National League, Community Club of the Year 2007
National
Leagues Community Club of the Year 2007 gets short change from District
Council!
Featherstone
Rovers Chief
Exec Andy Prout is this week inviting all supporters to a special meeting at
the Rovers ground on the evening of 13th December (7.30pm) where the
Board of Directors will explain how a continued lack of support, and second
rate treatment from the WMDC means a call to action is now required. “We
would like to outline to our loyal supporters in Featherstone just how we are
facing an uphill battle with the WMDC who are ignoring our requests for
assistance. All we are asking is parity with the other two professional clubs
in this ward. The recently published Sports and Active Lifestyle Strategy makes
numerous mentions of two other rugby league clubs in the area, and their
requirements for new and improved Stadia, whilst we receive little or no
recognition for our immediate or future requirements or existence”
“We
too have Super League ambitions and will be building and submitting a license
application in March 2008 for the 2009 season, and if necessary again in 2011
for the 2012 season, we are acutely aware that our ground does not meet the
criteria for Super League status, however the cost of remedial work to bring it
up to the required standards is a fraction of the estimated cost of new Stadia
in Wakefield and Castleford, which is reported to be in around the £60m mark
and a far better use of Tax Payers money”
“We,
as a board, submitted a proposal to the WMDC cabinet back in September, which
included work to improve the terracing, extend the playing area and increase
the capacity of the Chris Moyles Stadium. In addition there are plans to build
additional sports facilities, which would include indoor cricket nets, dance
studio, state of the art cardiovascular and physiotherapy centre and additional
educational suites for use within our award winning community programme. We are
doing everything we can to realise our ongoing ambitions and it would be a real
injustice if we were denied our place in Super League because the council will
not take us seriously and regard us as the poor relations to Wakefield and Castleford”.
“Our
proposals are also addressing security and vandalism issues which are a common
problem with our sporting neighbours in Featherstone; the Cricket Club,
Football Club and Bowls Club, and we have forged strong links with members of
these organisations in an effort to develop shared and enhanced facilities,
with improved access, lighting and security. It would help us if the WMDC would
free up the brown-field land around us for much-needed housing development in
the area, which would reduce the risk of vandalism and security breaches to all
of the sports facilities”.
“Despite
pro-actively chasing senior members of the WMDC cabinet, local council and
MP’s we still have not received any formal response to our requests, in
fact a total lack of communication would seem to demonstrate that our
requirements and ambitions are not being taken seriously. The final straw came
at last weeks civic reception held in honour of Castleford, Featherstone Lions
and Rovers’ success in the end of season Grand Finals, at which we were
told in no uncertain terms that all budgets associated with Sport within the
WMDC have been drastically reduced in light of the London Olympics, only for
the very next day the same cabinet to authorise plans for a £30m stadium
development in Castleford, something which Castleford have made no secret of
requiring WMDC financial assistance for”.
“It
is now time to share our plans with our growing population of supporters and
let them know what barriers and problems we will have to overcome in order to
meet their expectations for the continued success of Featherstone Rovers. The increased
support, successful end to the 2007 campaign and early 2008 season ticket sales
have proved to us that we are making massive steps in the right direction, and
the strengthening of our playing squad means that we could be fighting for a
play-off place once again next season, but this time at the top of National
League 1.
Grand Christmas
Draw tickets to be handed in at the office no later than noon on Wednesday 12th
December 2007.
Draw to be made
Friday 14th Dec 07 at noon, in the clubhouse.
1st
£400
2nd
£250
3rd
£100
4th
Food Hamper
Plus other
consolation prizes
If
anyone still wants to buy or sell any tickets, they are available from the club
office.
Forthcoming
events
Sunday
9th December 2007 – The
Buccaneers Christmas Market, 10.00am – 4.00pm, over 20 stalls with everything you need for Christmas from
local suppliers.
Friday
14th December 2007 – 3-Course
Christmas Dinner with Top Comedian and late night disco, limited numbers
available at just £15 per person. SELLING
FAST, LAST FEW REMAINING
Sunday
16th December 2007 - The Buccaneers
Monday
17th December 2007 – Featherstone Rovers Kit Launch, 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. Why
not take your partner for some real late night shopping at its very best!
Wednesday
19th December 2007 –
‘Band Night’ The Jives with support band (Take a look at www.myspace.com/thejivesuk) for this one.
Wednesday
26th December 2007 – Fun and games at the Jungle in the Season opener followed
by drinks back at the Rovers Clubhouse.
Sunday
30th December 2007 - BARLA Yorkshire
Cup Final, 2:00 p.m. Kick Off, Sharlston v
Monday
31st December 2007/Tuesday 1st January 2008 - New Year's Eve Party with Disco & Buffet, life back in NL1
begins!
January
6th 2008 – Featherstone Rovers v Leeds Rhinos
January
20th 2008 – Featherstone Rovers v Blackpool Panthers
January
27th 2008 – Featherstone Rovers v
Kick
off times and match day pricing to be confirmed.
Sunday
3rd February – Dewsbury
– Away – 3.00pm. Northern Rail Cup.
Saturday
15th March – The Grumbleweeds,
top Clubhouse entertainment. Tickets are just £15 per person to include
admission, cold buffet served to your table and late night disco.