Hackney Bulls Youth Rugby Club has been boosted by a £9,990 grant from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme

Hackney Bulls Youth Rugby Club has been boosted by a £9,990 grant from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme.

The club learned its application had been successful on Monday and is already making plans for how the money will be spent.

Spokesman David Gittings said: "We are delighted that Hackney Bulls has been recognised as a good cause by the Lottery.

"We have grown to a membership of over 130 and are probably the fastest growing youth rugby club in the country.

"Our success in bringing rugby to inner-city children and young people has largely been down to the fantastic coaching , the enthusiasm of our teams and the support of the parents."

The club is open to all from ages six to 16, and meets every Sunday morning from 10am-12pm at Clissold Park and Springhill for training or matches.

Younger children start with tag-rugby, a fun introduction to the sport, and progress each year, learning new aspects of the game.

Mr Gittings added: "This injection of funds will allow us to employ new coaches, buy new equipment and roll out an exciting program of events in 2009, including school holiday Rugby Camps in local parks, and rugby taster sessions in local primary and secondary schools.

"Our next Rugby Camp will be in the February half-term in Clissold Park."

More details can be found at www.hackneybulls.co.uk