Salford Red Devils today announce that over £150,000 has been raised through the Reds Rise Together campaign.
Almost 600 people have pledged their support of the community share offer campaign which bids to make Salford Red Devils the first elite Rugby League club to become wholly community owned, though momentum has slowed approaching the fourth week of the campaign.
Paul King, Managing Director of Salford Red Devils said;
“It is a remarkable milestone to reach [£150,000 raised], and once again demonstrates just how much this club means to some people.
“It has been so touching to read the reasoning of those becoming shareholders on the Crowdfunder page, and know that others feel the same way about our great club as I do.”
“We’re less than £100k from the initial target, and whilst that can change quite quickly, momentum has really slowed as of late which is worrying.
“We’re approaching an important moment in the campaign – the final stretch – and ideally we’re through the £250k mark well before then and well on our way towards our upper targets.”
Salford Red Devils can also confirm that the club has rejected an offer for an unnamed player this week.
“A reflection of the progress we have made as a club in recent years is our hugely talented squad who are attracting offers from other clubs across the world, and who would potentially command significant transfer fees.”
“But one of the reasons we are doing this now is to ensure we can keep our playing squad together and compete at the higher end of the competition – it just feels counter-productive to move on members of the group right now so we will avoid doing so for as long as we can.
“That being said, it may be something we must consider sooner rather than later if we do not get back on track in the campaign.
“To those who have already pledged and are now making history with us, firstly thank you, and secondly, help us now go further by speaking to your friends and family about it.
“Get them involved right away, or get them along to the event on the 23rd to learn more – this is such a special moment, not only for the club and the game, but for our local community too.”
What is the campaign?
‘Reds Rise Together’ is a community share offer which allows an individual to purchase a share in the club’s holding company – now a Community Benefit Society (CBS) – entitling them to a vote and eligibility to stand for election to the CBS board. Along with a host of other benefits, the overriding benefit is a collective one, meaning that together, we can take better control over the future of our club and continue to add meaningful value to our communities.
Why are we doing it?
In the first instance, we are doing this to become the northern hemisphere’s first elite rugby league club that is truly community-owned and one that gives every member a voice – making history in the process. There are also further key reasons:
- Maintain as competitive a playing squad as possible that ccompete at the highest level.
- To unite our growing community behind a common-cause.
- Fulfil IMG criteria ensuring Category A status within the top-flight of Super League through high level Commercial and Marketing growth.
How can you get involved?
It’s simple: buy a share and/or share the message far and wide!
To get involved or for further information, please view www.salfordreddevils.net/owntheclub, or to contribute directly, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/salford-red-devils
Let’s make history. Together. #RedsRiseTogether
