The new function
will be based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire and is being set up in line with
the recommendations of the Genesis Report into the structure of the grass-roots
game.

Rugby League Services
will build on the foundations laid by the staff of the British Amateur Rugby
League Association and will continue to provide a broad range of services to
grass roots Rugby League clubs.

These services will
also be extended to other grass-roots Rugby League organisations which are partners
of the Rugby League Community Board.

These services include:

• Player Registration
Systems

• Club Communications – including the Rugby League Bulletin, websites
and e-mail newsletters and bulletins

• Grass Roots Rugby League Event Management

• Grant Procurement – guidance support and information on available
funding

• Other Services supported by the unit will be Rugby League’s Volunteer
Programme, Equity and Ethics issues, • Child Protection and Clubmark Accreditation.

Commenting on the
new structure, Rugby League Services Manager Niel Wood – who has been
appointed to lead the unit said: “Rugby League Services will aim to maintain
and continue to improve on the assistance and support to grass roots Rugby League
clubs and organisations.

“We believe
the restructuring of this function will enable these important services to reach
more participants more efficiently and in an improved form.”

Wood added: “Rugby
League Services has a significant part to play in the overall sustaining and
development of the sport and all staff involved are looking forward to the challenges
ahead”.