Bid to host community Rugby League World Cup
Ryedale District Council, working in partnership with Ampleforth Abbey Trading Limited and Nero Training Ltd, have expressed an interest to host both matches and training facilities at Ampleforth College for the Armed Forces and Police Rugby League World Cup tournament and expect to hear if their bid has been successful before the end of March 2012.
The RFL (Rugby Football League) is organising a number of Community World Cups including the Armed Forces, women's, disability, students and police events in June and July 2013, in the lead up to the Rugby League World Cup taking place in October and November 2013. Although Ryedale's initial bid for a Rugby League World Cup training camp at Ampleforth College was unsuccessful, the consortium team received positive feedback and are now hoping to secure one of the Community World Cup tournaments.
Through a partnership arrangement with Nero Training Ltd, the Hawkhills at Easingwold has been offered as the proposed base camp. Neil Willis and Ronnie Alexander, Directors of Nero Training Ltd, were both previously in the Armed Forces. Ronnie has links with the other code, rugby union as an ex player of both Malton & Norton RUFC and the Royal Air Force representative team.
Councillor James Fraser, Ryedale District Council, Champion for Sport & Physical Recreation, said "This is a great opportunity to showcase the quality of facilities we have available to us in Ryedale and offer residents the opportunity to engage with the sport and develop local opportunities to participate"
Chris Chatten, Ryedale District Council, Community Projects Officer, said "We welcome a second bite of the cherry in terms of hosting matches and training facilities as part of the Festival of Community World Cups. We will continue to work with key partners to put plans in place to offer sustainable opportunities to participate in rugby league within Ryedale, which has previously been an untapped area for development. Securing the World Cup would help accelerate the development of the sport in this area and give residents from across York and North Yorkshire the opportunity to engage with the tournament."
Sean McFetrich, Ampleforth Abbey Trading Limited, Director of Commercial Operations, said "We are delighted to be given another opportunity to host international rugby league teams at our facilities and hope our bid proves to be a success"
Julia Lee, Rugby Football League, Event Director Festival of World Cups, said "Ryedale and Ampleforth submitted an outstanding bid to host a training venue for Rugby League World Cup 2013 and a very difficult decision was made in the face of stiff competition. The fact that they are still so committed to being part of what we believe will be the best Rugby League World Cup ever, is fantastic to see and will only stand them in good stead. The next round of decision-making will be just as tough but I wish them all the best."
Ronnie Alexander, Director, Nero Training Ltd, said "We are delighted to be involved with the bidding process as we can support the tournament by providing; an exclusive base camp, pre tournament fitness sessions and team building programmes and activities.
There are still opportunities for residents to log on and show their support for the bid on the Facebook page.
For further information contact Chris Chatten, Community Projects Officer, Ryedale District Council, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel: (01653) 600666 ext 260.
