Tag: The Salford Stadium

Offload programme highlighted as a sporting sensation in recent major study

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Rugby League Cares’ health programme Offload – which Salford Red Devils are a founding member of – has been praised for its engagement with men and mental wellbeing, in a major academic study.

The research, carried out by Edge Hill University, can be found here and outlines the programme’s success in changing and saving lives, providing the men involved with a welcoming space to talk about their mental health.

Salford Red Devils Foundation are partnered with Rugby League Cares and State of Mind, who also support Offload, to give local men the opportunity to go behind the scenes of rugby league, learn the mental fitness techniques of professional players and be supported to develop their own winning mindset.

Offload is a 10-fixture season at the A J Bell stadium where men join forces with rugby league players, past and present, to understand the challenges of the game. The ability to deal with injury, moving to a new club, tactical changes, retirement and new careers beyond the game are discussed along with a playerโ€™s ability to juggle the everyday demands of life whilst performing at the top level.

Speaking on the Offload programme, Salford Red Devils foundation director Neil Blackburn said: This programme has been extremely successful and really made a substantial difference to our local community. We have engaged with hundreds of men who would not have engaged with traditional medicalised institutions. It has been a pleasure working with RLCares and other partners on this highly rewarding programme.

Our physical and mental health is so important, especially in such uncertain times. Programmes such as Offload are an essential part of the local provision an enhance the existing services.”

Sport and physical activity professor at Edge Hill University, Andy Smith, one of the three researchers into the Offload programme, said: โ€œThere has been a rapid growth in community sport and mental health programmes for men, but the key design characteristics of these programmes, and the roles played by delivery staff in their conception and development, have not yet been systematically or widely studied. Our research on the Offloadย programme begins to rectify this.

โ€œAmong other things, our analysis showed that men clearly preferred a non-clinical approach to discussing their mental health, often in less stigmatising environments like professional sports stadia, and using sporting analogies to support self-care.

โ€œHaving the sessions led by former professional sports people working alongside mental health and community sport experts made it a safe space and allowed participants to express themselves fully. This, in turn, provided great outcomes for the men involved.โ€

One participant in the programme said: “Some of them [the presenters] are people Iโ€™ve admired because I am a rugby league fan. When Iโ€™ve seen what theyโ€™ve been through, it made it easier for me to offloadย my problems in front of a few people, which I wouldnโ€™t have done before.โ€

Emma Goldsmith, head of community at Rugby League Cares, said: โ€œThe power sport has to transform the lives of participants is well documented but the success we have seen in making transformational change to the quality of life of the men who have engaged in Offloadย is remarkable.

โ€œOffload is enabling us to connect with an audience that health service providers have traditionally found difficult to reach: the feedback we receive from participants is consistently positive and uplifting, and itโ€™s a privilege for everyone at RL Cares to know weโ€™re making such a difference.”

To find out more on how to get involved in Salford’s Offload programmes, email: joanne.shepherd@salfordcc.ac.uk.

Costello all set for Saints season opener

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils’ Matty Costello is looking forward to coming up against his old side St. Helens, in the 2021 Betfred Super League season opener in three weeks time.ย 

Costello, who can play as a fullback, winger or centre, joined from Saints towards the end of 2020, linking up with head coach Richard Marshall who also arrived at the The Salford Stadium from St. Helens.

In what could be his first competitive game in a Salford shirt, the 22-year-old is excited to come up against some familiar faces.

Costello said: “It’ll be good playing against all my mates. I keep in touch with a lot of them.

“It’ll be good to come up against them, I’m sure they’ll give it me and I’ll give it them back.”

The 22-year-old spent plenty of time working with Richard Marshall during his time at Saints, who was assistant head coach at the Totally Wicked Stadium, and has transferred their good relationship over into the Salford camp.

“Rich worked a lot with us and he’s definitely improved my game in certain areas,” Costello said.

“We had a good relationship at Saints and it’s just the same. It’s just Rich is the main man now, the man to answer to, and I think he’s doing a really good job and the rest of the lads do as well.”

With a squad packed with talent for 2021, Costello’s main focus as we approach the start of the season is to be in and around that starting lineup.

Costello added: “I have the goal to play as many games as I can and be in around the squad to help where I can.

“Hopefully, we’ll be successful this year.”

Despite the excitement of lining up against his old side soon, Costello is looking forward to the return of fans in May the most.

