National Lottery Funding Boosts Women's Rugby in Houghton RFC

Strategic Insights -

The National Lottery has given Houghton Rugby Football Club (RFC) £8,765 in grants to upgrade facilities and grow an exceptional women and girls' programme, with over 120 members strong. The club, considered a pillar of the community, sits near the Stadium of Light, where the Red Roses beat the USA in the first match of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. Former international rugby players, Ugo Monye and Maggie Alphonsi, visited the club to celebrate the beginning of the tournament and ran a rugby session and Q&A with Houghton's Ladies team captain Yonela Madikizela and Head of Women and Girls at Houghton Jack Sneezham.

Key Takeaways:

  • Houghton RFC received £8,765 in grants from The National Lottery to upgrade facilities and grow their women and girls' programme.
  • The club now has over 120 members, with over one-third being women and girls.
  • The National Lottery has invested over £6 billion in grassroots clubs and organisations over the last 30 years, with £170 million specifically dedicated to grassroots rugby.
  • This investment has transformed grassroots rugby across the UK, including vital investment into the women's and girls' game.
  • Houghton RFC has had success on the elite end of the sport, with members Sophie Price and Amelia Hyndman gaining national recognition.
  • Maggie Alphonsi, a World Cup winner in 2014, was thrilled to see young girls turn up to celebrate the beginning of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup and hopes to see them graduate onto the international stage.
  • Ugo Monye praised the National Lottery's investment in grassroots sports, stating that it's not just about rugby, but about community and bringing people together.

Statistics:

  • £6 billion has been invested by The National Lottery into grassroots clubs and organisations over the last 30 years.
  • £170 million has been specifically dedicated to grassroots rugby.
  • Over £8,765 was given to Houghton RFC in grants to upgrade facilities and grow their women and girls' programme.
  • Houghton RFC has over 120 members, with over one-third being women and girls.
  • 30% of Houghton RFC's players are women and girls.

Sources:

  • [Megan Armitage, HOUGHTON RFC News]
  • [The National Lottery press release]