National League, Community Club of the Year 2007

It’s all good news at the moment, so much so its hard to know where to start!

 

Tomorrow will see the start of a new and exciting re-branding programme for Featherstone Rovers, as part of a much bigger package seeking to gain appeal with a new and younger audience the first phase will see a re-launch of the club website, the envy of many we will be in Rugby League circles.

Together with this, the first phase of an online shop facility will go live, coinciding with the excellent relocation of the club shop last week and fantastic sales at the weekend. Fingers are crossed for a smooth opening, do pay a visit us give us your thoughts. I cant emphasis enough how much work has been done by staunch volunteers in making this happen and when the final new logo goes live I’m sure we will have an excellent product for the future.

To coincide with the main logo launch later in the season, we are developing a Featherstone Balloon Race which we hope will generate some good income for the club, a great first prize and fantastic spectacle for launch day itself. If each supporter could sell five balloons we would be well on our way to £5,000 in income even with a £1000 first prize and all costs taken into account, releasing over 6000 balloons would be quite something and £5,000 in to the playing budget for 2009 would help enormously as we strive for the higher end of NL1.

It is yet to be confirmed if the new logo will figure on our 2009 playing kit, but it will most certainly be seen around the club and on leisurewear. All we can say at the moment is that it is aggressive and more than capable of standing up to Super League imagery!

From a playing perspective, relief was felt last night when both Tony Tonks and Andy Kirk were only cautioned and fined for matters running over against the Catalan Dragons; both will be free to take part in Wales this weekend. Jamie Field is also back in contention for this fixture following a groin operation; Dave Hobbs should have a very strong side to select from. The guys are travelling down on Thursday to give them maximum preparation time during Friday in the build up to kick off, Tony destroyed Celtic last year when playing with Oldham, more of the same will do nicely!

Another player due to make his come back is Nathan Batty. Fingers crossed for Nathan, he could take part in the reserves fixture against Keighley next Thursday (8th May) at Post Office Road. Gavin Swinson and Jamie Benn may also figure again as they continue to push for a first team call up. This will be our second home fixture in the reserve league following two wins and a draw in the opening three, it would be great for these lads to see some extra support, as there are no first team fixtures that weekend why not pop along and put a few quid into the club, the month of May is a very lean month for us with just one shared gate fixture so every little bit will help.

Speaking of fixtures taking place in May, this coming Sunday/Monday are the finals of the Junior Continuation Cup and Challenge Cup competitions which will see no less than 16 teams take part over two days in eight finals. This is a great spectacle and a great opportunity to show people just what we have to offer at Featherstone. There are four fixtures each day, starting at 10.30am and finishing at around 4.00pm, entry is just £2 per Adult and £1 per child. Two sides from Featherstone Lions and one from Selby Warriors are amongst those playing.

On Sunday the 10th May we play host to a BARLA Cup Final, the teams taking part will be decided this weekend, kick off is at 2.30pm and entry is £5 per Adult, Children and OAP’s enter for free. As a club we only benefit from the bar takings over these three days, so come and have a pint or two and watch some Live Rugby League!

It was mentioned recently that there is always work to be done at the club, a list of all the things we would like to do is being put together and will be released in search of volunteers. Our desires are to keep improving the overall appearance of OUR club and increase the appeal to families and sponsors, there are some big jobs and just not enough money to bring in contractors and pay player wages. From simply using bins on match days you are saving others time which can then be used to better effect, we do a tremendous job with the very limited resources we have but there is still a great deal of room for improvement! Just like we all support the players, we need to support the foundations they play on.

Your What’s on Guide

Coming in May –

Sunday 4th May, Rovers play’s host to the Junior Continuation Cup Finals.

10.30am – Wetherby Bulldogs v FEATHERSTONE LIONS U12’s

11.45am – Acorn v Heworth U13’s

1.15pm – Hunslet Parkside v Crigglestone All Blacks U14’s

2.30pm – Shaw Cross Sharks v SELBY WARRIORS 15’s

 

Bank Holiday Monday 5th May, Junior Challenge Cup Finals.

10.30am – Milford Marlins v Stanley Rangers U12’s

11.45am – Dewsbury Moor v Normanton Knights U13’s

1.15pm – FEATHERSTONE LIONS v Wibsey Juniors U14’s

2.30pm – Cas Lock Lane v Hunslet Warriors U15’s

 

Sunday 10th May

The Fraser Eagle National Conference League Grand Final 2008, Kick-Off at 2.00pm.  

 

THE SPICEY GIRLS, Saturday 17th May, these girls are out of this world. A family evening with kids being allowed entry with parents. At just £10 for adults and £5 for kids under 15 this will be a night to remember.

 

Coming in June – The 1st June will be a 6.00pm fixture with Widnes, the game being preceded with memories of the ‘83 Victorious Challenge Cup Final. The cup will be on display, as will the team from that memorable day. The afternoon will be scheduled as follows and if last years ’67 celebration is anything to go by space will be limited and an excellent afternoon will be had by all! You may wish to book for lunch and guarantee yourself a seat! Main Stand seat and 3-Course Lunch, £28.00. Ground Entry and Lunch £25 or Lunch only for £11.00. Special ’83 Merchandise also available on the day.

-       1.00pm, Lunch with the stars of ’83.

-       2.30pm, 1st Half of the ’83 Final on all screens.

-       3.15pm, presentations, memories and comment from the stars of ’83.

-       4.00pm, 2nd Half of the ’83 Final on all screens.

-       5.00pm, Junior Curtain Raiser. (Hopefully Featherstone Lions v Hull)

-       6.00pm, ROVERS v Widnes

The vast majority of the ‘83 winning side have confirmed their attendance, an autograph hunter’s paradise! Book now for any of the above! Some fantastic memorabilia will be auctioned during the day including a Ricky Hatton signed Featherstone Rovers 2008 shirt with photo of Ricky wearing our colours, opening bids are being taken!