“It’ll be good to play at Salford with the fans. Whenever I’ve played at the AJ Bell it’s been really loud and a tough place to go so lets keep it the same.”

In the meantime, you can watch Costello and your Red Devils in action against Wigan Warriors on Sunday 14th March in a preseason friendly, via Our League. Match day passes can be purchased here for an early bird price of ยฃ4.95.

RED DEVILS APPOINT NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce George Harborne as the Club’s new commercial director.ย 

Harborne joins the Club from leading international sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE and brings a wealth of experience across the sports commercial landscape, particularly in a club environment.

Prior to SPORTFIVE, Harborne has also held commercial positions across Premier League and Championship football clubs at Aston Villa, Derby County and West Bromwich Albion – securing major club partners in each of these positions.

After a lengthy process, aimed at identifying someone with the experience and drive to help develop the Club’s network of relationships and greatly enhance our commercial offering across all facets of the business, Harborne was a unanimous choice of the Board.

Following his appointment, Harborne said: “I am very excited to have taken on this opportunity at Salford Red Devils.

โ€œFrom my first conversations with Paul King and Joanne Hawkins, the story and journey of Salford Red Devils in recent years was one that I wanted to be part in writing the next chapter of. The job that has been done in the last couple of years to stabilise the Club has been superb and reflects the Salfordian spirit of determination and grit that runs through Salford Red Devils.

โ€œOur aim is to now use this stable footing to take stock and both develop and deliver a robust pathway to increase our commercial revenues to support the ongoing growth and development of the Club, both from an infrastructure perspective and on the pitch.

โ€œDespite the tough times that we all currently face, I am confident that we can continue to add to strong foundations laid for long term success at the Club.”

Managing director Paul king added: “We are delighted to have added George to lead the commercial team. He was identified at a very early stage as the one most likely to take us to the next level off the field and enable us to create the income streams we so desperately need to maintain our competitive edge on it.

“He comes with a proven track record in an elite sports environment and more importantly displayed a very clear understanding of the Salford project from day one of our initial conversation. He is as excited to be here as we are to have him.

ย “He wont score the winning try at Wembley but his role is every bit as important for the future of this fine club.”

Richard Marshall – “We’re all pulling in the same direction”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils head coach Richard Marshall is enjoying his first preseason at the The Salford Stadium with his new squad.ย 

The head coach is pleased to see both staff and players gelling well and believes it is fundamental that everyone involved in the Salford camp are on the same page.

Marshall said: “The players are really buying into everything that we’re doing.

“We’ve got a really good camaraderie within the group – the playing squad and the coaching staff – we’re all pulling in the same direction and I think that’s important.”

The head coach went on to talk about how he is enjoying working with his new side, who are certainly being put through their paces.

“What a great group the players are. They’re really enjoyable to work with – very receptive, clever, smart.

“There’s some challenges along the way as well, but that’s our jobs as coaches to make them better players and better people – we’re trying our hardest to do that.”

With confirmation now that Salford will be opening the 2021 Betfred Super League season against Marshall’s old side St. Helens, the head coach is looking forward to playing against familiar faces.

“It’s a great first round tie for us. I’m sure St. Helens are really excited about playing Salford,” Marshall said.

“We’ll be looking to start the season well and I’m sure they will as well.

“I’ve got some great friends there, they’ve got a great group.

“But I’m obviously at Salford now and I’m really enjoying it. I’m really pleased with the move and how everything is going here.”

With the new season approaching, Marshall is looking forward to hopefully being able to see as many Salford faces as possible in the stands.

“We’re all really excited for the season and hopefully our fans can get on board, everyone gets vaccinated and we can all get into the grounds again and enjoy our rugby league again.”

You can get on board by becoming a 2021 Squad Builder member or by purchasing a 2021 season ticket HERE.

Squad Builder relaunched for 2021

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are excited to announce the relaunch of our Squad Builder scheme ahead of the 2021 season.

Since the scheme was introduced ahead of the 2019 season, Squad Builder members have helped bring some big names to the AJ Bell who have had an impact on the Club’s recent progression, with Kallum Watkins the most recent addition.

In the past two seasons we have found ourselves in back-to-back major finals which is a testament to the Club and all its supporters.

