On October 11, young people from Dewsbury East attended the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, Manchester, as Hull KR claimed a 24–6 victory over Wigan Warriors, thanks to support from the Million Hours Fund.
Funding from the Million Hours Fund enabled the Huddersfield Town Foundation to provide transport for young people who regularly attend its Million Hours‑funded youth provision. The programme delivers open‑access rugby league physical activity sessions for those aged 11–16 living in Earlsheaton, Chickenley, Crackenedge and Hanging Heaton, creating safe, positive spaces for young people to be active, social and engaged within their communities.
Tickets for the prestigious fixture were very kindly provided by partner organisation Street Games, ensuring the group had the opportunity to experience the excitement and atmosphere of one of rugby league’s biggest events.
Representatives from project delivery partner Huddersfield Giants Community Trust also attended the match, supporting the young people throughout the day and sharing in what proved to be an unforgettable experience. The group thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, gaining inspiration from elite sport while celebrating their connection to rugby league.
The Huddersfield Town Foundation remains committed to using the power of sport to create meaningful, positive experiences for young people across Kirklees. By providing safe, inclusive opportunities beyond regular delivery, the Foundation aims to inspire confidence, aspiration and connection, ensuring young people feel supported to GROW, THRIVE and BELONG within their communities.
Sam Dainty, CEO of Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:
“Providing opportunities like this Super League Grand Final visit is exactly what the Million Hours Fund is designed to support. For many of these young people, attending a major sporting event at a venue like Old Trafford is something they may never have imagined being possible. Experiences like this help to build confidence, raise aspirations and strengthen their connection to positive activities within their communities. We are incredibly grateful to the Million Hours Fund, Street Games and our partners for helping make this memorable day a reality.”
Joe Scargill, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:
“Our Million Hours‑funded youth sessions are about much more than physical activity alone – they are about creating trust, belonging and opportunities for young people to thrive. Seeing the group enjoy the Super League Grand Final together was incredibly rewarding and a real testament to their commitment to the programme. Days like this reinforce the importance of long‑term, consistent youth engagement and show young people that their dedication is recognised and valued.”
The Huddersfield Town Foundation would like to thank the Government and The National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support, which makes these impactful opportunities possible for young people across Kirklees and beyond.
The Million Hours Fund is a £22 million jointly funded initiative from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The programme funds organisations to provide positive activities for young people in areas with high levels of antisocial behaviour.
Founded in 2012, Huddersfield Town Foundation uses the power of OUR club to create opportunities, reduce inequalities and inspire lasting change for OUR community through the delivery of projects across Kirklees and the surrounding area.
The Foundation offers opportunities across education, health and youth engagement to deliver impactful, inclusive programmes that empower OUR TOWN to thrive.