Thanks to National Lottery players, ‘Try for Tomorrow’ partners have received £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, to help the Rugby League community across the country to reduce the impact of human activity on the climate.
This social impact programme will help tackle climate change through dedicated and action-filled educational sessions on food, energy, transport, waste, nature and water delivered in our community to 200 schools. It will also support 100 community clubs to become more sustainable by launching ‘Utility Benches’ that are multi-banks, acting as a catalyst for climate action!
Over the next three years, we at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the RFL Community Trust and other strategic community-based partners are excited to inspire, empower and connect people across the sport take meaningful steps in the fight against climate action. By linking climate action to everyday life through the exciting vehicle and incredible sport that is Rugby League, we trust that we can bring communities together to empower one another and to create lasting change. Remember, small changes make big impact!
Head of Community and Engagement, Gareth Cook said: “Through this programme, we’re excited to work alongside clubs, schools and community partners to help make sustainability more accessible.
“By providing education, resources and initiatives such as the new Utility Benches, we can support clubs in reducing their environmental impact while inspiring players, volunteers and families to take action in their everyday lives.”
Partners in the project include:
- Rethink Food – environmental sustainability experts
- Substance – project evaluation experts
- The Rugby Football League
- 12 Rugby League Charitable Foundations – delivery experts
- Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation
- The Bradford Bulls Foundation
- Tigers Trust (Castleford Tigers)
- Huddersfield Giants Community Trust
- Hull Kingston Rovers Community Trust
- The Hunslet Club
- Leeds Rugby Foundation (Leeds Rhinos)
- Leigh Youth and Community Development Trust (Leigh Leopards)
- Salford Red Devils Foundation
- Saints Community Development Foundation
- Swinton Lions Community Sports Foundation
- Wakefield Trinity Community Trust
To find out more, visit: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/
About The National Lottery Community Fund
We are the largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of our purpose, vision and name.
We support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK.
We’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with Government to distribute vital grants and funding from key Government programmes and initiatives.
As well as responding to what communities tell us is important to them, our funding is focused on four key missions, supporting communities to:
- Come together
- Be environmentally sustainable
- Help children and young people thrive
- Enable people to live healthier lives.
Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, we distribute around £500 million a year through 10,000+ grants and plan to invest over £4bn of funding into communities by 2030. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.

