Big response to Viking Stronghold re-launch (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Big response to Viking Stronghold re-launch

11:52am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Vikings news

WITHIN days of the re-launch of the Viking Stronghold initiative, the club has been inundated with enquiries.

Over 250 members have already benefitted from the ‘Price Freeze’ offered by the Vikings, with many more opting to continue to spread their payments over the year via the Direct Debit payment plan which continues to be offered by the club.

Commenting on proceedings thus far, Vikings CEO James Rule, said: “We have had a fabulous response since last Thursday’s Stronghold announcement from members wishing to take advantage of the price freeze.

"Considering this offer is held until 20 November, I am delighted that so many people have acted so quickly.

“As I highlighted in my first interview with the clubs official website, we, as both an organisation and a member-base, have a responsibility to ensure that this club is operating at a sustainable level.

“Although the club has had to introduce a small surcharge to the Viking Stronghold Direct Debit facility, we hope our fans will acknowledge that the Vikings’ administration had to act to address a potential flaw in the initiative.

“It is imperative that actions are taken to ensure that any area of the business open to fragility is addressed immediately. I would hope our members appreciate that the club has maintained a price freeze for advance payments but has had to restructure the Direct Debit model to ensure that this risk is minimal.”

One member keen to benefit from the ‘Price Freeze’ offer was Alishia-Carin Dwyer (pictured).

A born and bred Widnesian, Alishia has been a fan of her local team for as long as she can remember, stating;

“Rugby League is my main sport and I have a real passion for ‘everything’ to do with the Vikings.

“Due to my University commitments last year, I was forced to miss out on quite a few games and I wasn’t happy about that.

Fortunately, that won’t be happening again next year and I am keen to make up for lost time. Paying in advance means that I’ll save a few quid, too, which is always a good thing.

“My favourite player in the squad is Danny Craven. Even though he is young, he is already showing the signs that he could go on to become one of the clubs greats in the years to come. I’m made-up that I’ll be there in 2013 cheering him and the rest of the boys on!”

Jon Hayes, a current family member who attends Vikings fixtures alongside his two sons, contacted the club to discuss his renewal options and chose to continue with his current Direct Debit payment plan.

He said: “The option to spread my payments over 12 months fits in nicely with my lifestyle.

“Although I understand that I will pay a little more for this facility, as far as I am concerned it is still money well spent and excellent value for money.”

The club is also pleased to report a number of new members have joined the Stronghold initiative, thanks to the attractive promotional rates on offer.

“The ultimate aim was not only to sustain our current member-base but as importantly grow this number by rewarding new supporters with a saving of up to 50% on matchday prices,” added Rule.

“I am pleased with the initial uptake within such a short period since the re-launch and hopeful that as the campaign grows, many more will follow suit.”

The Viking Stronghold is the most cost effective way to support your local team.

If you wish to take advantage of the membership initiative, simply visit the Viking Store located at the Stobart Stadium (within Stadium Fitness), and sign-up today.

Alternatively, you can join by calling 0151 422 8383 or by printing and completing the Stronghold application form which is available on the clubs official website (www.widnesvikings.co.uk)

Once completed, this should be posted to the club, for the attention of Viking Stronghold Membership Team, at the following address; Widnes Vikings RLFC, The Stobart Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, WA8 7DZ.