The official opening of a new floodlit all weather 3G pitch at Archbishop Lanfranc School in Croydon took place on Tuesday, November 23rd.
Part funded by the RFL Facilities Trust, this is first time Rugby League’s governing body has been involved in funding a facility in London and the South East
The initiative forms a vital part of the RFL’s Community Strategy in developing Rugby League in south London.
Great Britain Rugby league legend, Martin Offiah MBE (pictured with Lamont Bryan and Quins head coach Rob Powell) was guest of honour and cut the ribbon before stepping onto the new pitch. “We had nothing like this when I was growing up in London,” he said.
“This is a fantastic facility which will be great for Rugby League in the area, both for the clubs who play here and all the schoolkids who are going to use it. The Rugby Football League and all those involved in this project, are to be congratulated. Hopefully we’ll see some Rugby League stars of the future playing on here.”
David Gent, speaking on behalf of the RFL Facilities Trust, said: “This is a terrific development for Rugby League and the game in South London. I’m tremendously excited by the developments in London and the South East.
“There is so much potential for growth in the sport in London, involving both young people and adults; we’ve only just scratched the surface. A facility like this will attract people of all ages and backgrounds to play and volunteer, help them to develop their skills and enable them to simply enjoy the sport.
“If we manage to develop some top class Rugby League players through having this facility then that will be fantastic but the very fact that young and old alike from all around this area will be able to play in such a great environment, is at the heart of the RFL’s involvement in this partnership.”
Lamont Bryan, a current member of Harlequins RL Super League squad, who grew up in the area and began playing Rugby League with the South London Storm, was also present along with the newly appointed head coach of Quins, Rob Powell, who spent four years as a sports development officer based at Archbishop Lanfranc school.
Dan Steel, Regional Development Manager (London & South East) commented: “This is a great step forward for the development of Rugby League in London, in particular south London, and the culmination of a huge amount of work by Archbishop Lanfranc School, South London Community Rugby League and the London Borough of Croydon .
“We’re really pleased to have formed a partnership with such a strong community-based school, and the facility itself is first class. This is a great commitment by the Rugby Football League to the development of the sport in London, and provides us with a huge opportunity to grow the sport in south London, which we’re determined to make the most of.”
The new pitch was in use straight after the launch, with local schools taking part in the Year 8 Carnegie Champion Schools competition.
The facility will also be home to two Rugby League clubs, South London Storm and Croydon Hurricanes.