Community and Grassroot Sports representatives invited to reception at 10 Downing Street

On Monday 16th March, Community and Grassroots representatives from the Rugby League community attended a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate their contributions to the community game. The representatives were nominated by the RFL for their continued support in growing and developing the sport.

In attendance was Genna Banks of Leigh Miners Rangers, and Craig Beaumont of Hull Wyke. Banks was a leading figure at Leigh Miners Rangers, one of the leading girls’ sections in the country, and now continues her impressive work with Wigan Warriors. Beaumont is a stalwart in the community game for an up-and-coming club across facility development, club growth, and engaging with the wider community to increase participation.

Also invited was Chairman of Telford Raiders and long-term volunteer Fred Baker. Baker has been recognised for his valiant efforts over the years, working on the community board and acting as a key figure in growing the game across the Midlands.

Recent inductee of the RFL Hall of Fame, Sam Horner was also in attendance, representing the Leeds Rhinos Foundation - one of the leading foundations in the game. Horner was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to community Rugby League and continues to work with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation to engage with underrepresented groups from across Leeds.

Finally, Donna Simons of the Yorkshire Junior League was also invited to attend. Simons is a key administrator for the community game, running the largest junior competition in the country, and has played a key role in facilitating activity for youth rugby league for the last 15 years.