WORKING WITH THE WAKEFIELD WILDCATS

Wakefield Council and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are working together to help secure the club's future in the Rugby Super League.

The rugby league team is contributing to the Council's Strategy for Sport which is currently being developed.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Denise Jeffery said the Wakefield Wildcats were key stakeholders in the future sports strategy where they will be able to set out their views on how they can help to deliver the vision in the longer term.

She said: "The strategy will clearly recognise rugby league not just as a key issue for sport in the District but also as something that is integral to the long-term culture and development of the District. It will put sport at the forefront of our plans to build a healthier and more active Wakefield.

"This is part of the Council's commitment to working with all sports organisations in the district, including all three rugby league clubs, to develop our community sports facilities and events. Our readiness to work with the club and support it in developing facilities to match its Super League status is a key part of the strategy.

"We have held a series of meetings with the club in an effort to provide what assistance we can to help them achieve their aims. Working with them on the strategy recognises the importance of the game and the contribution the rugby league makes to the sporting and cultural vitality of the district."

Wildcats Chief Executive Steve Ferres said: "We are delighted with the progress made so far. Being a major part of the Sports Strategy and having a new stadium allows us the platform to build on the highly acclaimed community programmes currently in place and deliver to a much wider audience in Wakefield."

A report of the sport strategy is due to go to Cabinet in July and a major public consultation exercise will follow over summer.

Ref: PR887
Date: 22/06/06

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