Exciting future for Rochdale Hornets Foundation

Rochdale Hornets can confirm that former Club Chairman Mark Wynn has taken the role as Chair at Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation.

Niel Wood steps down from the role, and everyone at the club would like to thank Niel for his many years of service. His key achievements include the formation of the Foundation in 2014, delivering Wheelchair 4 Nations, increasing the profile and activity delivering rugby league to thousands of children annually and playing a leading role in securing the England Fiji event which is due to be held in 2022.

Niel will remain a trustee and continue to support the foundation where possible.

On the new appointment, club Chief Executive Steve Kerr said: “Working closely with Niel for the past four years has been a real pleasure and his commitment and passion for rugby league has helped develop a fantastic foundation, which he should be very proud of.

“It’s a good time to refresh the Chairs position and at the same time we are delighted to announce a vacancy for a Business Development Director within the Foundation. The new postholder will support the Foundation’s renewed ambitions headed up with Mark Wynn as Chair of the Foundation. Mark is a stalwart of rugby league in Rochdale and a fantastic fit to help the foundation and club push forward into a new era.

“Congratulations to Niel on all his achievement’s and welcome to Mark.”

On his new role, Wynn added: “I am really proud to be taking on the role of Chair at the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation. 

“A huge amount of praise must go to outgoing Chair, Niel Wood, who has done a fantastic job helping to build the Foundation from scratch and seven years on and a pandemic later the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation is still something everyone connected with Rochdale Hornets and the sport of rugby league can be proud of.

“Going forward in this post-pandemic world the Foundation, using the power of the Rochdale Hornets brand, will look to engage with a new audience and support people across the borough as we work to build back better and help make the Rochdale Borough a great place to live, work and grow old.”

Departing Wood added: “I’ve really enjoyed being Chair of the Hornets Foundation and I would like to thank the club, the staff, trustees, partners and the community of Rochdale for supporting us for the past seven years.

“Handing over to Mark Wynn has a nice symmetry as it was Mark who originally asked me to set the Foundation up. He is experienced in rugby league, the club, community and charity sectors and perfectly placed to take the Foundation to its next phase. I wish him well.

“From a sports development perspective I have enjoyed the process of setting something up, working with people to grow and sustain it and finally handing over and enjoying watching it flourish but still being available to support its development.”

To apply for the above vacancy of Business Development Director, click here.