Behind-closed-doors games last year made it challenging as many of our income streams were restricted. But, thanks to you, the fans, who helped out massively with season ticket donations, virtual matchdays and Squad Builder, we not only survived but we reached Wembley for the first time in over 50 years.

Head coach Richard Marshall has collated a strong backroom team and has further aspirations for our already established squad, so we appeal to you once again to help build further on the progress we have made by becoming a 2021 Squad Builder member.

Salford Red Devils Managing Director Paul King said: “Now more than ever the Club needs the fans to once again get behind us and help create the environment to breed further success.

“The global pandemic has been challenging, we appreciate fully how incredibly difficult it is for everyone right now but I urge you, if possible, support this initiative to enable the Club not only to survive but to thrive.

“We have all greatly enjoyed our recent successes on the field of play, with the continued support of our loyal fanbase we believe we can kick on and continue to challenge for honours in 2021.”

This year we are giving all Squad Builder members free RDTV from February 21st 2021 through to February 22nd 2022, where members will be able to see all club features, press conferences and previous games.

Squad Builder also gives you the opportunity to bring a friend to games, with game vouchers issued once we are aware of the fixtures and have identified what matches these vouchers can be valid for.

For Gold Squad Builder members, we will be issuing a limited edition signed Salford Red Devils ball in approximately July of this year.

All members will also receive a Squad Builder t-shirt and we will be in contact regarding sizes in the near future.

We hope to be able to offer much more as the season develops and restrictions are lifted and we thank you all once again for your incredible support both on and off the terraces. We can’t wait to have you back with us in person!

Due to government restrictions supporters are not allowed to attend the ticket office in person. However, Squad Builder can be paid for outright online now and from the The Salford Stadium ticket office from 9am tomorrow by calling 0161 786 1570, and selecting 1 for tickets and 1 for Salford Red Devils, or by emailing ticketoffice@ajbellstadium.co.uk ,

Monthly Direct Debit payments can also be made, meaning supporters can spread their payments, with the final payment being on the August 15th 2021. This can be done also by following the methods above.

The Squad Builder price categories are split into Gold, Silver and Bronze, to allow fans with different financial situations to support the club accordingly.

The ticket office is open for phone calls and emails from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Josh Johnson – “I do feel at home at Salford”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils prop Josh Johnson’s decision to extend his stay at a place he now calls home was a “no-brainer” for the 26-year-old.

After signing an extension until 2022, Johnson is pleased to have committed his future to Salford alongside Ryan Lannon recently

Johnson said: “When it all came about it was a no-brainer for me. I have chopped and changed but I do feel at home at Salford.

“There’s some good people at the club.”

The 26-year-old is looking forward to gelling with some of the new lads that have joined ranks with the Red Devils ahead of this season with the likes of Elijah Taylor and Darcy Lussick bringing in substantial NRL experience.

“It’ll be good to take the field with them and it’s good to be around them day-to-day at training.

“The better quality we keep bringing in, like the club’s doing, it’s only going to improve us lads who are trying to get to that kind of level they’ve got to,” Johnson added.

A product of Salford’s academy, Johnson wants to help the next wave of young talent come through at the AJ Bell.

“As you get older you want to try and help the young lads come through.

“If you only get one coming through it’s a success,” Johnson said.

Supporters can join Johnson this year, by purchasing a 2021 season ticket.ย Further details can be foundย HERE.

 

 

 

Ryan Lannon – “A responsibility on us”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils forward Ryan Lannon believes more players will come through the ranks at the The Salford Stadium over the coming years, following his contract extension until 2023.ย 

A product of Salford’s academy, Lannon made his senior debut in 2015 and had a brief spell at Hull Kingston Rovers, before returning in 2019.

The 25-year-old’s extension was announced alongside Josh Johnson, who he played alongside in the Red Devils youth setup – and Lannon believes they can act as role models for the next wave of young talent at Salford, who will be nurtured by the Club’s first Head of Rugby Development, Talent & Pathways, Paul Rowley.

Lannon said: “There is a bit of a responsibility on us to go round and speak to the kids who are in and around the Foundation, to tell them there is a pathway through at Salford.

“I think that’s what the Club needs. It’s only me and JJ (Josh Johnson) left at the minute, so it would be good to get other kids through and hopefully by us signing, the kids know there’s a pathway through to the first team.”

Last season saw Academy graduates Conor Aspey and Luis Roberts both make their Betfred Super League debuts for the Red Devils, with Aspey recently offered a trial.

