a schedule of events that included local schools, sports clubs and some big names in professional football.
More than 100 guests attended a special business breakfast at the University of Bolton Stadium to learn about the economic opportunities the tournament will create.
A training session at Westhoughton High School followed, in which the students were accompanied by players from professional football.
Over 100 guests attended a business breakfast to learn about the economic opportunities the tournament will bring
The day ended with a session at the Westhoughton Lions who recently opened their new clubhouse with the help of a £300,000 grant from the RLWC.
Bolton Council leader Cllr Martyn Cox said: “Hosting major international events such as the Rugby League World Cup is part of our long-term strategy for the borough.
“But these events need to work for everyone and bring benefits to all Bolton residents.
The day also included a training session at Westhoughton High School and a session with the Westhoughton Lions
“Today we saw not only the economic opportunities that the tournament will bring, but also the impact it will have on sport development, community engagement and encouraging young people to take action.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021 said: “It was a pleasure to speak at today’s Business Breakfast in Bolton as part of their Host Impact Day and specifically to speak about the real impact we are making through the significant capital in the local community Grant for Westthoughton Lions.
“There was a real sense of enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup and I have no doubt that the local partners will help ensure that the University of Bolton Stadium sells out for the highly anticipated England v France game will be men’s game on October 22.”