A ‘Kids Go Free' initiative will allow children under 16 to attend Co-operative Championship and Championship One games during the school holidays free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
The scheme, launched by The Co-operative and the RFL, was announced today at the official launch of the Co-operative Championships season at Leigh Sports Village.
As part of the luanch, local schoolchildren attended a training session with club captains and Co-operative ambassador Paul Sculthorpe.
Avid Rugby League fan and star of stage and screen Lucy-Jo Hudson, who has been engaged as a Co-operative ambassador for the season, was also present to lend her support for the initiative.
The ‘Kids Go Free’ scheme follows research commissioned by The Co-operative which showed that family time has taken a hit during the economic crisis, as families have less disposable income to spend on outings than they did two years ago.
The survey revealed that 72 per cent are spending less on family activities during these tough times and 81 per cent of respondents said they would be more likely to attend an event if children were able to attend free of charge.
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The RFL has launched this initiative with The Co-operative to help families during these tough times and expose more people to Rugby League.
“We have been working closely with the clubs to make this happen and as a result, we will trial the scheme throughout the school holidays which includes Easter, May half term and Summer.
"By encouraging more children to attend, we hope they will be inspired to take up Rugby League and engage with this growing sport.”
Paul Sculthorpe, Co-operative ambassador and two-time Man of Steel winner, said: “The concept of kids going free to games is fantastic.
"The more children exposed to the game the better, and to be able to help out families during these hard times is a positive thing.”
Lucy-Jo Hudson said: “I’m a massive Rugby League fan and have followed the sport from an early age with my family.
"Rugby League is a fantastic family sport, and I fully lend my support to giving as many children as possible the opportunity to attend games.”
For more information on the ‘Kids Go Free’ initiative go to therfl.co.uk/kidsgofree/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here