West Oxfordshire Levellers secure thousands through funding and hope to inspire more Rugby League clubs to do the same!

Social Impact Week continues with another great story to share!

Over recent months West Oxfordshire Levellers have impressively been awarded four separate funding grants following successful applications, securing over two thousand pounds for their Rugby League club! 

From initiatives in encouraging primary activity, tackling anti-social behaviour, promoting social justice and welcoming more girls into Rugby League, the club reveals that all opportunities were discovered by general internet searches and a proactive approach on social media. 

Experiencing first-hand how accessible securing funding can be, West Oxfordshire Levellers are excited to share with the Rugby League Family how you can do it too...

Read below to discover how! 

What was the biggest learning from applying for multiple grants and implementing multiple new projects within a short period? 

• Be bold. Aim big. Be realistic.  
• Think outside of the sport. Your team’s not just about playing Rugby League, it’s about developing individuals, creating opportunities, positive support and the club being part of the community. 
• Ask for help and share tasks.  
• Prioritise. What will benefit the club now? It might be small or large scale but needs sorting so other actions can follow. 
• Don’t lose faith if unsuccessful. Ask when the next round of funding is, set a call back or ask if they can inform you.  
• Sell your club’s vision the best way you can, grab their interest and get your award. 

How did you identify these specific grants, what are tips for how other clubs can put together great grant applications? 

• Search the internet and social media for every variation of funding, support, grassroots, grants, participation.  
• Join mailing lists of potential organisations! 
• Interact with local businesses.  
• Align ideas with the club’s vision and the RFL.  
• Find out what can make a difference in your community. Do other sports miss a certain group in their offer? Is that group your new target?  
• Check word limits. Draft answers to each question so there are no gaps or errors, before completing online applications.  
• Break-down costs to demonstrate how you intend to spend the money. Get quotes from suppliers, emphasise that you’re applying to provide new opportunities in your area. 
• Make sure benefactors know you already draw on parent and volunteer support. Be open about other grants received.  
• Ensure your governance and finances are in place as you may need to present certificates or bank statements. 
• Offer to promote the funder in your social media channels to celebrate your combined success.  
• Before submission, prepare to provide evidence of spending the award.  
• Get consent for taking and sharing photos in advance. Ensure players wear your kit, not another. The audience needs to know which club is the focus. Ensure coaches also have their gear on.  

How has/will these grants directly benefit participants at West Oxfordshire Levellers? 

• We used one grant to promote our after-school club, in return we have seen an increased interest from girls and those who haven’t enjoyed other sports.
• The club’s parents of children with ADHD or Autism say other sports wouldn’t accept them or were only allowed to put out/collect cones for other kids to use. In reflection of this insight, we are determined to utilise funds to increase accessibility and help coaches work with those needing a tailored approach; so, they’re involved and have as much fun as their friends.
• We received £1,000 to boost female recruitment (ages 6 to 18). Our free Girls Rugby League Skills Camp will be on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2026. Through research, we have discovered that girls lose interest in PE and contend with a lot more whilst growing up. It can be a challenge for a woman to join a team, especially if going alone. We want girls (women too) to have a laugh, exercise and try a new sport without caring what anyone thinks. We want our female players to be who they are and how they are. It’s not about losing weight or bulking up - Rugby League benefits from all shapes and sizes. The day’s success will be measured on participation and fun. 

Can you share a story of an individual or group who has already benefited from one these initiatives? 

Our local police give money gained from the proceeds of crime to support community causes; we were able to use this funding to support individuals at our club. Custom balls incorporating slogans (“Kick knives into touch” and “Tackle drugs, don’t use ‘em”) provide a means for secondary age players to start a conversation and air concerns.

We aim to recruit more young people, help them stay away from harmful antisocial activities, include anti-drug education in development packs and train coaches accordingly. We want members to be more informed about dealing with negative behaviours and the ways they can support others by becoming positive role models.