Reflecting on his contract extension, it was a simple decision for Lannon to pledge his future to the Club.

“It was a very easy decision for me, because I’ve obviously been here most of my career,” he said.

“I had no intentions of going anywhere else, I just wanted to get it done.

“Salford was the only club in mind for me.”

Lannon is hoping the Red Devils can push on in 2021 to bring some silverware home and believes it can be done with the squad now at Salford.

“I think we’ve got a really good squad this year, we’ve got a really good balance,” he said.

“With Rich (Richard Marshall) coming in and with the experience he’s had at St Helens – with what he’s bringing into the Club, I think we’re in a better position and I think we’ll have a real good year.”

Supporters can join Lannon this year, by purchasing a 2021 season ticket.ย Further details can be foundย HERE.

MATCH REPORT | SALFORD RED DEVILS 42-24 CATALANS DRAGONS | MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

A dominant second-half display from Salford Red Devils saw them run out 42-24 winners against Catalans Dragons, on their return to the The Salford Stadium.
Despite trailing by 12 points at half-time, six tries in the second forty made sure the tie ended well and truly in Salford’s favour.
It was Catalans Dragons who found themselves on the scoreboard first. Their pressure was too much for the Salford line, which was broken by Paul Seguier to give the visitors the lead after 11 minutes.
From the restart, Catalans doubled their lead as Israel Folau broke clear and with a turn of blistering pace, was able to feed Tom Davies who went over next to the sticks.
Ian Watsonโ€™s men finally picked up their first try of the afternoon in the 25th minute. After some neat passing down the left, Tui Lolohea sent a looping pass out to Krisnan Inu, who slid in at the corner unopposed.
The Dragons responded just after the half-hour mark. This time Sam Kasiano reacted first to a loose ball and grounded to the left of the sticks.
Salford thought they had cut the visitorsโ€™ lead just before half-time, but Tyrone McCarthy saw his try ruled out for offside.
Half-time: Salford Red Devils 6-18 Catalans Dragons
Salford started the second forty a lot better. Kallum Watkins went down the right and found Rhys Williams on his inside to cut the deficit to six points in the 42nd minute.
Inu completed a brace in the 48th minute, with another simple try. This time it was Kris Welham who set the number five up to stroll over down the left.
The Red Devils turned the tie on its head in the 51st minute and took the lead for the first time through Lolohea, after Watkinsโ€™ explosive pace down the right created a gap for Dan Sarginson to feed Lolohea.
Watkins picked up a try of his own moments later, gathering a Pauli Pauli offload down the middle and breezing through the Dragonsโ€™ defence once again to ground the ball between the sticks.
Just after the hour mark, Lolohea doubled his try tally for the afternoon with a strong and determined run through the middle that saw him deservedly make it to the whitewash.
Inu completed his hat-trick inside the last five minutes, set up by Sarginson as Salford outnumbered the Dragons down the left.
Catalans got themselves a try on the hooter through David Mead, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Fulltime: Salford Red Devils 42-24 Catalans Dragons
Salford Red Devils: Sarginson, Williams, Watkins, Welham, Inu, Lolohea, Atkin, Mossop, Lussick, Yates, Ormondroyd, Pauli, Burke.
Catalans Dragons: Mead, Davies, Langi, Folau, Yaha, Maloney, Drinkwater, Casty, Mcilorum, Moa, Seguier, Jullien, Garcia
Salford tries: Inu (3), Williams, Lolohea (2), Watkins
Salford goals: Inu (7/7)
Catalans tries: Seguier, Davies, Kasiano, Mead
Catalans goals: Maloney (4/4)
Referee: Jack Smith
Image credit: Steve McCormick

Match preview | Warrington Wolves V Salford Red Devils | Friday 19th April

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Itโ€™s back to the Betfred Super League this Easter Weekend as Salford Red Devils travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium to face Warrington Wolves this Good Friday.

Last time out

Following an impressive performance in their Coral Challenge Cup match against Rochdale Hornets last Friday, Salford will be fighting back in the Super League in tomorrowโ€™s match against The Wire.
Salford were unstoppable in their 76-6 victory conceding just one try to Rochdale, in contrast to the 13 tries scored for the Red Devils.
With Greg Burke winning his first try of the season in the third minute of the game and Niall Evalds going over four times for Salford, Ian Watsonโ€™s squad displayed impressive defensive and attacking positions throughout the game.
Gil Dudson, Ed Chamberlain, Logan Tomkins, Jake Bibby (2), George Griffin, Rob Lui and Krisnan Inu were also on the scoresheet, with Shaun Ainscough scoring the only try for Rochdale.


