Russell Homes to sponsor Rochdale Hornets

An exciting new partnership is helping to bring more rugby fun to the children of Rochdale as housebuilder Russell Homes is to sponsor Rochdale Hornets for the next two years.

Funding is being used to support the rugby club’s community activities in schools and, for the 2019 season, provide free season tickets for the borough’s children.

The partnership was launched with youngsters from St Luke’s Primary School in Heywood. Children from the school already enjoy weekly rugby sessions with Hornets’ coaches and, as part of the partnership, also took part in a classroom lesson with the Russell Homes team, covering everything from how to build a house, health and safety on building sites, and a discussion about future careers in construction.

The partnership will see Russell Homes and Hornets working with schools to spread a vital safety message - warning children away from accessing building sites - alongside fun rugby activities which Hornets run to encourage youngsters to get active and stay fit.

The St Luke’s year 6 pupils were also set a ‘dream home’ design competition, the winners of which will receive a Hornets shirt and be invited to visit Russell Homes new Cedar Gardens development in Heywood to see the construction project first hand.

Andrew Russell, director of Russell Homes and a former rugby player himself, said: “Local clubs like Hornets play a major part in the community, bringing people together, fostering a sense of pride, and helping to inspire young people to be more active and enjoy getting involved with sport.

“With this sponsorship we are pledging our support for those aims and we look forward to getting out there and helping the club work with the community over the next couple of years.”

Steve Kerr, chief executive of Rochdale Hornets, said the sponsorship would help the club with its commitment to bringing rugby to children across the borough.

He said: “We really are delighted to welcome Russell Homes as an official club sponsor for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

“Their commitment to the Foundation means that we can continue our great work in schools, getting kids playing sport and learning all the important life skills that brings.

“This year we’re also extremely pleased to launch our new scheme to provide free season tickets for local children and their families in 2019. Family time is so important and there’s nothing better than coming together to cheer on your local team with friends and family.”

Peter Rush, chairman of Rochdale Hornets and councillor for Heywood North added: “It was wonderful to see the children so interested and animated, hearing all about the construction industry and the work Russell Homes is doing in our local area.

“Their questions were fantastic and showed just how engaged they are with the world around them, and some really seem keen to go into the industry when they are older. Events like this are so important for young people and we’re very pleased that the Russell Homes sponsorship of Hornets is helping the club to engage even more with the children of the borough.”

The new season is set to start on February 3 with a home game against Dewsbury. The Russell Homes logo will also appear above the name on the back of the team’s shirts, and on banners around the ground at Spotland.

Russell Homes has a number of developments in the Rochdale area including Cedar Gardens at Claybank Avenue in Heywood, Greenbooth Village at Norden and, in the new year, Stubley Meadows at Littleborough.

Schools in the Rochdale area which are interested in having a session with the Russell Homes and Rochdale Hornets team are invited to get in touch, please contact: foundation@hornetsrugbyleague.com