Reds offer Lottery Opportunity

Salford City Reds lottery department is offering supporters purchasing 2008 season tickets the added bonus of 10 weeks automatic entry into the Reds weekly draws.

The thriving department has seen steady growth over the past 12 months and with over 5000 members in the North West, £130,000 of prize money has been given away in the past 12 months with local man George Barber scooping the £10,000 jackpot earlier this year.

Lotteries Manager, Lee Cummins said,

“We are delighted with the increase we have seen in the number of people opting to play and support our Golden Bond Weekly Lottery this year. This surge is I feel a combination of the excellent prize money we have on offer each week along with the recent inclusion of the Rollover Extra draw giving people the chance of winning up to £10,000 which is truly a life changing amount of money.”

With the recently launched ‘Company Partnership Scheme’ the lottery now incorporates local businesses, recently targeting pubs in and around the Salford area that have already reaped the rewards of participating in the Reds lottery. However lottery winners are not the only benefactors of the lottery with the Reds’ Academy ranking high on the list.

Junior Academy Head Coach, Alan Hunte said

“A lot of people don’t realise the importance of the support that the club’s Golden Bond Lottery gives to our Academy. Ensuring that the lads have the best of everything such as equipment, facilities and so on is vital to continuing the great work already done by the club, giving young players a real taste of what it is like to be a professional. This feeds there hunger to succeed and there’s no finer example of that than our own Jordan Turner – Great Britain Academy Captain and one of the brightest prospects in the game. Without the funding supplied by our Lottery scheme and other great benefactors such as Forever Reds we might not have been able to nurture such talent as effectively.”

For details of how to take advantage of 10 weeks automatic entry into the lottery with purchase of a 2008 season ticket, pop into the club shop or telephone 0161 736 6564

Have a Cracking Bonfire Night

It’s time to don your winter woollies and practice your ‘oooohs’ and ‘aaaahs’ in preparation for the bonfire season in Salford, with two free organised events that are guaranteed to put the sparkle into your evening and Salford City Reds Mascot Ignito is warning all children to stay safe this bonfire night.

There will be parkin and treacle galore at the dedicated events on Saturday 3 November, Princes Park in Irlam and Monday 5 November at Buile Hill Park in Eccles.

A fun outing for all the family, both bonfires begin at 7pm, with fireworks at 7.30pm. Children’s rides are open from 4pm at the Princes Park event and the fair at Buile Hill will go on until 9pm.

Part of Salford’s BIG Events programme, the Flames and Fireworks events are the perfect solution to a safe but enjoyable bonfire night, with an outstanding firework display to keep all eyes on the night sky.

Both Salford City Council and Reds mascot Ignito are encouraging people to attend the organised displays and the Salford City Council website gives guidance on how to build and host a safe – and legal – bonfire and firework party at www.salford.gov.uk/living/yourcom/crimereduction/community-safety-toptipsforstayingsafe/betterbonfires.

Commenting on the event, Ignito said: “We want all the children of our city to enjoy Bonfire Night and the organised displays provide a safe environment for families with fantastic displays. November 5 is supposed to be a fun, family occasion so let’s all make sure we remember this year’s for all the right reasons ”

Visitors to the event should note that personal fireworks or alcohol brought into the parks will be confiscated.
For more details on how to enjoy Halloween and bonfire night safely – and to have a chance at winning a Nintendo Wii – visit: www.salford.gov.uk/halloweenandbonfirenight
For more details visit www.visitsalford.info/events

All Gold’s Star Hits Broughton

Rugby League is being reborn in Lower Broughton, Salford, nearly 75 years after a team last played in the area and All Golds’ and New Zealand Warriors star Steve Price hooked up with the Reds’ own Kiwi duo Robbie Paul and Phil Leuluai, along with New Broughton Rangers captain Dave Gooch on the new playing field at Countryside Properties New Broughton development to promote the scheme.

