Stars from all 12 First Utility Super League clubs proudly stand side by side as one super team – Men United – as Prostate Cancer UK today links up with Rugby League Cares.
Men United will mobilise rugby league players and supporters up and down the country as part of an innovative partnership with Rugby League Cares.
The three-year tie-up with the charitable arm of the RFL will see the forward-thinking charity continue to set the tone across the sporting landscape.
As part of the partnership, Prostate Cancer UK will establish relationships across the sport and work with clubs from Super League to the community game on a host of projects.
One of the biggest dates on the calendar, Magic Weekend, will also see Prostate Cancer UK’s ever-growing Men United movement take over Newcastle for an unforgettable weekend of entertainment on May 30 and 31 – on and off the St James’ Park pitch.
Fans can win one of two pairs of Magic Weekend Day Pass tickets generously donated by Super League and Rugby League Cares by completing a short survey on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK here.
And as part of the national partnership Rugby League Cares and Prostate Cancer UK will be aiming to raise awareness of a disease that kills one man ever hour in the UK.
By completing the survey fans can show their knowledge at the start of the partnership, and share their friendship stories in tandem with the club’s new campaign promoting mates getting together to do something great to beat prostate cancer.
Utilising Rugby League Cares’ impressive network of contacts across the sport, there will also be a series of charity roadshows between May and July with community clubs hosting Men United quizzes and raising money through collections, raffles and auctions.
Prostate Cancer UK are the official charity partner of Widnes Vikings for the 2015 Super League season, but players and coaches from all 12 Super League clubs have already pledged their allegiance to the new partnership by signing for Men United. All will work closely with the two organisations in what promises to be the most competitive season ever.
Rugby League Cares General Manager Chris Rostron said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Prostate Cancer UK on a partnership that will allow both parties to meet their objectives.
“The health and wellbeing of our communities is something Rugby League Cares proudly supports for everyone in the sport. Our exciting partnership with Prostate Cancer UK provides a platform to raise awareness of a disease that each year affects thousands of men, many of whom will have a connection to rugby league.
“Prostate Cancer UK have made a great start in rugby league already through their partnership with Widnes Vikings: our partnership now opens up the campaign to everyone in rugby league, from grassroots to the professional game. There are some marvellous opportunities for everyone to get involved, have fun and help this great cause.”
Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, Owen Sharp, said: “This exciting partnership with Rugby League Cares represents another major milestone in our continuing work within rugby league.
“Our fledgling steps in the game have showcased its rich community heritage and we look forward to working with an organisation – and its member clubs – who clearly want to make a difference to men’s health.
“It struck a chord earlier this year when the RFL launched their era, declaring ‘every minute matters’. One man dies every hour from prostate cancer, so that slogan is equally powerful – and pertinent – to us.
“Through club activities from the top of the game to grass roots level, to the wonderful opportunities that Magic Weekend will present us in Newcastle in May, we look forging a powerful friendship that really makes a difference.”
Since it was launched 12 months ago, Men United has caught the imagination, and a new zeal for change in men’s health – with more than 200,000 people signing up to pledge support. Men from all walks of life, from footballers to lawyers and politicians to plumbers, have formed a growing army, raising funds to find the answers for the future through research and supporting men now.
Rugby League fans can join Men United and do something great with their mates to help beat prostate cancer, as well as having the chance to win a pair of Magic Weekend Day Passes at St James’ Park in May. Join Men United today.
Funds raised throughout the partnership will be split equally between the two charities