Club launches fundraiser to finish new clubhouse after investor pulls out
Community rugby league club Westhoughton Lions have set up a crowdfunder to help finish their half-built clubhouse after an investor withdrew her funding.
The Bolton-based Lions, which has more than 220 junior members and two open age teams, was formed 25 years ago.
Its dream of a dedicated facility with running water, electricity, changing rooms and hospitality was within touching distance.
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Back in 2017, they received funding from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup to go with grant funding from the local council.
The purpose built facility as part of the funding would require match funding, and in 2019, a local businesswoman came forward with a large donation.
After a lengthy planning process, building started in March 2021 with the view to completion in 2021.
But due to issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, staffing problems and price rises for materials has caused the development to grind to a halt.
A crowdfunder has now been set up to try and raise the £20,000 required to complete the clubhouse.
Westhoughton Lions appeal
The club said: “We’ve watched our dream grow out of the floor. We’ve watched it grow from one floor to two, seen the roof go on, noticed floors being laid and enjoyed the changing rooms taking shape.
“Our dream was dealt a hammer blow when due to COVID the investor officially pulled out her funding leaving us a small amount of funding to continue the building.
“We have so far spent virtually all our club’s fundraised cash and Rugby League World Cup grant to get to this point.
“Sadly we are now left to tell our volunteers and members our issues, hoping the dream can be continued by rapid further fundraising.
“With this building we truly believe we can offer children & young people and our older members the opportunity to “develop into their best selves” through playing rugby league whilst utilising our volunteers within a great purpose-built facility.
“We would be honoured to show anyone around ‘The Den’ where you can see our members playing with our dream as it stands.”
A number of rewards are on offer to anyone who can donate to the crowdfunder.
It includes a buy a brick board on the clubhouse, as well as logos for businesses who contribute £1,000 or more.
To donate to the crowdfunder, click here