Hull FC’s new-look club lottery is playing its part in supporting the Black & Whites ever-growing Centre of Excellence programme, with over £130,000 raised over the last two years for player pathways and grassroots rugby programmes.
The club partnered with NYCDA in 2020 to modernise the weekly lottery draw format, allowing players to play online, with the chance to win up to £10,000 every month.
Players can be a part of the weekly draw for as little as £1 a week, with funds going towards Hull FC’s revitalised Centre of Excellence at the University of Hull, with Academy, Scholarship, Wheelchair, Girl’s, Women’s, PDRL and LDRL teams all benefitting, as well as grassroots and community rugby schemes in the area.
The money raised directly contributes to things like equipment, nutrition and transport, amongst other things, helping the club continue to improve the environment for their young stars of the future.
The funds have had a major impact already, as Hull FC’s Academy side reached the semi-finals of the play-offs for the first time in years this season.
Head of Emerging Talent Michael Shenton, who is the lead coach for the Academy side said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Hull FC club lottery and NYCDA for the financial support they have given us.
“The funding has allowed us to buy some state-of-the-art equipment, including recently some additional video analysis tools, which ultimately enhances youth player development, one of the key aims of the club.
“We were able to put that equipment to good use throughout the 2022 season, and I would like to think that will continue in helping the players prepare for the 2023 season when the new campaign gets up and running again.
“We’re extremely grateful to all the fans who play the lottery and the support it gives us – the club is investing significantly in our Centre of Excellence and facilities and I’m sure this support is invaluable.”
For many years, there has been a real emphasis on blooding Hull’s youth into the elite level in the Betfred Super League.
The likes of Jordan Lane, Cameron Scott and Jack Brown, who have all come through the club’s Academy in recent years, are now key parts of the Black & Whites’ first team squad.
That’s while Centre of Excellence prospects Matty Laidlaw, Charlie Severs, Harvey Barron and Davy Litten have all been given a taste of life in Super League within the last few months, to name a select few.
With community engagement and the Centre of Excellence a key focus for the club, Hull FC’s Chief Executive, James Clark, says the club’s fans are playing a key role in the club’s future by playing the lottery.
“The lottery is a fantastic opportunity for supporters to not only directly support our youth pathways, but also a great chance to win some cash prizes and experiences.
“The lottery is growing very quickly and we’re extremely grateful to the team at NYCDA and all the members and supporters playing the lottery to help us keep progressing on and off the field.
“Our fans are the heartbeat of this club and this another brilliant way for them to influence of our future directly through their support.”
For more information, including where the proceeds go and how to join for as little as £1 per week via a monthly direct debit, please visit www.nycdaweeklydraw.co.uk/hullfc
Alternatively, if you have any questions, please get in touch with us via lottery@hullfc.com and 01482 697634.
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