Leeds Rugby Foundation has received a huge boost with the decision by the Mears Group PLC to become the major sponsor of their flagship plan for Rugby League Development in Leeds over the next 3 years. The Sponsorship will provide a significant cash boost for the Charitable Trust at a time when funding for community projects is under threat.
The news comes just weeks after the Leeds Rugby Foundation won the “Foundation of the Year” Award at the prestigious Man of Steel Awards Ceremony in Manchester.
The Development Plan was launched just over a year ago with the ambitious aim to give every youngster in Leeds the opportunity to play Rugby League and attend a Leeds Rhinos or Hunslet Hawks game. Heritage and Coach Education also feature heavily and the Foundation now has a staff of 12 full time Schools and Community Coaches, led by Leeds Rugby League Development Manager, Leon Crick.
Mears Group employs over 16,000 people in every region of the UK. Mears Social Housing maintain and repair over 1,000,000 homes nationwide and deliver in excess of 6,000 repairs per day to over 70 local authorities and registered social landlords. Mears Home and Care services also provide flexible care to over 20,000 older and disabled people and help support them to continue living in their own homes. As part of Mears commitment to the local communities they work in, Mears staff have volunteered in excess of 22,000 hours to 648 projects nationwide in the past 12 months.
This new sponsorship support from Mears will now enable Leeds Rugby Foundation to progress the development of rugby league in the following ways:
o Employ 2 new staff members to work with schools and community clubs in the South and North West regions of the City.
o Provide another 1,000 children each year with the opportunity to attend games at Headingley Carnegie and John Charles Stadium as part of the popular “Day to Remember” Scheme.
o Expand the “Leeds Children’s Day” event at Headingley Carnegie Stadium to enable more youngsters to participate in a wide range of activities.
o Offer new Coach Education opportunities and qualifications to aspiring community coaches.
o Produce and distribute a Quarterly “RL in Leeds” Newsletter.
o Offer 20 lucky youngsters a unique “Day to Remember” experience at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 2013 RL World Cup.
o Fund the display of a blue plaque at Headingley Carnegie Stadium to commemorate the hosting of the game’s first International match and the first Rugby League Challenge Cup Final in 1897.
Tony Bower; Managing Director of Mears Group PLC is delighted to join forces with Leeds Rugby Foundation:
“Mears are committed to playing a key role in the Leeds communities and we have been very impressed with the work of Leeds Rugby Foundation and their vision. It’s so important to provide opportunities for youngsters and we are delighted to be playing our part.”
Councillor Keith Wakefield, Leader, Leeds City Council commented:
“With Leeds hosting a number of world-class sporting events over the next year, this is exactly the right time to be encouraging more people to actually get involved in sport. Leeds Rugby Foundation has some really innovative plans to boost its work with communities, especially with young people, so I look forward to working with them to achieve that.”
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon; Executive Member for Leisure & Skills: Leeds City Council said:
“Leeds Rugby Foundation inspire so many people to get involved in Rugby League and make a big difference across the City. In this Rugby League World Cup year, it is fantastic news that Mears are supporting the Foundation’s growth and helping to open up even more opportunities for our communities.”
Nigel Wood, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL) believes this could be the start of something special. He said:
“There can be few higher priorities for any sport than to get more young players playing. Achieving that, in the modern era, requires a collaborative effort between professional clubs, community volunteers, public agencies and private businesses with a civic and social responsibility. The Leeds Foundation Partnership with Mears could well be the blueprint for others to follow.”
Bob Bowman; Leeds Rugby Foundation Director Of Operations said:
“This is fantastic news not only for Leeds Rugby Foundation, but for rugby league as a whole in the City. I am sure we will see Mears’ backing pay off within the next few years.”
Gary Hetherington; Chief Executive of Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Rugby Foundation Trustee commented:
“At a time when charitable organisations are finding it tough to raise funds and community services are facing cuts, it’s so heartening to find a company like Mears whose support will now make a big difference to so many.”
Brian McDermott; Leeds Rhinos Head Coach and Leeds Rugby Foundation Volunteer Coach Educator thinks this will be of huge benefit to the Coach Education programme. He said:
“The Mears sponsorship will now enable us to up-skill and put through the Rugby League Level 2 coaching qualification to another 50 Schools and Community Club Coaches who will make a big difference to what we are striving to achieve – helping young people to develop; self-confidence, respect, pride and discipline through playing Rugby League!”
Finally, Barry Eaton; Hunslet Hawks – Head Coach and Leeds Rugby Foundation Schools Coach commented:
“Working in South Leeds Schools as I do, I’m so pleased with this support from Mears, which will now enable us to provide even more support.”