OLDHAM RLFC’s forthcoming mid-season dinner promises to be an evening highlighting the club’s accomplishments over the past twelve months, as well as looking to the future.
March 24, less than two weeks away, will mark one year since the club was taken over by a five-strong consortium headed by Mike Ford.
The main purpose of the purchasing of the club – as revealed to the rugby league world at press conference at Boundary Park by Ford – was to “provide Oldham with a team that everybody can be proud of”.
It all started in early 2022, fresh from the club’s first ever loss to an amateur club.
Playing in the third division, and being the lowest ranked heartland club in the whole of rugby league, Ford felt the need to act.
Fast forward to now, the club has secured its long-term future at Boundary Park, a venue which would rival many Super League grounds.
Enthusiasm for Oldham Rugby has massively increased with sales of season tickets more than tripling and average attendances seeing similar increases.
On the field, a championship calibre of squad has been amassed, spearheaded by a first class coach in Sean Long, with the ultimate goal of reviving Oldham’s prominence in the sport.
The event, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on April 26, will serve as celebration of the above, as well as a reflection on the past, while alos providing an insight into what is to come for the club.
John Chadwick will give a summary of the club’s successes over the years, while Sean Long will give an update on where the club is currently at and his vision for this season and beyond.
MD Mike Ford will share where he envisages the club going in the next few years, including growing the club’s boys’ and girls’ pathways, as well as further increasing attendances and building the Melrose training base into a first-class facility for use of the club and the community at large.
Cross-code rugby star Jason Robinson will be speaking at the event, compered by Michael Bradshaw, telling stories from his career.
Entertainment throughout the night will also be provided by comedian John Gillan.
Tickets are priced at £48 per head, which includes a three course meal.
There will also be a raffle, plus an auction on the night.
Mike Ford said:
“We hope to have a brilliant turnout for what promises to be a fantastic night.
“It’ll be great to hear the stories Jason Robinson has to share.
“I coached him when he was captain of the England side which reached the 2007 World Cup final – I loved coaching him because he was a lot smaller than me.
“There are not many more decorated players in both codes than Jason and it’ll be a real treat.
“We have come so far in twelve months as a club, both on and off the field, with the dinner recognising that.”
Guests are asked to arrive by 7pm to allow a prompt start at 7:30pm with the event expected to run until late.
Venue details: The Queen Elizabeth Hall, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1QJ
TIckets for the event can be purchased at the club’s online shop
