The RFL’s community raffle has been officially launched at Crosfields Rugby Club in Warrington by a host of Rugby League stars
Club members enjoyed a special visit by former Great Britain international player Paul Sculthorpe MBE, St Helens full-back Paul Wellens and Warrington Wolves half-back Richie Myler at the club last week.
Junior members were able to play alongside their idols as the three players joined in with a coaching session at the club before officially declaring the nationwide raffle open.
The raffle, supported by Rhino Rugby, helps clubs to raise money for equipment and new facilities with clubs keeping 70p of every ticket sold with 30p going to Rugby League Cares.
A host of fantastic prizes are on offer with a trip to Australia – to watch the 2015 NRL Grand Final in Sydney –and £500 spending money topping the bill.
Paul Sculthorpe MBE, a Rhino Rugby Ambassador, said: “Rhino Rugby League are a proud partner of the Community Raffle in association with the charity Rugby League Cares.
“We’ve organised some outstanding prizes for this year’s raffle including a trip of a lifetime for two people to the NRL Grand Final in 2015.
“Being at Crosfields really brings home why the raffle is so important, the club boasts 18 teams and is one of the biggest clubs in the area.
“The fact is that without the raffle clubs would struggle to meet the financial demands of keeping everything going for so many people.”
Paul Arnistion, Chair of Crosfield ARLFC, added: “It was great to see the Rhino Rugby League ambassadors here at our club, it’s a wonderful opportunity for our juniors to meet some genuine legends of the sport.
“We’d like to thank Rugby League Cares, Rhino Rugby League and the RFL for their support it’s been great fun and we’re delighted that Crosfields were chosen to help launch this vital initiative.
“We’d encourage any clubs reading this to get involved, it really is a great way for our club to generate some funds.”
Rugby League Cares Manager, Chris Rostron concluded: “The visit by Paul Sculthorpe, Paul Wellens and Richie Myler brought a great deal of excitement to the kids, a huge thanks to them, Rhino Rugby League and their clubs for the support.
“We have some more announcements with Rhino Rugby League and the raffle to follow through the remainder of the year and we’d encourage clubs to keep checking the website for details. I think once again Rugby League has shown, that we really do care!”
Clubs, schools, colleges and universities are being urged to participate and can find out more at www.rlcommunitygameraffle.co.uk