Trafford Centre launch a big success
The second annual engage Super League Fans’ Day proved to be a major success on Saturday with thousands of supporters from a whole host of clubs enjoying a great family day out at The Trafford Centre, Manchester.
Hosted by BBC Radio One sports presenter Mark ‘Chappers’ Chapman, the event saw more than 20 players from 12 Engage Super League clubs talking about their excitement for the new season from the main Orient stage as well as signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans.
Super League’s furry mascots were also on hand to meet supporters who could also get their hands on some famous pieces of silverware. Both the Engage Super League and Carnegie Challenge Cup trophies were on display and supporters received a free print of themselves with one of the trophies providing they gave a small donation to the RFL Benevolent Fund.
Paul Kimberley, the RFL’s Commercial Director, said: “There was a great atmosphere at The Trafford Centre on Saturday with supporters getting their first taste of excitement ahead of the new season.
“The two hour show on the main stage which featured live music, player interviews and a quiz to find Rugby League’s most knowledgeable fan had the audience of thousands captivated.
“Highlights from last year certainly whetted the appetite of all Rugby League supporters in attendance but I’m sure the thousands of shoppers who visited The Trafford Centre on Saturday who weren’t big Rugby fans before are now more in touch with the sport.
“The event showed just why Rugby League is such a good family sport. We had supporters from all clubs mixing and mingling with their heroes. All the players who represented their clubs were superb ambassadors for the sport and deserve a huge amount of credit for the work they did in spreading the good word of Rugby League.”
At the event Bradford Bulls supporter Chris Spence was crowned the first ever Super League Super Fan in a competition to find Rugby League’s most knowledgeable fan. In the final Spence beat St Helens supporter Bill Bates and Warrington Wolves fan Roy Chicken to win a Super Saver Passport, worth £145, which gives entry to May’s Magic Weekend, August’s Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and October’s Grand Final.
A number of clubs also had promotional stands at The Trafford Centre where passers-by could learn more about ticket offers as well as having their face painted in club colours.