Three generations supporting Hunslet - in more ways than one

Hunslet chairman Kenny Sykes was delighted to meet three generations of the Birch family at the weekend.
Hunslet chair Kenny Sykes with Bill Birch and his family. Picture: Hunslet RLFCHunslet chair Kenny Sykes with Bill Birch and his family. Picture: Hunslet RLFC
Hunslet chair Kenny Sykes with Bill Birch and his family. Picture: Hunslet RLFC

And he had further cause for celebration when he was presented with a cheque for £5,000 to bolster the Parksiders’ finances in readiness for the 2021 season.

Bill Birch, who hails from Wolverhampton, has been a regular at Hunslet since moving to Leeds in the early 1970s.

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He said: “I fell in love with the club at the Greyhound Stadium and have been a supporter ever since. Hunslet is a great family club that gets in your blood.”

Son Matthew is also a season ticket holder, while grandson Nathaniel has already attended a number of games. “He is not a regular yet, but he will be!” confides Bill, a mining engineer by profession who is a director of Blast Log Ltd.

During his time with British Coal he was the mining expert involved in the construction in the mid-90s of the South Leeds Stadium, Hunslet’s ground.

And he jokingly insists: “Please don’t blame me for the coldest stand in Rugby League! I actually advised that it be built on the opposite side of the road, where it faces the sun and is much warmer.”

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Sykes said: “We are extremely grateful to Bill and his family for their donation, which makes a big difference to us, not just in financial terms but in lifting everyone at the club as a reminder that we are all in this together.”

He added: “Whilst fully understanding the position a small number of supporters have found themselves in, I have been overwhelmed by the number of members and season ticket holders who have waived the option of a refund due to this season’s cancellation through the impact of Covid-19.”

Hunslet, meanwhile, continue to seek new investment. Companies - or individuals - that would like to get involved can email [email protected] or telephone 0113 271 2730.

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