January 31, 2018

Ambassador Programme Thriving

Wakefield Trinity’s award-winning community department is gearing up for the season after launching its 2018 Ambassador Clubs Programme.

Following its introduction in 2016, the programme has expanded from working with just nine community clubs to 25 signing up this year.

Trinity work hand-in-hand with affiliated community clubs to provide exclusive training sessions and match-day festivals, as well as coaching master classes with head coach Chris Chester and club roadshows with first-team players.

To date, over 4,000 children have taken part in match-day festivals – giving youngsters the great opportunity to play in curtain raisers and half-time games at Wakefield Trinity matches.

The programme has positively impacted over 12,000 people since its inception two years ago, and has also won a host of awards.

In October 2016, Trinity received the best match-day campaign in the inaugural Super League awards. A year later, the ambassador programme won the SkyTry award before being shortlisted for Foundation of the Year at the 2017 Betfred Super League Man of Steel awards.

Trinity captain and community ambassador Danny Kirmond was in attendance at the launch night on January 15 alongside fellow ambassador Liam Finn. Both are huge advocates for the programme, along with Keegan Hirst and Tom Johnstone who all help support and promote the associated community clubs.

The Legends Suite at The Mobile Rocket Stadium was packed with community club representatives eager to be part of the ambassador programme.

Phil Abbott, who coaches U9s and U11s at newly-formed club Bassetlaw Bulldogs, said, “We’ve read a lot about the scheme and the community work is high quality. We know that if you can get the kids involved in a professional environment so they can see what they can achieve, then it really helps. It’s a good pathway to help the players get more involved.”

Rocky Whitehead, who coaches at Oulton Raiders and has been part of the programme since the beginning, added, “Being up against clubs with a lot more resources than Wakefield, it’s absolutely great what they provide and it is great to be on board.”

Having guided the ambassador scheme from 2016, community development manager James Stephenson commented, “I’m really looking forward to working with all the clubs this season.

“As a department, we’ve gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years and that shows in the number of community clubs wanting to access our programme this year.

“I can’t wait to get started and grow some strong relationships with everyone involved and 2018 looks set to be the best year yet for us.”

Wakefield Trinity Chairman Michael Carter spoke about the programme,  “We are delighted to welcome all ambassador clubs to Wakefield Trinity, we have a great sense of community here at the club and we look forward to seeing you all enjoying yourselves down here at the stadium throughout 2018.”

All Ambassador clubs will be in attendance for the first home game of 2018 on Friday, February 9, when we host Salford Red Devils.

An Ambassador clubs pre-match and half-time festival will take place along with a celebration parade and official on-field induction to all club representatives at half time.

2018 Ambassador Clubs:

Crigglestone All Blacks
Sharlston Rovers
Stanley Rangers
Eastmoor Dragons
Normanton Knights
Hemsworth Dragons
Oulton Raiders
Emley Moor
Dearne Valley Bulldogs
Kippax
Cutsyke Raiders
Upton
Heworth
Garforth Tigers
Castleford Panthers
Moorends Marauders
Bronte Barbarians
Bassetlaw Bulldogs
Dewsbury Celtic
Hunslet Warriors
York Acorn
Bentley
Batley Boys