Lions extend AJ Bell agreement

19 July 2021

Swinton Lions have extended their training facility agreement with the AJ Bell Stadium company until the end of the 2023 season.

Swinton CEO, Steve Wild, explained, “We actually have two separate agreements with the AJ Bell Stadium, and what we have done is taken the opportunity to bring both into line. We recently set up our own club gym and treatment facility at the AJ Bell, but whilst that agreement currently runs until the end of 2023, our separate arrangement regarding the outside training pitches was due to expire at the end of this season. We therefore felt it important to bring both elements into line and provide some security and certainty for the club.

“Overall our training facilities are second to none and are easily of Super League standard. Not only do we have access to grass and synthetic outdoor pitches, but we now have a dedicated club gym for our own private use, as well as a fully kitted out treatment room together with extra office space. It’s fantastic to have access to such top class amenities, and our players and staff really appreciate them.

“Also, now that covid restrictions are hopefully easing, it’s important to point out that our facilities at the AJ Bell Stadium will also be made available to our Manchester Lions junior teams and our Lionesses, plus our community club partners such as Folly Lane. It’s vital that Swinton Lions RLFC is seen to be a facilitator to rugby league in our area, for all age groups and for both male and female players, as well of course being the training centre for our professional team.

“In signing off the agreement I’d like to thank Stadium Manager Ruth Steenson and her staff. They’ve been hugely supportive of Swinton Lions, for which we can’t thank them enough.”