Porirua Vikings Rugby League Club has received a $15,000 grant from New Zealand Community Trust to buy playing kit, jerseys, first aid supplies and rugby league balls for the season.
The funding will help the Ascot Park-based club keep fees low, support player safety and make sure teams have reliable access to essential gear.
Club treasurer and team manager Nicki Starkey said the grant would ease pressure on local families.
“We applied for funding so we wouldn’t need to ask our members for financial support, especially with many families already facing high financial pressure,” Starkey said.
The club said the grant would support participation across all age groups and help coaches deliver consistent training and game-day support.
Porirua Vikings has a strong focus on wellbeing and connection, using rugby league to support physical and mental health, bring families together and build community pride.
Porirua Vikings U11s Maroons coach Kegz Hunter said the funding gave coaches confidence.
“This grant provides that additional reassurance for us coaches, especially knowing that we have the right equipment available to successfully teach our boys the necessary skills to achieve their rugby league goals,” Hunter said.
Porirua Valkyries U6s manager Manauea “Muns” Metuariki said the funding had helped the club’s youngest girls take the field.
“It’s been special watching the confidence, teamwork and love for the game grow each week in our girls,” Metuariki said.
“It’s the first time our club has had an all-girls team in the U6 grade, and the support and funding from NZCT has made this possible for our girls.”
Young players said the new gear was also helping build pride in the club.
“I love wearing my Vikings top every week. Me and my team look really cool,” Porirua Valkyries U6s player KhanLee Davis said.
U11s Maroons captain Carter Hunter said leading his team out each week was a highlight.
“Getting to play for the best rugby league club in Wellington is a flex,” Carter said.
“Putting on my jersey every Sunday and leading all my bros out onto the field makes me really proud.”
NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the grant was designed to help remove barriers to sport.
“Support like this helps remove that financial pressure and makes it easier for more young people to get involved and stay involved,” Hodges said.
Porirua Vikings Rugby League Club was established in 1978 and is based at Ascot Park. It provides junior and senior rugby league opportunities, with a focus on inclusion, wellbeing and community connection.
