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The Lions’ Foundation – Celebrating a Year of Success!

As we begin another new year in 2023, we would like to take a moment to celebrate our Foundation’s fantastic work across the cities of Manchester and Salford, as well as the Borough of Trafford, during 2022.

The Foundation set itself a challenging target in 2022 to engage with 850 brand new participants across a variety of projects, but after a year of outstanding success we are now proud to announce that we exceeded that target significantly and reached 1,729 engaged new participants. This represents the surpassing of our original target by a margin of around 103%!

This success was achieved via the following projects:-

• Swinton Lions England Talent Pathway Programme : 135 young people between the ages of 12 and 16 attended our monthly sessions and received Rugby League coaching of the highest professionalism.

• The introduction of 136 new male and female players to community RL in 2022.

• The introduced of 165 new players to the sport in Trafford through the RL Inspired 9s competition.

• 427 young people took part in our Jose Kenga Diversity and Inclusion project.

• 624 young people were supported through our East Manchester Anti-Hate Crime and Holiday Activity Fund projects.

• The introduction of 119 participants with a disability to a suitably specific targeted activity.

• 123 participants were engaged in our Swinton Tackle IT Workshops

The Lions’ Director of Development, Damian Ridpath, said, “I am delighted with these achievements. I hadn’t quite realised until the year just ended just what an impact we had made over the year in 2022. Our small team of dedicated staff have worked extremely hard across the year and I have been delighted not only with the numbers achieved, but also with the number of participants who have returned week after week. If we count the number of individual engagements rather than the number of individual participants, then our numbers have exceeded 10,000 visits to Lions projects during 2022.

“Moving forward into 2023 we are hoping to increase our impact for a third year running, which will complement the promotion of our Lions and Lionesses into their respective Championships, and the planned launch of our Wheelchair Team. With the impending IMG Criteria grading soon to be released and its associated ramifications, there is no doubt that we are increasingly demonstrating the importance and relevance of Swinton Lions to not only the sport of Rugby League, but also to our wider community right across Greater Manchester.

“I’m also proud to confirm that all of our projects to date have been delivered totally free of charge to all participants. But in order to maintain this philosophy of free delivery, the Foundation is always keen to attract sponsors and benefactors, so please contact me at [email protected] if you would like more information.

News

Lions mourn loss of Stan Laing

Everyone associated with Swinton Lions will be deeply saddened by news of the passing away of Stan Laing. Not only was Stan a former Lion himself, having played for the club in the late 60s and early 70s, he was also the Managing Director of our main club sponsor, Glossop Caravans Ltd. Stan will always be remembered as a great friend and patron of our historic club , and our heartfelt condolences are extended to all of Stan’s family and many friends at this extremely sad time. A minute’s silence will be observed in memory of Stan at our next home match.

News

Hooker Josh Eaves joins the Lions!

Swinton Lions can confirm the signing of 25 years old hooker, Josh Eaves!

Josh made his Super League debut for St Helens in 2019, and over the following couple of seasons he also spent time on loan at Leigh Centurions and Wakefield Trinity.

In 2022 Josh made the decision to take up a full-time contract with Newcastle Thunder, following which we understand he originally signed for Whitehaven for season 2023. However, we can reveal that Josh has now signed for the Lions, and will add significant experience and strength to the number nine position at Heywood Road.

Head Coach Allan Coleman said, “I was delighted when Josh became available because he is someone who commands a lot of respect on the field. His approach to how the game should be played will be an asset to us, as he is a very talented hooker and has played in some quality environments. Competition at number nine is now very strong at Swinton and I’m very happy with all of the options we have in that position.”

Once again the club would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of PrideBuilder, in helping bring Josh to the Lions.

News

Myles swaps the Reds for the Blues!

At Swinton Lions we are delighted to announce the signing of 24 years old Myles Harrop.

