CASH-STRAPPED community rugby league clubs have been offered a share of a £50,000 fund.

The British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) has made grants of between £100 and £1000 available.

A further £25,000 could be released in the fund jointly administered by BARLA and the RFL, depending on the number of applications.

Clubs will be asked initially to complete a club health check – which many have done already – and then complete an application form providing an explanation of what the fund will be used for.

All clubs are encouraged to apply, although in the first instance grants will be open to the BARLA member clubs.

“We are aware that community clubs are experiencing some real financial difficulties whilst we are in this lockdown period," said Sue Taylor, BARLA chair.

"BARLA are keen to help clubs during this time and are delighted to be able to offer support.”

Clubs are asked to email competitions@rfl.uk.com for an application form.

BARLA’s offer comes as the Sport England Community Emergency Fund that was set up in the early stages of the lockdown has been temporarily paused for new applicants, to allow Sport England to work through a backlog. The initial fund of £20m has been increased to £35m.

More than 60 clubs have already made successful applications for support.