On 26 October representatives from Southampton Spitfires visited Parliament to take part in a celebration of rugby league in and around the capital.
The event was held in conjunction with the London Rugby League Foundation, a charitable trust which aims to increase participation and engagement in rugby league in London and the surrounding counties.
Whilst the Foundation was only established in 2014, rugby league in London has a long and proud history dating back to the early 20th century, with active clubs well established across London and the South East. Clubs from all over the South East were joined by their local MP and Members of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group to showcase the breadth of the sport in and around London.
Mims Davies, the club’s local Member of Parliament said “it is always a pleasure to welcome constituents to Parliament. I am delighted volunteers from Southampton Spitfires were able to visit the Palace of Westminster, celebrate rugby league, and be thanked for their hard work by the London Rugby League Foundation. The club does excellent work in the local community, and I look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow. I would encourage any of my colleagues with rugby league clubs in their constituencies to support the sport.”
Glenn Tyreman attended the reception on behalf of Southampton Spitfires and said “it was an honour to be invited to Parliament to celebrate rugby league in London. It was very good to see the breadth and depth of support for the game in London and the South East, and we are already looking forward to the 2016 season.”
Southampton Spitfires play regular fixtures through the summer months. Anyone wanting more information should contact Glenn Tyreman on spitfiresrugbyleague@gmail.com