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The Co-operative has today (Monday 2nd March) shown its commitment to rugby league by extending its title sponsorship of The Co-operative Championships and Conferences, and Official Partner of The RFL status, until 2012.

The extension enables the newly named Co-operative Championships and Conferences to become an integral part of the multi-million pound re-brand currently being undertaken by The Co-operative Group.

From the start of the 2009 season The Co-operative Championship clubs will be playing for a £200,000 prize fund, with the winners scooping £100,000.

With community at the heart of both The Co-operative and the sport of rugby league, the sponsorship allows The Co-operative to promote integration and participation in rugby league for future generations.

The Co-operative’s ‘Good For Everyone’ message has already inspired innovative campaigns such as the rugby league membership scheme that enables fans to raise millions of pounds by having their dividends paid directly to their club’s community trust.

By shopping at a Co-operative food store, banking with The Co-operative Bank or using one of The Co-operative’s many other services, communities can easily, and affordably, generate much needed funds for their club for years to come.

Former Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe will join his former St Helens colleague Jon Wilkin as Co-operative ‘Good For Everyone’ ambassadors this year.

The rugby league stars will join forces to raise the profile of The Co-operative’s involvement in rugby league via high profile community and media activity across the country.

Liz Matkin, The Co-operative Group’s Sponsorship Manager, said: “Rugby League and the Co-operative have one thing very much in common – a close involvement in communities. As a community owned retailer, we are proud to champion a sport which brings so much to community members - young and old.”

“The benefits of our support will be felt by everyone involved from clubs and players right through to the development of the sport at grassroots level.”

“The recent launch of our new brand means that our profile in communities has never been higher and this is a great time to be announcing this sponsorship deal.”

“We’ve already illustrated our support for the long term via our rugby league membership scheme and we’re committed to providing additional benefits to assist the growth of rugby league.”