Leigh Centurions’ first-team squad will take time out of their busy Kingstone Press Championship schedule on Thursday July 23 to walk a stage of the Rugby League Founders Walk, a 120-mile fundraising initiative that celebrates the sport’s 120th anniversary.
Over the course of six days, the walk will take in the 22 clubs who founded the Northern Union in 1895 and provides individuals, clubs and groups with the opportunity to take part and raise money for any good cause of their choice.
Leigh, who were one of the clubs in attendance at the historic meeting at the George Hotel in Huddersfield on August 29 1895 when the Northern Union was founded, will join the walk from Leigh Miners Rangers at 1.00pm next Thursday.
The likes of former New Zealand international Fuifui Moimoi and Championship Young Player of the Year Ryan Brierley will be in attendance to raise awareness for Rugby League Cares, the sport’s charity, and are urging their fans to join them en route.
Centurions coach Paul Rowley is fully behind the Founders Walk, and is looking forward to taking part during Day 5 of the celebratory trek.
“We’re very keen to support the Founders Walk,” said Rowley. “It’s a good chance for us to get amongst the community and to chat with some of the supporters and participants who will be walking.
“We want to raise awareness for Rugby League Cares. It’s a recovery day for us after playing the night before so it will be a good chance for the players to show their support for what is a great cause.”
The walk takes places over six days, starting from Hull on Sunday July 19 and ending in St Helens on Friday July 24.
Anyone wanting to take part can sign up to walk as far as they can and raise money for any club or charity of their choice, with each day split into smaller stages.
Day One (Sunday July 19) is an eight-mile stroll around Hull, starting from the Walton Street car park and taking in The Boulevard before ending at the KC Stadium.
Day Two (Monday July 20) starts at Fartown in Huddersfield and passes through Brighouse, Batley and Dewsbury before reaching Wakefield Trinity at the end of the 20-mile stage.
Day Three (Tuesday July 21) covers 24.5 miles between Hunslet and Halifax, taking in Headingley, Manningham, Bradford Park Avenue and Illingworth on the way.
Day Four (Wednesday July 22) is 22 miles starting at Rochdale and ending at Edgeley Park via Oldham.
Day Five (Thursday July 23) is when weary legs will be tested over 22.5 miles between Wheater Street in Broughton and the DW Stadium in Wigan.
Day Six (Friday July 24) sees the walk conclude with a 23-mile stage between Fletcher Street in Warrington and Langtree Park in St Helens.
For more details of the route or to register for the Founders Walk please visit www.rugbyleaguecares.org/founders_walk_2015