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Nominations Now Open for the Craig Vernel Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunity for one player to have their monthly subs, and a training kit provided for one year.
Craig Vernel was a player at Leigh RUFC who filled every room with laughter and character every time he entered. He loved playing rugby at Leigh and his sons are continuing that legacy. Craig sadly passed away in September 2021.
Freea (previously SHE: Support Her Empowerment) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) set up by Craig's wife Emma and Laura O'Brien to support women's mental health. In recognition of the impact Craig made on all those who knew him, Freea have provided £204 sponsorship for one player to cover the cost of their subs for the full year.
This sponsorship is to go to an Age Grade player* who embodies Craig's spirit; by enjoying their rugby, supporting their teammates, who gives 100% effort at training and matches, but ultimately looks out for others and creates a warm, welcoming environment that is positive for all around them.
Nominations are to be provided by the 4th September 2026. Please provide the reason for your nomination in the following form. The nominees will then be reviewed and a recipient selected and notified. The sponsorship will cover the playing subs for the period of October 2026- September 2027. Additional funding is available from Freea to provide training kit and boots for the successful applicant to be arranged at a later date.
Nomination form: https://forms.gle/DAWo34toeZKtyqFb6
Please feel free to circulate the link around any family, friends, or colleagues.
Note: The player must be playing rugby at Leigh RUFC in order to receive the sponsorship. The sponsorship shall be paid directly to the Age Grade bank account rather than to a parent or guardian and paid back to the club. The person making the nomination does not have to be the players parent or guardian, it can be a rugby coach or other contact. Please be aware though we will use the contact details of the person completing the form to get in touch regarding the application.
*Age grade is defined as players in the Under 6's - Under 18's.
If there are any questions, please reach out to Rhianne Boag rhianne_boag@yahoo.co.uk