Rochdale Hornets 120 year history to be marked

Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation is asking Hornets supporters new and old, as well as the wider community, to get involved in the marking of a historic landmark.

2015 marks the 120th anniversary of the founding of rugby league. 22 clubs, of which Rochdale Hornets were one, broke away from Rugby Football Union to form the Northern Union, which later became the Rugby Football League.

To mark the anniversary a founder’s walk from Hull to St Helens will pass through all 22 sites of the original clubs.

The Rochdale leg, which takes place in the 22 July, starts at Dane Street, the site of the first ever Hornets game, which is now Asda, and will run past the founding place of the Hornets, the Roebuck, as well as the former site of the Athletic Grounds, which is now Morrisons, before finishing at Kingsway.

The Hornets Foundation, a registered charity aiming to get more people playing rugby league more often, is working alongside rugby league cares and is looking to raise funds for the development work it carries out.

A spokesman said: "We are asking for groups and individuals to walk the 2.5 mile route and at the same time raise a minimum of £10 sponsorship.

"All funds from the walk will be split between the two charities, which will benefit rugby league in the local community and in the national stage."

If you can join Hercules the Hornet, Danny Bridge and James Tilley as well as delegates from the RFL and Rochdale Hornets email:

foundation@hornetsrugbyleague.com

Sponsorship forms can be downloaded below.

If you are unable to join in the walk but would still like to donate, you can sponsor Hercules the Hornet for any amount:

Click here to go to the donation page

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