Thursday 18 October 2007
Source: Salford Advertiser
Salfordian players are being sought for the rebirth of one of Britain’s most famous rugby clubs.
The hunt is now on for budding or existing rugby players – young or old- to join the New Broughton Rangers club.
With the help of Salford City Reds , the Rugby Leaguer team is being reborn in Lower Broughton nearly 75 years after a team last played in the area.
Those who get involved with the team will be offered opportunities to train as coaches and gain professional qualifications.
The two-times rugby league Challenge Cup winning team – one of the rugby’s most famous names at the start of the 20th Century – is being reintroduced to the area as part of the regeneration scheme shaping New Broughton.
It is 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 forced out of the area to play, or watch the game.
The teams will play and train on a specially created pitch at the heart of the New Broughton development and local residents are being encouraged to get involved as players, supporters or trainee coaches.
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 though 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.”
Les Brown, Project Director from Countryside Properies , 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 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 to become a qualified coach.”
In addition to adult squads, there will be 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.
For information on joining or supporting the team contact ben Cramant on 0161 737 5515.