Hunslet reveal relegation pain

Hunslet Hawks have revealed the cost of relegation to League 1 with significant drops in membership, sponsorship, funding and attendances this year.

Hunslet dropped from the Championship at the end of 2015 into League 1 this season.

At the club’s annual general meeting it was announced that the Hawks’ RFL central funding allocation had been cut by 50% because of relegation, while sponsorship was down 10% with memberships down more than 40%.

Hunslet’s attendances fell by 8% the last time the club went into League 1.

At the meeting club finance director Phil Clapham spoke about a “potential missed opportunity to create a wider network for the club through the partnership with Leeds Rhinos“.

Clapham and chairman Neil Hampsire stressed that interaction with Leeds City Council needed to improve and that it was a priority for the board.

At the AGM Hampshire detailed the objectives in place for 2016.

“The club is aiming for a 10% increase in new revenue via increased memberships, season tickets, new sponsorship along with the fruits of additional networking and marketing,” he said.

“A 10% increase in existing revenues such as the club shop and the Phoenix Bar. Finally a 10% reduction in outgoing costs such as office waste, bar waste, utilities and via a non-playing staff recruitment freeze.

Hunslet is alos seeking to improve fan engagement and repair divisions between the club and the supporters. The next fans pane meeting will take place in The Garden Gate on Tuesday 26th April with a 7.30pm start.