BullBuilder

The Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust

BullBuilder - The Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust

Tag Archives: Rugby League

BullBuilder Race Night

BullBuilder will be once again holding one of our  legendary Race nights on Wednesday June 22nd  in the  South stand  conference  suite at Odsal Stadium. The evening will consist of 8 races shown on the big screens with tote betting and a chance to meet some of the young stars of the under 19 team as well as hopefully a few first team players and backroom staff. There will be a raffle with some great prizes and a prize draw with your entry ticket Doors will be open at 6.30pm, the betting desk at 7pm with the first race at 7.20. A pie and pea supper will be served after race 4 with a short  address from a club representative. The raffle will be drawn after race 6 and the event should end at around 10.30 with the bar open a for a little later. Tickets  are £5 and will be on sale from the club shop or contact David Lowdell on 01274 690301 or at the following link.

The Dewsbury Dawdle… March with Marc

Put on your walking shoes and help the Bradford Bulls Academy BullBuilder are looking for a legion of 100+ fans to join club chairman Marc Green and CEO Robbie Hunter-Paul in a Sponsored walk to the Bulls’ away game at Dewsbury on Sunday April 10th. BullBuilder are committed to our goals of enhancing the work of the Academy and Scholarship at the Bradford Bulls. The funds raised from this event are to contribute toward the redevelopment of the Academy changing rooms at Odsal, to make them a fit and proper place for our young talent to prepare to represent us.   Current state of the changing rooms Current state of the changing rooms The walk is a 10.5 mile stroll, mostly down the traffic free Greenway with a couple of miles of road walking to the Rams’ Stadium. We will be leaving Odsal at 9.30am to arrive at the ground in plenty of time for kick-off with refreshment stations / checkpoints along the way and marshals at major road crossings. Transport back to Odsal will be arranged for those who need it.

The Greenway

To put your best foot forward and join in the fun with Marc, Robbie and the rest of us, e-mail the event organiser at david@dlpbradford.com and we will send you your registration and sponsor forms. All walkers need to be registered by March 31st with a suggested donation of £10 to get the ball rolling and to help with transport, refreshments and other organisation costs. Please join us and help to give our young players facilities to be proud of. To join BullBuilder visit our website at http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/join/, or contact us at Bradford Rugby League Supporters Society Ltd, Suite 2 Buttershaw Works, Buttershaw Lane, Bradford, BD6 2DD.

Bulls Box Clever

BullBuilder and Bulls Foundation have teamed up to provide smart new boxing equipment for use by the Academy and Scholarship players at the Tong Training Centre. Other equipment bought included gloves and pads. The equipment was sourced by the Bulls Foundation and funded by BullBuilder, the Supporters Trust. BullBuilder chairman Sam Grundy explained. “Bulls Head of Youth Development John Bastian explained that there was a need for boxing equipment to aid player development and ourselves at BullBuilder and Mark Winder at the Bulls Foundation stepped in to help. The Foundation have great links into the community and were able to source excellent, top-quality equipment. We then used our member subscriptions to pay for it.” Bulls head of youth John Bastian explained how the equipment would benefit the Academy and Scholarship players. “Boxing training is something rugby league players have done for many years now and having this equipment in house means we can do that whenever we want. Boxing training helps not only with fitness but also with coordination and movement. Boxing requires concentration and precision, often at high intensity with explosive movements and in that way is good for simulating similar things to what players experience on the field. You have to get your feet in the right position before you punch – as in a tackle and often do that when fatigued.” “The heavy bags and pads are great for these purposes and will be a great aid to our youth players and first teamers. It provides some variety to training and can be really beneficial when the weather makes outdoor training impossible. I’d like to thank BullBuilder and the Bulls Foundation for their assistance in providing this equipment and would urge supporters to get involved with BullBuilder if they want to provide further help.” To join BullBuilder visit our website at http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/join/, or contact us at Bradford Rugby League Supporters Society Ltd, Suite 2 Buttershaw Works, Buttershaw Lane, Bradford, BD6 2DD. To find out more about the Bulls Foundation visit http://www.bullsfoundation.org

