Investment allows Wakefield Trinity to have “the finest playing surface in Rugby League”

Wakefield have invited expressions of interest from individuals who may be interested in investing in the club.

As the club celebrates 150 years of history in 2023 and with the completion of the current phase of ground redevelopment in time for the 2024 season these are exciting times for Wakefield Trinity. The Board and shareholders have decided this is an appropriate moment to invite interested parties to invest in the club.

Such investment will provide an opportunity to accelerate plans as we prepare for the opportunities and challenges of applying for Grade A status in the game from 2025 onwards.

As well as inviting those with potentially large amounts to invest, the club is intending to issue “Member shares” to supporters who may be interested in investing relatively modest amounts in tranches of £500. This may appeal to those who would like to feel a sense of ownership and be closer to the activities of the club than at present but are not seeking any voting participation or financial return and do not have a desire to take an active part in the running of the club.

Member shareholders investing £500 will enjoy a range of tangible benefits from the club including:

· attendance at up to three shareholders’ meetings per year including the Annual General Meeting

· 10% discount on match-day hospitality in the banqueting suite in the new East Stand

· behind the scenes members’ events with players and backroom staff such as “open training days”

· their name recorded on a “role of honour” to be displayed within the new East Stand

Amongst the mayhem of what is largely still a construction site at the Be Well Support Stadium on Sunday, the club laid their grass hybrid playing surface attracted many admirers according to the club who said: “Despite significant rainfall in the preceding 24 hours, which resulted in a number of postponed matches locally, our new surface looked and played immaculately. The surface, which was only laid in September will improve even more once the 2023 growing season arrives and we look forward the boasting perhaps the finest playing surface in Rugby League.

“Keeping the pitch in this excellent condition will require not only lots of work from our groundsman Steve Dutton but the investment in some new equipment.”

Meanwhile, Chairman John Minards thanked fans for their role through member shares:

“We have had a very generous response to our Member Share invitation and wanted to show to those who have subscribed how we have put their investment to immediate practical effect. The new playing surface is a key part of our development programme as we prepare for the upcoming changes in Rugby League and this is an important piece of kit in helping ensure our pitch is Grade A standard.”