The Matt King Educational Bursary is an annual award that celebrates the life of one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Matt King OBE inspired millions of people after suffering a serious spinal injury playing for the London Broncos Academy in 2004. Despite being paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe independently after his injury, Matt 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.
Matt and his family were supported by the RL 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.
Following his death, the Matt King Educational Bursary was instituted to encourage young people in the sport who aspires to invest in themselves and in doing so for the benefit of Rugby League.
The Bursary awards up to £10,000 every year and has two main guiding principles:
- • To enable individuals to commence, or continue, their educational journey, that otherwise may be unduly hindered or denied, due to financial constraints;
- • That the sport is ultimately richer for the investment in this individual and their newly acquired skills and qualifications contribute to the future success of Rugby League.
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.
The Bursary is administered by a panel featuring representatives from Matt King’s family, the Rugby Football League and the RL Benevolent Fund.
The award allows for a total distribution of £10,000 each year: this is distributed at the awarding panel’s discretion, and can be split to accommodate more than one successful applicant. The award can be used to directly cover the fees associated with undertaking qualifications. Where additional funding has been sourced to cover these fees, the fund may be used to support an individual’s legitimate living expenses.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- • The skills, education and qualifications sought will directly benefit the individual, as well as the wider sport in general;
- • Open to any individual who occupies a current role within Rugby League such as community player, volunteer, coach, administrator, or employee;
- • Must be a UK resident and over the age of 16;
- • Must be for an accredited and recognised qualification relevant to the topic of study;
- • Must be happy to contribute and participate in press and publicity upon a successful application.
There is a preference to support younger people in general, but applicants are sought from all age groups. This is new for 2024.
Applications from professional Rugby League players will not be considered: professional players already have access to education and training grants from Rugby League Cares. If you are a player and require more information, please speak to your club wellbeing manager.
To apply, please CLICK HERE
The closing date for applications is Sunday September 1, 2024.
