Junior players from one of one of Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Ambassador Community Clubs will be showing support for the charity when they take part in the 2021 Leeds Big Sleep… In this week.
The sponsored ‘sleep in’ takes place this Friday 5th February, with members of Keighley Albion RLFC joining business leaders and volunteers from across the region in helping to raise vital funds to support the work of local charities Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St Gemma’s Hospice and St George’s Crypt
Having taken up the challenge laid down by Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Albion’s young players will be joining one of their Super League heroes in giving up a night of comfort to take part in this annual event, which is taking place virtually this year due to lockdown rules.
Rob Spencer, Media Manager, will be one Albion representative taking part in the Big Sleep and says that it is something the whole club is proud to get on board with.
“Throughout the lockdowns we’ve always tried to have something club orientated which is benefitted towards the community,” explained Rob. “Previously we’ve held a ‘design a shirt competition’ and a sponsored walk with all profits going towards the NHS and charitable causes.”
“When we heard about the Big Sleep through the Foundation we were all keen to get involved, so we’re approaching this as our ‘Lockdown 3’ initiative if you like. We know it’s in aid of three great charities and that at the moment it is particularly tough on people’s mental health, particularly with it being such a cold, harsh winter, so the effects on homelessness in general will be massive.
“If we can use the Big Sleep to generate some awareness of that across the club, whilst at the same time raising much needed funds for the supporting charities, then that’s a great thing for us.”
“We’d have loved to have done it as a full club at Emerald Headingley Stadium, but the way it’s being run virtually to be COVID-secure is a great idea and testament to the hard work done by all three charities.”
Having been established 73 years ago, Albion are recognised as Keighley’s premier Amateur club, the longest continuous running amateur Rugby League side and the only club based in the town to offer a junior and youth pathway.
With over 320 players registered across the club ,Albion have been recognised as the biggest clubs in the Yorkshire Junior League, with a view to expanding even further in the 2021 season.
Having worked hard to strengthen their community relationships and in close partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation – who provide support, matchday experiences, exclusive development training sessions and a pathway into elite sport for ambitious youngsters- Rob says the club are proud to this key fundraising event.
“The whole vision and ethos of Keighley Albion is to engage young people into a character-building team sport, and the events that Leeds Rhinos Foundation put on, whether that’s the half-time games, coach development sessions or the Ambassador festivals, is massive to us as a community club.
“Those memories last a lifetime for the kids and give them the experiences which make them excited to play Rugby League. If we can give back to the Foundation by drumming up some noise for this fundraising event and getting people involved then it’s honestly the least we can do.
“The partnership is extremely important to us and we want to show as a community club that we’re going to rally together to help.”
Keighley Albion have a full inclusive offering of age groups too, starting with their Albion Antz (three to six-year-olds), U7s-U11s mixed gender age groups, U12-U16 boys, U12s-U18 girls, U18s men’s academy, and open age men’s teams.
For more information on the club and registering for 2021, please visit or message the club’s Facebook page HERE, or go to the club’s website, http://www.keighleyalbionarlfc.com.
SIGN UP FOR THE LEEDS BIG SLEEP… IN.
The 2021 Leeds Big Sleep In takes place on Friday 5th February. Supporters of all ages are being invited to take part in the virtual sleepout, which will feature a whole host of virtual activities and entertainment for them to enjoy.
To register your place for the Leeds Big Sleep In, please visit http://bit.ly/LeedsBigSleepIn.
For more information about the Leeds Big Sleep In, email tracey.mearns@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.