Warrington Wolves will be looking to make a comeback against Salford after losing away to St Helens last Friday.
The Saints seemed to dominate the game with a 14-point lead at half time, resulting from two tries in quick succession following Mike Cooperโ€™s yellow card for a high tackle.
Wolves tried to fight back in the second half but failed to hold off a fierce attack from the Saints to bring the game to 38-12.

Form

Salford suffered a 16-23 loss in their previous Betfred Super League clash against Hull FC at the The Salford Stadium, placing them seventh in the table on a run of four straight losses.
However, a morale-boosting win over Rochdale Hornets in the Challenge Cup last weekend, following a squad shuffle from Head Coach Ian Watson, should give Salford the confidence to come out fighting at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.


The loss to St Helens for Warrington last Friday ended an impressive 9-match victory run for the Wire, leaving them sitting second in the Betfred Super League table.
Warrington will be looking to pull back from the loss as they obtain the home advantage for tomorrowโ€™s meeting.

Head-to-head

Joey Lussick has been a prominent part of the Salford squad in recent games, scoring four tries and four goals for the Red Devils in 10 appearances.
Lussick will be looking to return to the squad as Hooker to face Warrington Wolves in tomorrowโ€™s game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
He will go head to head with The Wireโ€™s Daryl Clark who matches Lussick in scoring four tries in 10 appearances for Wolves.

Team news

Ian Watsonโ€™s 19-man squad for tomorrowโ€™s game sees the return of Mark Flanagan and Daniel Murray to replace Ed Chamberlain and Logan Tomkins.
George Griffin will also be looking at reaching his 100thSalford appearance if he plays in tomorrowโ€™s 17-man team.

Squad

Salford: Niall Evalds, Kris Welham, Junior Saโ€™u, Jake Bibby, Rob Lui, Josh Wood, Gil Dudson, Josh Jones, George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Joey Lussick, Adam Walker, Greg Burke, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Daniel Murray, Derrell Olpherts, Krisnan Inu, Jackson Hastings.
Warrington: Ryan Atkins, Blake Austin, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Jason Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Matt Davis, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Toby King, Harvey Livett, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Lama Tasi, Ben Westwood.
Tickets are still available to purchase from the The Salford Stadium ticket office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570 until 9pm tonight! Fans can choose to collect their tickets from the The Salford Stadium tonight or collect them on matchday at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Salford will retain 25% off all advanced ticket profits so buy now! Get moreย information on ticket and coach prices HERE.

Gold line draw | Week 3

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Here are all the results from Week 3 of the Gold Line Draw as yet another five ยฃ500 winners were crowned.
This weekโ€™s five ยฃ500 winners were:
A Brown
F Huby
Mrs S Thompson
Mrs P Lowe
Jacky Swift
However, thereโ€™s chance to win big next week as the Rollover Draw ticked over for another week and now stands at ยฃ1,250 for Week 4.
D Bentham won the meal voucher at the Old Nags Head.
Mr E Greatbank was this weekโ€™s winner of the Vue cinema tickets at The Lowry Venue.
Kenneth Price & Jean Evans was the winner of the meal voucher at Walkabout โ€“ The Printworks, Manchester.
Finally, Neil Hallwood won the meal voucher at Castle in the Air โ€“ JD Wetherspoons at The Chill Factore.
There were also 39 winners of the ยฃ10 consolation prizes.
Congratulations to all the winners.
You can join the Gold Line Draw by simply E-Mailingย SalfordSuperDraw@gmail.comย with the subject โ€˜joinโ€™.
We have recently launched our new โ€˜Supporters Packโ€™ for the Gold Line Draw with full detailsย here.ย 
To sign up for the Gold Line Draw via Direct Debit clickย here.
To sign up for the Gold Line Draw via Standing Order clickย here.
You can also subscribe to the results directly to your inbox each week by E-Mailingย SalfordSuperDraw@gmail.comย with the subject โ€˜subscribeโ€™.
Here are the full result sheets for Week 3:

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