Bramley offer free entry for Hornets clash

The first fan-owned rugby league club, Bramley Buffaloes, are making their upcoming Conference clash with South Wales free entry for fans.

The Buffaloes, set up in 2000 along co-operative lines, have proved the inspiration for several fan-owned clubs in both rugby league and football since, and their clash with the Hornets on Saturday 18th August at Stanningley‘s Arthur Miller Stadium (2.30pm) is being sponsored by The Co-Operative Group’s Leeds and Wakefield Area committee.

The match will celebrate and promote the International Year of Co-operation and co-operative principles.

Chairman Martyn Cheney said: “Bramley Buffaloes, was the first Industrial and Provident Society or “mutual” in the sport of Rugby League. As a ‘fans owned’ club organised a co-operative principle, the club is delighted that many other football and rugby clubs have organised on ‘mutual’ lines. Witness the enormous growth in recent years of the Supporters Trust movement with the active support of Supporters Direct.

“Similarly in many other spheres of human endeavour, including retail, sport and leisure, finance, manufacturing and the “co-operative” principle is taking on an increasing profile. This year has been officially named the United Nations Year of Co-operation.

“As a result, on August 18th, Bramley’s Rugby League Conference game, at home to the South Wales Hornets, will celebrate the International Year of Co-operation and co-operative principles.

“We hope that the Rugby League community and the people of West Leeds will turn out in strength and support this noble venture that is very much of the times.”

Entry to this match will be free and it will be promoted as a celebratory game. In addition like-minded co-operative organisations are invited to attend the game, and display or provide information about their own organisations aims and objectives. All organisations attending will be given a free advert in the Bramley Buffaloes match day magazine.