The team is set to make its debut on the Summer Conference in 2008 and the Reds are involved to help get the project going alongside the work they already provide for the areas other amateur clubs.

Australian test star Price is in England ahead of Saturday’s historic clash against the Northern Union at Warrington.

The hunt is now on for budding or existing rugby players – young or old – to join the new club and build on Salford’s historic success in rugby league.

The New Broughton Rangers club is bringing the game back to the area with the support of Salford City Reds and those who get involved with the team will be offered opportunities to train as coaches and gain professional qualifications.

The Club is being created as part of a joint initiative between Countryside Properties, social landlord Contour Homes and Salford City Reds, and will provide facilities for rugby league fans in Broughton who are currently forced to travel out of the area to play, or watch the game. Salford City Reds successfully applied for a National Sports Foundation award and this will match funding from Countryside Properties and Contour Housing to re-establish rugby in the area.

Ben Cramant, Community Rugby League Development Officer for Salford City Reds said: “We’re really looking forward to working with existing Salfordians and new residents from across Greater Manchester to create the team. Lower Broughton is an area that has historically had great success with Rugby League through the original Broughton Rangers team who changed their name and transferred to Manchester some 75 years ago. We’d like to bring some of that success back for the New Broughton community.”

The teams will play and train on a specially created pitch at the heart of Countryside Properties’ New Broughton development and local residents are being encouraged to get involved as players, supporters or trainee coaches.

Les Brown, Project Director from Countryside Properties said: “The New Broughton Rangers is a great initiative for the community to get involved in. The team will help to build on the fantastic sense of community spirit that already exists in Lower Broughton and we really hope people will take part in some way. If you don’t like the idea of playing there will be lots of other opportunities to help with training or even become  a professionally qualified coach.“

In addition to adult squads, there will an under 10s team for both boys and girls and it is hoped that training with them will start as soon as possible so they can compete over the winter. Training for the adults is expected to start in March next year in time for next year’s playing season.

Samantha McHale from Contour said:  “There is nothing better than sport to build a strong community and fortunately Broughton already has a great foundation for us to build on.  As well as contacting the club we will have ambassadors ‘on the ground’ living in the community who will be on hand to offer advice and support on how you can get involved.  Who knows we could even be supplying players for the 2012 Rugby League World Cup!”

For information on joining or supporting the team please contact Ben Cramant at Salford City Reds on 0161 737 5515

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Reds add Sidlow to Squad

Salford City Reds can confirm the signing of 19 year old, Adam Sidlow from Widnes Vikings on a one year contact.

A strong running front row, Adam has represented Lancashire Academy as well as being in the 2006 England Academy train-on squad and Reds’ Head Coach Shaun McRae is in no doubt that Adam will make his mark at the Willows, commenting,

“At 6’ 5 and 17 stone Adam has a great opportunity to make a name for himself at the club. I look forward to him being a part of the team in the immediate future.”

Having graduated from the Vikings’ World Class Scholarship programme Adam made his first team debut in 2006 and is now looking to carve out a future with the Reds that will see the team return to Super League status commenting,

“I’m delighted to have signed for Salford. I intend to give 100% to the club and work towards fulfilling my aspirations to play in Super League in the near future.”

Chairman Rallies Reds Fans

Salford City Reds have issued a rallying call to all fans urging them to take up their great offers on season tickets for the 2008 season. Reds’ Chairman John Wilkinson, OBE said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the supporters who have already bought their season ticket. I have been encouraged to see that our free shirt promotion has also attracted a large number of new season ticket holders. “However, it is vital to secure a franchise for 2009 that our fans do not show any signs of apathy at this stage. We are about to apply for our Super League franchise and it is of great important that we not only get all our existing season ticket holders to renew for next season as soon as possible, but also increase our season ticket fan base so that we can show the rugby world that we are not only a viable option but are an attractive proposition when the licenses are handed out next year. “I cannot stress to you enough the importance of your support this year to enable us to have a successful franchise bid.”

