The Co-operative Championships KIDS GO FREE initiative, which begins over the Easter holiday period on April 14, has won the support of some of the biggest names in UK entertainment and sport, with comedian Johnny Vegas and England international cricketer Graeme Swann showing their supporting for the concept.
The scheme, launched at the start of the season, aims to ease the financial burden on families and engage more people in the sport of Rugby League by enabling children under 16 to gain free entry with a paying adult to all Co-operative games during the schools holidays.
“I’m a big fan of Rugby League,” said Swann, who was part of England’s recent Ashes-winning Test side. “When I can in between cricket matches, I love nothing more than catching a game and I think enabling kids to go free to games is a great way of opening up the sport to more people.”
The scheme followed research commissioned by The Co-operative which showed that family time has taken a hit during the economic crisis, as families have less disposable income to spend on family outings than previously. The survey revealed that 72 per cent of families are spending less than two years ago on family activities as their finances are under greater strain during these tough times.
“I am proud to support kids going free to games,” said comedian and actor Johnny Vegas, who lives in Muswell Hill. “I have been a big fan of the game all my life and I think it’s brilliant that more people get the chance to watch this great game. Helping out families and getting more kids along is a great initiative.”
Actress and former star of Coronation Street Lucy-Jo Hudson, who attended the launch of the Co-operative Championships earlier this year, has also shown her support for the scheme.
“I’m a massive Rugby League fan and have followed the sport from an early age with my family,” she said. “Rugby League is a fantastic family sport, and I fully lend my support to giving as many children as possible the opportunity to attend games.”
For more information on the ‘Kids Go Free’ initiative go to www.therfl.co.uk/kidsgofree/
To keep up to date with all the latest news from the Co-operative Championships follow @RLChampionships on Twitter.
