WESTHOUGHTON Lions are set to build a new clubhouse after receiving a slice of a major grant.

The Bolton rugby league side are one of five clubs to receive part of £835,000 handed out by the organisers of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup as part of their £2million investment in grassroots projects.

The Lions’ new facility will include new team and officials' changing rooms, male and female toilets and shower rooms, a function room, offices and meeting room as well as a new bar, cellar and kitchen.

Club chairman Jamie Brown said: “Building this clubhouse is going to be a game-changer for the residents of Westhoughton.

“It is going to give the community a brand-new facility where they can become more physically active, whilst giving the whole Lions family a place to call their own.

“Many of our members have been dreaming of the day they can use a real toilet, have a shower after a game and welcome back their opponents without having to drive to a different venue.

"The Lions really will be able to take pride in their den.”

Wath Brow Hornets from Copeland in Cumbria, Kirkless’ Dewsbury Moor, Wigan club Orrell St James and Drighlington from Leeds are the other clubs to receive a cash boost.

Jon Dutton, chief executive of the 2021 World Cup, said: “Westhoughton Lions ARFLC have been awarded a large grant via our CreatedBy Capital grants programme, after they demonstrated an excellent vision for how the funding will be used to deliver a wider impact on the local community, with a special emphasis on mental wellbeing.

“We are confident that these new developments will become established hubs for local people, help local players at a grassroots level and have a real positive impact on the development of rugby league in the future.”

Cllr David Greenhalgh, the leader of Bolton Council, believes the project will be part of the legacy of the World Cup coming to Bolton.

“This is great news for Westhoughton Lions and the wider community,” he said.

“It will create a great venue for residents to try rugby league and engage in physical activity in a brand-new facility.

“Bolton, being a host town for the Rugby League World Cup 2021, will also now have a fantastic lasting legacy for this fantastic sport and Westhoughton Lions to continue to grow.”

The CreatedBy Capital programme is focused on improving existing facilities or creating new ones with the aim of building community hubs and encouraging more people to play rugby league.