Myles was originally from Ashton in Makerfield, but moved to Kendal at the age of three. After mainly playing Rugby Union between the ages of six and eighteen, he was spotted by Halifax where he joined their elite rugby academy. Myles then impressed whilst playing in a youth game against Wakefield Trinity who subsequently signed him for their Under 19s team.

After a brief return to Kendal, Myles then went on to sign for Salford Red Devils where he impressed whilst playing at centre in their reserves set-up. He also made his Super League debut at Salford, and although highly rated at the AJ Bell Stadium, he has now decided to take the opportunity to join the Lions in the Championship.

Myles said, “I’m really excited to have signed for Swinton, but after a conversation with Allan it was an easy decision for me. The training environment here is so professional and full of hard working players, and that’s what I’m want to be part of!

“Since moving down to Salford from Kendal the last 12 months have been amazing. From starting in the Salford reserves to making my super league debut it’s been special. But for now it’s all about kicking on and playing regular rugby. I’m looking forward to the 2023 season. We know it’s going to be tough but it’s nothing we can’t handle! I’m looking forward to making it a memorable year and showing the Swinton fans what I can do!”

Swinton Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “Myles was brought to our attention by Salford after he played for them in two Super League games. He was very good for their reserves last year and is someone that John Fieldhouse and Paul Rowley spoke highly of.

“He’s a young lad with bags of energy and has been superb so far in pre-season. He a player who has the mould of a Mike Butt and Richard Lepori and is definitely one to watch out for.”

News

Lions excited at arrival of Joey Romeo!

At Swinton Lions we are tremendously excited to announce the signing of Joseph ”Joey” Romeo.

Joey was initially in the youth set up at North Sydney Bears, but has more recently played at a couple of other clubs in the greater Sydney region – Cabramatta and the Campbelltown City Kangaroos.

The Lions’ Head Coach, Allan Coleman, said, “Joseph is a player on a mission and he has come to us highly recommended. We have reviewed footage of his performances in detail, and he’s clearly a clever and skilful individual who thinks outside of the box. He prefers full-back, but can pretty much cover the whole back-line.

“Having spoken to Joseph, he is a player with huge ambition who wants reach the top of the game. He certainly has bags of talent and I can’t wait to see him in our famous blue and white jersey!”

News

SWINTON LIONS 2023 OFFICIAL KIT LAUNCH !

Swinton Lions, in partnership with our team wear suppliers Supro, are proud to reveal our 2023 Betfred Championship playing shirts!

Our home kit is predominantly white, but features a traditional blue chevron with a twist. The two-tone blue “V” reflects the colours contained within our club badge.

The away kit is something a little bit different, but we hope our fans will embrace the modern design, which features the fashionable summer colours of wine and white!

We would also like to extend a very special thank you to all of our wonderful 2023 shirt sponsors.

Displayed proudly across the front of both kits are our main club sponsor, Glossop Caravans, to whom we extend our gratitude once again for their generous sponsorship of the Lions!

Other shirt sponsors appearing once again are our friends and partners from Daisymill Technologies Ltd, Camway Installations Ltd, Primus Traffic Management and Roadflash. They are joined by new sponsors Seed Architects and Fusion Gas Ltd. For Fusion group, the Fusion Electric and Neutron Recruitment logos also feature strongly.

Replicas will be available for pre-Christmas purchase on Thursday evening (22^nd) at our pop-up shop, which will be held at Folly Lane ARLFC, Fraser Street, Pendlebury M27 4DS, from 6.30pm ‘til 8.30pm. Online sales will commence via our website from Friday 23 December!

News

Lions sign Welsh international half-back Ollie Olds!

At Swinton Lions we are thrilled to announce the signing of Welsh International half-back Oliver Olds, who featured strongly for the Principality in the recent World Cup. Ollie’s arrival will therefore bolster the Wales international ranks at the club yet further, adding of course to Rhodri Lloyd, Mike Butt and Gavin Bennion.

Born in Bridgend in 1993, Ollie joined Leeds Rhinos at the age of 18 where he established himself as first choice scrum-half in their under 20s team. A couple of years later he left for Australia, where he first featured for Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup, and more recently the Fortitude Valley Diehards in the Brisbane Cup.

