On Saturday, 24^th January, John Prescott MP officially launched a project to create a Youth Centre at Craven Park, the home of Hull KR.   

Through District 1270's Flood Relief Task Force, the 8 Rotary Clubs of Hull and East Riding have successfully secured £115,000 from the RIBI (Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland) flood funds to create the Youth Centre.  The bid was submitted in partnership with Hull KR who have donated the area under the stand and The Hull KR Education and Sports Trust who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the centre.   

In giving his support to the project, John Prescott MP stated “I am extremely pleased that the Rotary Clubs of Hull & East Riding have chosen to make this generous contribution to build a youth club under the East stand at Craven Park. This is a fantastic example of how Rovers, the Rotary and the community are coming together to help the young people of Hull.” 

The criteria for the application was that

• it had to be a sustainable community project developed through a partnership with that community
• there must be match funding to at least an equal amount of that being given by Rotary
• had to be a project that would enhance the lives of the young people and  the wider community affected by the devastation caused by the floods of 2007

Rotarian project leader, Dr John Gosnold explained “The local Rotary Clubs are looking forward to an exciting relationship with Hull Kingston Rovers Education and Sports Trust and to working with them in the future to improve the lives of many underprivileged young people in the area. Through Sport and Education we will improve the health and well being of those youngsters."  

The Club will provide an informal, fun, enthusiastic environment in which to engage with young people and their families.   

From the local community, Wendy said “Here on Greatfield we have been promised so many other things, from swimming pools to sports gyms, but nothing ever came; so if this project does happen it will be of great benefit to the parents, young people and children on the Estate. If the kids feel safe then it will give them somewhere to go on a night instead of hanging around the streets where there are temptations of drink and drugs, it will give the parents peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe environment and for the other people on the Estate it will hopefully make them feel safer to go out after dark if needed” 

Neil Hudgell, CEO of Hull KR concludes  "The Hull Kingston Rovers Rugby League Club are delighted to be working with such a well respected organisation as Rotary on what is such an exciting project. It is well recognised that there simply are not enough facilities in the area for young people and this Youth Club will make a big difference to many of them" 

Work will commence as soon as the contractors have been appointed with a view to completion taking place in late May/early June.