Myler is Latest Reds’ Recruit

Salford City Reds have signed half back Richard Myler for the 2008 season. The 17 year old former Widnes senior academy player has committed to the Reds on a 3 year deal that will take him into the new stadium at Barton in 2010.

Having represented Lancashire and England Under 17’s, Richard is determined to kick start his professional career at the club commenting, “I’m delighted to sign for Salford. I’m determined to make it in rugby league, play at the highest level and be the best I can be and I’m sure that I’ll get to play Super League rugby with the Reds.”

Richard joins a number of youngsters on the squad for the 2008 season all of whom will be keen to impress and state their claim for a place in the Reds side as they aim to make a speedy return to Super League.

Salford City Reds Head Coach Shaun McRae said, “Richard’s signing is an indication of the quality players we are attracting to the Reds. I’m delighted that he has joined us and believe he is integral to the future of the club.”

Richard will join the squad for pre season training in November, but will join Reds’ Academy player Jason Walton in representing the England Under 17’s team against an elite team from the Australian Institute of Sport in matches scheduled for November and December.

Bannister Joins Reds

Salford City Reds can today confirm the signing of Stephen Bannister from Harlequins, with the 19 year old utility player joining the squad for the 2008 season on a one year contract.

Having represented his country at all age groups by the age of 19, Stephen made his first team debut for St Helens in 2006 against Perpignan, before signing for Harlequins last year after a short loan spell to Whitehaven.

Salford City Reds, Head Coach Shaun McRae said, “Stephen is a fine utility player with Super League experience gained at St Helens and Harlequins. The Reds are delighted to gain his signature and see the signing of this calibre of player as a clear statement of intent as to where the future of Salford City Reds should be.”

McRae to Give Youth a Chance

Ambler and Ballard Get First Team Call Up

Salford Academy Players Luke Ambler and Andy Ballard will both make their first team debut for the Reds in the 2008 season having earned 1 year contracts.

Having shown great potential in the junior academy, Luke was promoted into the Under 21’s this time last year and has not missed a game this season, whilst Andy had represented both junior and senior academy with an outstanding season, seeing him named ‘Players Player of the Year’ at the recent awards.

Junior Academy Coach Alan Hunte could not be more delighted commenting, “Both Myself and Scott Naylor are pleased with the progress of the academy this year. Andy thoroughly deserves his call up. He is the kind of player that can turn a game around on his own and is an outstanding goal kicker.

“Luke’s dedication has paid off this year. He has not missed a senior academy game this season and to be representing the first team is an outstanding achievement for the 17 year old prop.”

Both players will join the likes of Jordan Turner, Stefan Ratchford and Luke Adamson who have all graduated from the Salford academy to first team status, an indication of the talent that Salford are nurturing.

Salford City Reds Head Coach, Shaun McRae said, “Luke and Andy are very much signs of the growing numbers coming through the Salford ranks and graduating into full time athletes.

“The academy set up is important to the development of the playing squad and falls in with the new RFL protocol which will come into effect in 2008”

Reds Sign Giant Gardner

Salford City Reds have confirmed the signing of Huddersfield Giants Mat Gardner ahead of the 2008 campaign.

Gardner will link up with other new signings Kiwi Robbie Paul and Australian Chris Borgese in a new look Reds side for National League 1.

The Cumbrian born winger is the brother of St Helens and GB star Ade.

Director of Football Steve Simms said: “Mat is a very useful winger and has good experience of Super League. He has played for England at Academy level and we are excited about the prospect of him joining us.”

Two More to Stay

Salford City Reds continue to build their squad for 2008 and can confirm that both Andrew Brocklehurst and Stefan Ratchford are the latest players to commit to the Reds for the charge back to Super League.

Brocklehurst has been with the club since joining from Harlequins in the Reds first year back in Super League under Karl Harrison, while Ratchford has been a rising star of the Academy and played several games last season including scoring his first try at St Helens.

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