Ollie has won 11 caps for Wales, and like team-mate Rhodri Lloyd was a try scorer in the recent narrow loss to the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup. As a Welsh international half-back, he follows in the same footsteps of former Swinton greats such as Billo Rees and Ian Watson.

Head Coach Allan Coleman said, “It’s great to have Ollie on board for next season as he will bring us a lot of direction on the field. I watched him play in the World Cup and thought he went really well. After meeting up with him I knew straight away that he was exactly the right sort of character and player that we needed. I can’t wait to see him in a Swinton jersey!”

News

LEPORI CONFIRMS NEW DEAL AT THE LIONS

We are delighted to confirm that Italian international Richard Lepori has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Swinton Lions into season 2023. Since joining the club partway through the 2019 season, the winger has scored a very creditable 19 tries in 39 appearances, and has become an integral figure at Heywood Road.

Richard featured in the World Cup for Italy, and was also named as the Coaches’ Player of the Year at the Lions’ recent 2022 awards night.

Upon signing his new deal Richard said, “I’m really pleased to be staying at the club and I believe we are heading in the right direction. I’ve enjoyed my time at Swinton so it was an easy decision. I’m hoping to help the team on and off the field and stay in the Championship.”

Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “Richard was the first player we wanted to keep from last season after the impressive year he’d had. He is a team player and a massive part of our club and culture. Lippy leads by example in everything he does, and his presence will be so important for our new young players.”

News

LIONS CONFIRM DUAL REGISTRATION WITH SUPER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS ST HELENS!

Swinton Lions RLFC is delighted to confirm that a 2023 Dual Registration agreement has been signed with Super League champions, St Helens.

Having just gained promotion in dramatic fashion, the Lions are now looking to consolidate their place in the Betfred Championship, and a DR relationship with the four-consecutive-times champions St Helens provides an invaluable player development and squad strengthening opportunity.

The Lions’ CEO, Steve Wild, said, “Myself and Allan Coleman recently had a really encouraging and productive meeting over at St Helens with their CEO Mike Rush, Head Coach Paul Wellens and Head of Youth Derek Traynor.

“In agreeing the DR arrangement, not only do we recognise the opportunities for potentially significantly strengthening our player pool for 2023, we also saw it as recognition from extremely knowledgeable people from within the sport as to how far we at Swinton are developing. We are now looking forward to working collaboratively with St Helens, which can only help our own ambitions both on and off the field.

“We have an excellent recent record for helping to develop young players, both through previous DR arrangements and our own efforts, and hopefully the “Saints” that do play for us in 2023 will grasp the opportunity as a crucial part of their own personal development.”

Swinton Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “It’s a fabulous opportunity for our club to work closely with St Helens. The Championship is a very tough and competitive competition so we will need to be strong week in and week out, and working with St Helens will help us so much in that respect.

“St Helens are currently Super League champions and have been for the last four years, and the calibre of players they have in depth is phenomenal. It also shows how we are progressing as a club when top Super League clubs such as Saints want to work with us.”

On behalf of St Helens, Chief Executive Mike Rush said, “I think the Dual Registration between the two clubs makes complete sense. The partnership is a great opportunity for some of our younger lads to get some first team action in the Championship with a good, competitive side, which can only build their experience and hunger to play first team rugby.

“At the same time, it’s a great chance for some of the Swinton players to get some playing time in our set up and specifically in our Reserves, so we’re happy that we can give them that opportunity to them next season.”

Saints Head Coach Paul Wellens added, “Throughout the season this partnership with Swinton will allow some of our players to get some valuable minutes in a really strong competition. We will ensure those players that get the opportunity to play, will uphold the high standards we expect of them when representing Swinton.

“Equally we value the importance of the Reserves competition and having the option to potentially call upon Swinton for some of their players at key times in the season as well as give their players some opportunities to play and train with us can only benefit both Clubs. We are looking forward to working with them in 2023.”