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Inspirational leaders and influential groups from Rugby League communities across Cumbria are invited to apply for the 2024 Matt King Educational Bursary, an annual award that celebrates the life of one of the sport’s most influential figures.
The Bursary awards up to £10,000 each year in memory of Matt King OBE, who inspired millions of people after suffering a serious spinal injury playing for the London Broncos Academy in 2004.
It was established to support education and vocational initiatives that have a positive influence on people and the wider sport of Rugby League.
Matt was paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe independently after his injury but went on to achieve a first-class honours degree in law, secure a role as in-house lawyer with the Williams Formula 1 team, build a career as a motivational speaker and become a proud father.
Anyone involved with the sport, in any role, who aspires to invest in themselves and in doing so for the benefit of Rugby League, can apply for the Bursary.
This year, for the first time, applications are also invited from clubs or groups to help fund projects that will deliver tangible benefits to the lives of people involved in the sport.
Previous recipient of the Bursary include Wheelchair Rugby League player Nathan Mulhall, who was awarded £7,000 tin 2022 to help him gain a teaching qualification: Nathan is now teaching at a school in Yorkshire.
The Bursary is administered by a committee featuring representatives from Matt King’s family, the Rugby Football League and the RL Benevolent Fund.
Matt and his family were supported by the Benevolent Fund, which was established as a direct consequence of Matt’s injury. The Benevolent Fund has since gone on to raise and distribute millions of pounds to people who have suffered life-changing injuries playing Rugby League. Matt passed away in February 2021, aged just 33.
Full details of how to apply for the Matt King Educational Bursary, including more information about the eligibility criteria, can be found here.
The Matt King Educational Bursary is not open to professional Rugby League players, who already have access to education and training grants from Rugby League Cares.
The closing date for applications is Sunday September 1.