Academy Update December 2016 from BullBuilder Board Member Paul Fisher

As well as having been a valuable and energetic member of the BullBuilder committee for the past two years, Paul Fisher has worked as a volunteer as Player Welfare Coordinator at the club, leading to his recently having been voted ‘Clubperson of the Year’. Consequently, he is in a unique position to deliver the following report. We now have settled U19 and U16 squads and the coaching staff are very pleased with all the players at both levels. Training is going well there is a good attitude and commitment being shown, and some very promising talent coming through. There has been the U16 Scholarship presentation evening, which was attended by over 200 people comprising players, parents, management and coaching staff and was a very well organised, professional event. Both the U19’s and U16’s are attending workshops and, due to John Bastian’s initiative, parents / guardians are invited and quite a few attend. It is really good to see the parents and guardians being involved and they witness the care and attention given to the players and are made to feel an important part of their son’s development. Workshops attended to date are as follows:
  • RFL Sport Psychology UPK Workshop (U19)
  • Drug & Alcohol abuse (By a parent of one of the players who is a senior Detective Inspector).
  • Diet & Nutrition (very good message and guidance given & we are hoping to have several more of these).
Workshops being arranged over the next few weeks.
  • Social Media (in house by Stuart Duffy or Robbie Hunter Paul)
  • Social & Non-prescription Drugs (in house)
  • UK Anti-Doping (RFL)
  • Speed Awareness (by a parent of one of the players who is a leading Fireman)
The above demonstrates the success of good networking and inclusiveness resulting in a culture that most other clubs can only aspire to. Whenever the Bulls Academy set-up is discussed with people outside the club via my Player Welfare duties, there is nothing but praise, whether from presenters, people involved at other clubs or the RFL. I have just been to the U16 training session on the 4G pitch at the Bradford Academy (who, by the way, are being very supportive and really behind John and the youth set) and listening to the coaches there are some great prospects coming through. The main point however is that the lads are really enjoying themselves and work hard and you see this in everything they do. We even had a sing song on the pitch after the final session: they all got together and gave us a great rendition on 'we wish you a Merry Xmas'. It should have been recorded since this is just one example of the team spirit and culture that is instilled in the youth set, all thanks to John and his team. In summary even with the constraints and restrictions John and the coaching staff are working to, we are very fortunate to have John and his team running the Academy and we should be very proud and grateful for this. Therefore our continued support can only greatly assist in helping John and the coaching staff deliver this ‘centre of excellence’. This kind of support from BullBuilder recently led to the purchase of some medical callipers for measuring body fat as part of the physical development programme for young players. When they were delivered, John Bastian wrote: “On behalf of everyone at Bradford Bulls I would like to congratulate and thank Bullbuilder for the great support they have given to the Development of our Junior Players, we are very grateful and appreciate all your hard work. Finally many thanks for the recent acquisition of a set of Body Callipers.” If you would like to join BullBuilder or even become part of the committee visit the Bullbuilder website at http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/ or write to Bullbuilder, Bradford Rugby League Supporters Society Ltd, Suite 2 Buttershaw Works, Buttershaw Lane, Bradford, BD6 2DD.

BullBuilder provides leg press for conditioning and rehab

Once again BullBuilder, the Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust, has provided an important piece of equipment to aid the development of young players, thanks to the efforts of members and fans.
New leg press in action.

New leg press in action.

The trust paid for the purchase and installation of a high-specification leg press at the club’s Tong training facility. Bulls Head of Youth, John Bastian, said, “The equipment, which allows different weights for each leg, will not only be invaluable as part of training routines, but will also speed up the rehabilitation process for leg injuries. Players like James Pickering, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier in the season, will be back on the pitch much more quickly thanks to the leg press.”    
James Pickering's re-hab is accelerated by the new leg press

James Pickering's re-hab is accelerated by the new leg press

BullBuilder Chairman Sam Grundy commented, “This is a high cost, high value addition to the training options for young players at the club. BullBuilder saw the benefit immediately. Fortunately, having recently held successful fund raising events such as Dinner in the Park and the Race Night, we had the money available to be able to meet the request for this equipment. “We will shortly be announcing a new programme of events for the end of this year and into 2016, to enable us to deliver even benefits to the club to assist with youth development. However, we can only do this with the help of our members. We need Bulls supporters to become members and we need members to back our events and our campaigns. With your help, we can have a real say in the future of the club.”

Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale

Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale have the opportunity to do a bucket collection at Bradford Bulls RLFC on Sunday 9th August (Bradford Bulls versus Sheffield Eagles). The collection will be at half time and on the gate at the end of the match. Please get in touch with the group if you would could volunteer at this collection, on 01274 202226 or by email at: fundraising@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk

Bulls Fan Judith Knits for Academy Success

The game versus Doncaster was one to remember for Bulls fan and BullBuilder member Judith Boyes, as she was pitch-side to present the latest Under 19 player of the month award at halftime. This, though, is just the latest example of how she’s got involved with helping the club. Judith, a fan since the late 1950s said “I went to my first game in the late 1950s as a young girl and would come on my bike with my late sister Mary. Even though the team struggled a bit I much preferred rugby league to football.   I saw the team regularly up until they folded and some games after they reformed but by then had a family to bring up so lost touch.” “I started to come back regularly in 2013 and remember coming back to Odsal and the site of the stadium on match day made me go ‘Wow!’ I’ve been a regular ever since.” Judith has raised over £500 for BullBuilder and the Bulls Foundation thanks to monies raised thanks to her knitting talents making and selling Bulls themed knitted items from hats to outfits for Bulls teddies.
Some of Judith's home-made Bulls crafts

Some of Judith's home-made Bulls crafts

“It all began when a lady sitting behind me in the stand commented on the knitted hat I was wearing. It was homemade rather than from the shop and before long lots of people were asking for me to knit them hats. I didn’t charge them much and I made sure proceeds went to the Bulls Foundation at first since I wanted to help the club.” “When BullBuilder started up again in 2014 I thought they were a good group to donate to since they make sure the money they raise goes to helping the young players in the academy. “I have quite a production line at home and am looking at doing some new designs this year – it’s a challenge to keep up with demand so I have to keep orders to something manageable. I just like to be able to help the club.”
Judith and friends!

Judith and friends!

“The whole day was great! I had my photo taken with Big Les and another with my favourite player Cloughie! And to crown it all London beating Leigh!” You can be a part of helping the Academy too, by joining or re-joining BullBuilder. Just visiting our website at http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/join/, or contact us at Bradford Rugby League Supporters Society Ltd, Suite 2 Buttershaw Works, Buttershaw Lane, Bradford, BD6 2DD.

BULLBUILDER GET PROVIDENT BACKING FOR ACADEMY EVENT

BullBuilder, the Bradford Bulls official supporters trust have been boosted by the backing of Bulls official sponsor Provident for their Dinnertime in the Park event taking place in Bradford on Wednesday 3rd June.

The event, which takes place at the Pavilion Café in Centenary Square, will feature a buffet meal and auction of RL memorabilia and other great prizes plus a free prize raffle and a chance to meet a host of ex Bradford greats such as Henry Paul, Deryck Fox and Leon Pryce.

Half of all proceeds will go to BullBuilder who use it to provide financial assistance to the club’s academy teams on top of what is provided by the club. Indian, English and Mediterranean food and drinks will be provided by the Pavilion Café and their partner the award winning Deeva restaurant.

BullBuilder event organiser Michael Barker said “We’re very grateful indeed for the sponsorship Provident are providing. It just goes to show the company’s great commitment to the Bradford Bulls and its youth development. The event is going to be a night to remember.”

The event takes place at the Pavilion Café in Centenary Square at 7pm on 3rd June. Tickets are £20 per person, with £10 of each ticket going to BullBuilder. Tickets are available from the Bulls ticket office (cash only) or Pavilion Café reception or email info@performancedg.com or ring 07958 728490.

Bulls Fan Shows Commitment “To the Max!”

Bradford Bulls can probably claim to have the fan that’s travelled the furthest to attend this weekend’s Summer Bash in Blackpool. Maxwell Green, a Bulls fan for over 20 years has come all the way from Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands, over  8000 miles away in the South Atlantic. Max said “Given where I live, getting to games is tough, but I go to as many as I can. I thought the Summer Bash was a good event to come up for. I’ll be cheering on the Bulls versus Halifax, and I can’t wait.”
Maxwell Green at Blackpool

Maxwell Green at Blackpool

Max’s father Paul will also be there and he explained that distance is no barrier to his commitment to the Bulls cause. Paul said “Max is a really committed supporter. He’s also, like me, a member of BullBuilder, the Bulls official supporter’s trust, who provide funding for the Bulls Academy Team for those extras over and above what the club provide. He’s sold Golden Gamble tickets before home games too and is a really passionate fan.” Max said “I just like to do my bit for the club I love. I’d urge others to get involved with BullBuilder if they can as it’s a great way to support the club.    We’ve had some tough times in recent years but now we’re on the up again.” BullBuilder are hosting a Dinnertime in the Park event at 7pm on Wednesday June 3rd which will feature an auction and raffle accompanied by food and drinks at the Pavilion Café in Centenary Square. A number of ex-Bulls and Northern players will be there.  Tickets are £20 per person, with £10 of each ticket going to BullBuilder. Tickets are available from the Bulls ticket office (cash only) or Pavilion Café reception or email info@performancedg.com or ring 07958 728490.