Rugby club’s future at risk after £18k quote

Dearne Valley Bulldogs, who play at Ings Lane in Bolton upon Dearne, built the clubhouse to offer players a safe space for changing, as well as providing educational and training facilities.

President Duncan Henderson (49) said the club was a “beacon of hope and community spirit”.

But he and fellow members have bee left devastated by the cost quoted by Northern Powergrid to hook the facility up to the electricity network.

Mr Henderson, who has been involved with the club for over 21 years, said: “We have been hit hard by trying to get electricity throughout the building.

“Northern Powergrid sent us a quote in the region of £18,000, which we simply cannot afford.

“We have been helped out by the Rugby League Federation with a grant to build the clubhouse.

“We have to fight for everything to keep our club going which is extremely tough, but we want the best for our community.

“We have to self-fundraise to keep going and another expensive bill is the last thing we need.”

Mr Henderson said the club played a vital role in the community by helping young children and their families during difficult times.  

He added: “We accommodate sessions for all age groups from age four to men’s.

“What makes us stand out is our community focus as we offer free training for young kids so they can get enjoyment from the sessions and their parents can rest easy that they will not have to fork out a lot of money.

“We offer sessions to kids that will provide them with vital lifeskills as they navigate through life, such as resilience, teamwork, leadership and dedication.

“There could be 200 kids without rugby league because of this.”

Alan Lee (59), whose children play for the club, said: “Dearne Valley Bulldogs means a lot to me and the community in what is a deprived area. It is fantastic to be part of a club made up of dedicated volunteers who care about their community.

“There are not many rugby league clubs in the area and for those who rely on this club, it is massive that we find a way to keep going.

“We are always fighting as a team to do the best for the kids that’s the reason why so many of us are working hard behind the scenes.

“We are determined to fight and get this clubhouse ready to open next summer.”

Volunteers, players, and parents will undertake several fundraising initiatives such as a sponsored walk around Manvers Lake next month.

You can support Dearne Valley Bulldogs here: https://tinyurl.com/Dearne-Valley-Bulldogs.

Northern Powergrid did not respond to a request for comment.