Basically, we are interested in starting a Rugby League team in the East End of London and was wondering if there was any interest for this venture.
Here is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) that we are finding at the minute.
What are you doing?
Well basically, we are looking at starting a new Rugby League team in East London and need to assert if there is enough interest to start this venture to enter the London League for 2009 before looking at moving onto the Co-Operative Summer Conference, possibly in 2010.
Where are you based?
We will look at playing anywhere in the area of East London but nowhere has yet been earmarked as of yet to a possible home. Local Rugby Union sides will be looked at because they will benefit from having their home ground in use through summer months, see financial benefits such as the use of bar facilities and will be able to include our Rugby League side in grant applications because they will be a "multi-sport club".
Where will the players come from?
London itself has an estimated population of 7.5 million with an estimated 1.5 million of those living in East London so there will be quite a big talent pool to pick from! We do believe that London is an area full of different cultures so we will be able to find around 20 blokes interested in Rugby League. We will also look for players closer from home, any Rugby League expirience is not necessary but anyone with expierience is more then welcome to get in touch. London is also full of universities so hopefully there is a few people who are interested in Rugby League studying in the capital, we don't mind what part of the world you're from.
Rugby League in London, thats a bit odd?
Well that may be your initial opinion but actually London has a thriving Rugby League community and we are hoping to join it. London is home to two professional clubs in Super League's Harlequins RL and Co-Operative Championship One outfit London Skolars. Outside of the professional game there are a number of Rugby League teams playing in a number of different competitions.
So will East London RL be professional?
No East London RL will not be a professional club, we are aiming to be a purely amateur side. Some Rugby League teams in the London League and Co-Operative Summer Conference are paid but as we are a new team it looks very unlikely that any player or coach at East London RL will be paid.
What else are you trying to do?
We are trying to forge a link with another Rugby League team in Britain. We want to do this because it will see benefits to both clubs because we can host each other in friendly games etc. We are also looking for any unwanted equipment that can still be used.
Any more questions please e-mail
eastlondonrl@live.co.uk