Following recent announcement by RFL in regards to Elite Academy Licence BullBuilder has written to RFL
24 May 2021
To: Mr Ralph Rimmer (Chief Executive Officer)
C/O Rugby Football League
Quay West
Trafford Wharf Road
Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1HH
Dear Mr Rimmer
Re: Bradford Bulls Academy Elite Licence
Given the recent RFL announcement not to grant Bradford Bulls Academy an Elite Licence, I write to you on behalf of BullBuilder and request that you give further consideration to award a licence to the Bradford Bulls.
BullBuilder is an Industrial and Provident Society, and is registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) as Bradford Rugby League Supporters Society Limited. We are focused on attracting, developing young players in the Bradford Bulls Academy and Rugby League.
BullBuilder is an independent supporters trust. It is run by dedicated volunteers who support the Academy by providing the “extras” to support young player’s development. Money is raised from events and direct donations from members. We are also supported by players past and present who want to support young player development at the Bulls.
Over recent years BullBuilder has made significant contributions to support the development of Academy players, summary of 2019/20 donations attached. Our accounts are in the public domain and we will gladly provide you with copies.
As you will be aware there are many high quality players (past and present), representing teams at all UK and NRL levels. They have benefited from the incredible work of the Bulls Academy. This is an excellent example of how the Bulls Academy significantly contributed to expanding the game of rugby league.
Rugby League prides itself as being rooted in local communities. The Bulls have established excellent links with the local community clubs. That connection will be damaged by your decision.
BullBuilder has supported young player development at the Bulls for over 10 years and raised tens of thousands of pounds, from fund raising, events, donations etc. This is additional to the resources the Bulls have provided. Officials from the Rugby League have attended our events and publicly expressed their support and admiration for our work.
The Bulls Academy structure has created an outstanding learning environment, not only in terms of the primary aims of furthering the game and the supply of players but also in terms of the learning (academic and vocational) opportunities for young people.
We also have robust welfare policy and procedures, requests have included providing funding for medical support eg: funding head injury assessments, financial support if young player or their family do not have the means (eg: funds to provide boots etc). These requests are made by the Head of Youth and are treated in confidence, grants/donations are reflected in our accounts. This provides consistency and care for young players.
BullBuilder also supports the Bulls Academy in recognising and encouraging young player’s achievements. Dedicated volunteers provide a wide range of support and expertise in personal development. We have a variety of awards eg: Player of the Month, Player of the Year and Academic Achievement, Outstanding Achievement Award and Trevor Foster Unsung Hero Award.
The Bulls Academy has a very dedicated, committed, hardworking staff who together with the aforementioned volunteers provide outstanding support for the Academy players not only in helping them develop rugby skills but in their personal development.
By not awarding the Bradford Bulls Academy an Elite License, I would suggest will have a negative and damaging impact on the game of rugby league and would respectfully request you reconsider/review the decision and grant the Bradford Bulls Academy an Elite License.
If we can assist by providing any further information to support the granting of an Elite Licence to the Bradford Bulls Academy, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely
Paul Butterworth (Chair)