News

THUNDER PLAYERS DROP INTO SCHOOL WITH NORTHERN RAIL CUP

6th March 2008

Pupils from Dunn Street School in Jarrow got their hands on the Northern Rail Cup today when Dave Woods, coach of Gateshead Thunder rugby league side, and players Michael Knowles, Netani Suka, Stuart Kain and Ryan Clarke dropped in to see them as part of the ‘Northern Rail Cup Momentum Tour’.

The Momentum Tour is taking place as part of train operator Northern Rail’s support for the Northern Rail Cup, a knockout competition for the 22 clubs in the National League.

Chris Leech, youth and community liaison manager for Northern, is taking the trophy to schools with close links to the clubs to encourage children to get involved in the sport and to talk to them about the railway, including the dangers of playing near railway lines.

He said: “We are really passionate about being involved in the communities that we serve and working in partnership with Gateshead Thunder is a fun way of communicating a serious message to children.”

Chris Hood, Community Development Manager, Gateshead Thunder said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to get the rail safety message over to the children as well as giving them the opportunity to meet and talk to some of the players. Gateshead Thunder Community Programme is proud to be involved with the ‘Northern Rail Cup Momentum Tour’ and our community engagement programme goes from strength to strength.”

As well as taking part in question and answer sessions with the players the children were encouraged to enter a competition to design a piece of artwork to promote rugby league. The winner will receive a Gateshead Thunder season ticket and have their design put on canvas and displayed at Gateshead Stadium.

Gateshead Thunder have qualified for the knockout stages of the Northern Rail Cup for the first time in their history after a 26 – 18 victory over local rivals York City Knights last weekend.