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SWINTON LIONS CONFIRM M27 PROJECT IS ALIVE
1 day ago
Swinton CEO to become RFL Vice-President, & Mayor confirms Lions are key to city's Rugby strategy At Wednesday’s Rugby Football League Council Meeting, which took place at the AJ Bell Stadium, the Lions’ CEO Steve Wild was confirmed as the incoming RFL Vice-President on a two-year term commencing in January 2025. Steve will share the role and honour with former women’s England international player Danika Priim. Meanwhile, broadcaster Adam Hills MBE, who is well known for his advocacy of inclusive participation in sport, was appointed President elect. Following news of Steve’s impending appointment, the club was delighted to receive a congratulatory message from City of Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, who re-affirmed the Council’s commitment to working closely with Swinton Lions moving forward. The Mayor said, “Congratulations to Steve Wild, CEO of Swinton Lions, following his election as the Vice-President of the Rugby Football League. “Salford Council have been working with rugby clubs across the city, from the professional level all the way down to the grassroots, to develop our Rugby Strategy for Salford, and Swinton Lions are key partners in this. “I look forward to working with Steve in promoting rugby league at a local and national level, and in making sure our communities and residents here in Salford share in the sporting, health, social and economic benefits the sport can provide.” Upon receiving news of the Vice-Presidency, Steve said, “For someone who grew up supporting the Lions from the terraces at Station Road I am overwhelmed with pride at this appointment, and immensely humbled. Pride not just for me personally, but for everyone associated with our historic club, as hopefully it demonstrates the respect Swinton Lions holds in the sport as a result of our combined efforts. “But just on a personal level it’s almost impossible to justify the hours I continue to commit to Swinton Lions, and on that subject I want to pay tribute to my wife Lesley, and my family, for putting up with it! This club is not a vanity project, it’s seriously challenging and stressful work. “One of my biggest sources of pride has been the emergence of our Foundation - specifically the progress of our Lionesses; our Player Pathway programmes; and our community social impact programmes. Our reach and effectiveness are set to reach new heights in the months and years to come, thanks to the commitment and amazing talent we have within our community team. “I also want to take this opportunity to put on record our Board’s determination to double down on our determination to bring the Lions back to M27, and secure a new long term home venue not only for the Lions, but one which has a true community and cross-sport focus. I’m pleased to report that we are already progressing well in establishing the necessary partnerships that we believe can finally make this 32 year old dream come true. It’s very pleasing in this respect to note the warm and practical support we are currently receiving from Salford City Council. “Work has been progressing for some time behind the scenes on our “M27 Vision”, but as a Board we have admittedly favoured a policy of a quiet and considered approach, rather than go at it all guns blazing and then risk letting people down - conscious as we are of previous false dawns. However, the announcement with regards to the Vice-Presidency, and the public support we are receiving from Paul Dennett and Salford City Council, I think makes this an opportune time to re-iterate our long-term aims for the club. “Further news in respect of the partnerships that we are pulling together, plus other exciting project news and personnel appointments into the club, will follow over the next few days. “In the meantime, I re-iterate once again that I believe we have an amazing Board at Swinton Lions, plus incredible staff, players and volunteer network. We also have the best fans in the sport, and tremendous supporter initiatives, which is demonstrated by the determination and loyalty Swinton fans have collectively demonstrated over these past 32 years. That we are competing competitively in a tough competition such as the Championship in 2024, is I believe, a significant achievement in itself. “Hopefully together we can go on to deliver a sustainable long-term future for the Lions, and if this honorary position can help progress that plan in any way whatsoever, then I’ll be absolutely thrilled.”
