Ex-League One side forced to start Just Giving Page to keep club alive

Yesterday the structure of the Championship and League One was finally confirmed by the RFL after months of doubts and speculation.

This is because two clubs pulled out of League One ahead of the 2024 season which left League One clubs concerned about the sustainability of the league and the value of it to fans.

Thus, clubs began to push for a new structure in 2024. They called for the Championship and League One to be merged and then split into two conferences, East and West.

Adding Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens’ reserves to the league was also considered but in the end the RFL have stuck with the current system with hopes that Newcastle Thunder will be able to compete and make League One a nine team league after they initially withdrew from the league.

The other team though that pulled out of League One is on the brink of extinction: London Skolars.

They have started a Just Giving page wanting to raise £10,000 to keep the club alive moving forward. They have raised nearly £2,000 so far.

This comes as founder Ian McNeil said: “London Skolars was formed in 1995 as the Student RL Old Boys by a group of ex-student players based in Hackney. It later moved to its current home New River Stadium in 1997. After having great success in the London & SE leagues, Southern Conference and National Conference the club applied and joined the semi-pro ranks in 2003.

“The club has always operated a vibrant local London RL pathway and has run 2 senior teams and multiple age groups youth teams developing players for all levels of the game from Super League down to the amateur ranks. Even this year the clubs U14s won the London junior league.

“Largely due to the reduction in central funding dropping from circa £100k to £15k the club has found the business model of travelling from Cornwall to Cumbria impossible to maintain and the Directors could no longer sustain the losses the club has been making. Other clubs like Newcastle’s demise also shows Skolars aren’t alone. The money coming into the game from sources such as Sky seems to be getting lower every cycle and whats left being concentrated at the top of the game in the North.

“The Directors and major stakeholders decided to take the tough decision to step back from League 1 and regroup in the Souther Conference League. The application for the SCL went in last month. The business model needs to change but the club will need some help financially in order to transition successfully into SCL. Costs will be greatly reduced as will revenues but the club wants to maintain its pathways, facilities and as professional environment as possible for current and future players. To help myself and a few long term supporters felt we would do our bit by trying to raise circa £10k to help the cause. The club wants to make the Skolars the place to be if you want to play RL in London.

“1000s of players have come through the clubs ranks and most had a superb experience over the 28 years of the clubs existence. Many would not have had teh chance to play RL without the club existing. Coaches, supporters, sponsors and all stakeholders I would love to believe have been enriched by the clubs impact and would feel moved to get behind this appeal. The Borough of Haringey has also been enriched by the club a professional sporting pathway for them & also teaching many kids in the borough the positive impact of playing rugby league. We really need to keep rugby league in Haringey.

“Some great names who have been involved in the club over the years include Joe Mbu, Dennis Tuffour, Jermaine Coleman, Ade Adebesi, Neil & Paul Thorman, Desi Williams, Tuoyo Egodo, Jarred Bassett, Iliess Macani, Joel, Jonathan & Junior Kpoku Dan Hindmarsh, Dylan Skee, Gav Gordon, Ady Spencer, Mo Agoro and many many more. Many lads have played Super League & the club has had its fair share of internationals as well.

“Please remember your fond memories of the Skolars, how it impacted you and in some cases helped you in your lives and careers. What ever you can spare no matter of the amount will help the next generation benefit and help the club not only survive and prosper.

“Myself and 2 others will manage the money raised and work with the club to make sure its well used and we will report back on how it is at a later date. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.”