Castleford Tigers Foundation secures funding to deliver Roar of a Century cultural programme

Founded in 1926, Castleford Tigers played their first game almost a century ago and have since become a cornerstone of Castleford’s sporting and cultural heritage.

The club has enjoyed many successes over the years, including four memorable Challenge Cup victories at Wembley in 1935, 1969, 1970 and 1986, creating lifelong memories for generations of supporters.

As the charitable arm of the club, Castleford Tigers Foundation delivers programmes that use sport, arts and education to benefit the local community, engaging people of all ages and abilities while promoting inclusion, wellbeing and creativity.

The Roar of a Century project officially kicked off last week at Fairburn View Primary School in Airedale, where the Foundation delivered a whole-school heritage assembly and dance workshops to the entire school.

The day was a huge success, with pupils enjoying special appearances from Castleford Tigers player Daejarn Asi and JT the Tiger mascot, bringing the club’s history and spirit to life for young fans.

The programme will bring together dance, visual arts and heritage activities to celebrate the club’s rich history. Participants will explore the Tigers’ story through themed dance workshops, creative heritage sessions in schools and youth groups, and contributions to a fan art and memorabilia wall. Activities are designed to connect people of all ages with the club’s past, present and future, culminating in a public celebration event at The OneBore Stadium, featuring school performances and community memory sharing.

Amy Hardman, Foundation Manager, said: “I am delighted that Wakefield Council is supporting us to deliver this project during the club’s centenary year.

"Castleford has such a proud rugby league heritage, and we want to celebrate that through creative activities that bring people together.

"Creative health is a powerful way to improve wellbeing, and we want to use the power of sport to inspire that. If any Castleford primary schools would like to receive a heritage assembly, please do get in touch.”

Coun Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to support this project through our Culture Grants.

"The community is incredibly proud of the club and its history, and bringing people from different generations and backgrounds together to celebrate this incredible milestone is fantastic.”

The Roar of a Century project will engage over 500 participants, offering free, high-quality cultural activities that foster pride, creativity and community connection, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Tigers supporters and Castleford residents.