AN INDUSTRIOUS Bolton volunteer is hoping he can be part of sporting history in two years’ time as the 2021 Rugby League World Cup arrives in his home town.
Stuart Cooke has been volunteering with Bolton Mets Rugby League Football Club, who play in the North West Men’s League Division Five, since 2011.
And after registering his interest in joining the volunteer team for RLWC2021, which will be held in England, the club chairman is now waiting to see if his application is successful.
“It would be a brilliant thing to do,” said the 38-year-old. “It’s a great opportunity for locals to get involved and be in close proximately to some of the world’s best players.
“To be able to get involved in such an incredible event in your home town is amazing.”
The University of Bolton Stadium will host two men’s games during the World Cup, including an England group game and a quarter-final.
In total, a record-breaking total of more than 2,000 volunteers will work across three tournaments, including the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments.
“This is fantastic news for Bolton,” said Cooke.
“To see professional rugby league on a world level come to the town is huge. There will be a great level of support from the people of Bolton.
“Rugby league has always been a big part of the town, but because of the football majority it has always been for the minority.
“This provides a great chance to raise the profile of the game within Bolton.”
When away from his day job as a furniture estimator, Cooke organises fixtures, secures sponsorship, promotes and writes articles for Bolton Mets on an extra-curricular basis.
And with RLWC2021 kicking off in a little under two years, the Wigan Warriors fan credits his voluntary role for improving his social skills to the extent where he felt able to apply for a role within a global sporting tournament.
“Rugby league has played a big part of my life in the last 20 years,” he said. “I joined Bolton Mets as a player when I was 19 and then joined the committee team eight years ago.
“When I first joined, I was quiet and shy, but the role has developed my confidence and communication.
“Without a doubt I’m more outgoing. It’s really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
“Nothing beats the pride and the sense of community you gain from being a volunteer.”
The RLWC2021 chief executive, Jon Dutton, added: “Volunteers will be the backbone of what will become the biggest rugby league world cup ever.
“There will be plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in 2020 and 2021 and I look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds and experiences to the team.
“Stuart is a shining example of someone who has given so much of his free time to benefit others. He is well respected throughout the game for his work with Bolton Mets and hopefully, the people of Bolton will be inspired by Stuart’s story and get involved with RLWC2021.”
Applications for members of the public to register their interest in joining the volunteer team at RLWC2021 are now open. For more information on the Rugby League World Cup 2021 volunteer programme or to sign up, visit: www.rlwc2021.com/volunteers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here