THE AMBITIOUS journey for the city’s biggest rugby league side Coventry Bears continues after announcing they will enter the sport’s semi-professional competition in 2015.
The Bears have grown to become one of the sport’s most successful community clubs after forming back in 1998.
They currently sit fifth in the National Conference League Division Three.
And following the introduction of a new league structure next year, they have been invited to join the Kingstone Press Championship One competition where they will compete at their 4,000 capacity stadium at the Butts Park Arena.
“Making the transition from being a community club to the professional ranks has been, and remains an exciting and fulfilling journey.” said Bears managing director, Alan Robinson.
“The club has worked really hard to establish good working relationships in Coventry and across the West Midlands and we now have the partners in place who can help us realise our ambitions.
“Our geographical location allows us to ‘bridge the gap’ between clubs in the South and North and creates rich potential for us to succeed.”
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to join the Kingstone Press Championships and are looking forward to playing our full part in the competition.”
Rugby Football League (RFL) chief operating officer, Ralph Rimmer, is confident the Bears will help enhance the competition.
He added: “Coventry’s entry follows a great deal of hard work by a committed and passionate group of individuals who have set realistic and realisable ambitions for a club which has grown in stature over recent years.
“The arrival of Coventry Bears adds another refreshing dimension to the Championships at a time when the sport is approaching an exciting new era with the introduction of a new league structure in 2015.
“Their entry is the latest result of our long-term commitment to introduce new clubs into Championship One from new geographical areas and I am sure Coventry Bears will receive a warm welcome from everyone in the game.”
