L I O N S 2 0 0 8

The Co-operative has today (7 July) launched an innovative scheme that will enable Featherstone Lions supporters to raise thousands of pounds for the club by pooling their dividend payments.

Lions fans joining the scheme will have their Co-operative dividend paid directly to the club's funds. which will be distribuated out in relation to keeping the clubs facilities from falling in to disrepair

Members of The Co-operative receive a share of profits based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the Group's businesses, which include: The Co-operative Food; Travel; Pharmacy and Funeralcare as well as The Co-operative Bank, The Co-operative Insurance, Sunwin Motors and on all purchases made online at www.co-operative.coop . The Co-operative paid out a total of £38.1m in dividend in 2007.

The initiative was launched alongside the announcement that The Co-operative has become an Official Partner of The RFL. They are already the title sponsor of The Co-operative National and Conference Leagues.

The Co-operative Group's Sponsorship Manager, Liz Matkin, said: "We're delighted to increase our support to rugby league by becoming an Official Partner of The RFL.

 "We are confident that The Co-operative Rugby League membership scheme will raise millions of pounds in the coming years, which will be invested by community trusts to support the ongoing development of the game.

 " Rugby league's foundations are in local communities and The Co-operative is committed to supporting these with the community being very much at the core of our brand values."

Patrick Allen, Director of Marketing at The Co-operative Group, added:  "We are proud of our proactive approach to sponsorship and excited that our new rugby league membership scheme will give so much back to the sport, whilst assisting the development of rugby league in local communities.

"In addition, this initiative isn't available exclusively to supporters of rugby league - it is accessible to any group that decides to act in a co-operative manner and is willing to establish a trust to ensure that funds raised go back in to the community.  As part of our commitment to encouraging communities to co-operate, schools, golf clubs, or indeed any group can embrace this opportunity.

"Our brand vision is 'Good For Everyone' and that's certainly something we're trying to illustrate through initiatives such as the new membership scheme."

Adam Jude, The RFL's community marketing manager, enthused: " The RFL are thrilled that the most ethical retailer, and one of the most well known community retailers in the UK , has become an Official Partner of the RFL to compliment their sponsorship of The Co-operative National Leagues.

"The membership initiative is fantastic news as it could raise thousands of pounds for clubs. Supporters can really get behind their clubs with the scheme, and it's really easy as well - simply shopping at your local store could aid the ongoing development of your favourite team."

Print your own application form -

RFL Share Your Profits app form p1.pdf

RFL Share Your Profits app form p2.pdf

Our membership number/code to quote on the form is:-

633174910511286005