By Rachael Grealish

Whitehaven Rugby League has renamed its stadium after signing a five-figure deal with a Cumbrian engineering firm, for the next three seasons.

It was announced today, Tuesday April 27, Lifttech Engineering Limited has signed a deal becoming the Copeland rugby club’s principal sponsors.

The Recreation Ground has been well-known as the ‘Recre’ for decades and has now been renamed ‘The LEL Arena’.

Whitehaven RLFC chairman, Tom Todd, called it a ‘major step forward’ for the club.

He said: “As chairman of the club I am so pleased to announce today that the club has entered into a three-year sponsorship deal with L.E.L limited. 

“Lifttech Engineering work in the nuclear industry and we hope we can be beneficial to each other in the future. The board is excited at the opportunities L.E.L. offers. will bring with them and working together will reap rewards for all concerned.”

Lifttech is a mechanical, nuclear and industrial engineering services company headquartered in Lillyhall. 

L.E.L managing director Nick Robinson is ‘over the moon’ to enter into this deal with Whitehaven RLFC.

He said: “We are proud to announce our deal with Whitehaven RLFC. We are a local firm that has completed numerous major projects within the local nuclear industry and through our rapid growth we recognise the sheer importance of investing and supporting our local community club.

“Our business is one of huge ambition and a deal of this size with Whitehaven is the right way forward for us. Our commitment to the community and providing local employment is only going to blossom from now on.”

Michael Wood, finance director at Whitehaven RLFC, added: “This deal boosts our efforts to ensure the club’s sustainability over the next three years and seasons.

“This is a further step forward in the right direction for the club as we look to ensure a strong and prosperous return following the Coronavirus crisis.”

The club has made a promising start to the 2021 Betfred Championship season, and the optimism remains high at the club as they look forward to their home game against Bradford Bulls this Sunday, May 2.