St Helens Rugby League Club is stepping up its Community Programme for the forthcoming season.

 

For 2008, the Club have launched a free Junior Membership scheme which entitles all its young supporters to exclusive offers and discounts including money off birthday parties and Summer Camps and well as a chance to win tickets and be a mascot.

 

Its KitBack reward scheme is also gathering pace with more than 50 organisations registered to collect points.

 

When supporters purchase with Saints, either in-store or online, they earn points and can allocate them to a participating school, club or organisation.

 

These can then select from a specially sourced brochure of kit, equipment and merchandise, which can also be personalised.

 

The Club have also offered the chance for organisations to win free kit, presented at half time at the forthcoming Warrington game on February 15, if they register by February 1.

 

And fans can earn triple points when they buy their tickets for the home opener.

 

As well as rolling out several community programmes through the Saints Community Development Foundation, the club has also updated its mascots which will be part of an aggressive marketing programme aimed at driving matchday attendance.

 

‘Boots’ is St Bernard’s ‘junior pup’ after the loveable mascot found him at a Dog’s Trust centre in Merseyside.

 

And St Bernard – spurred on by his new friend – has hit the gym to reveal a more mean and moody look for 2008.

 

Saints Community Marketing Manager, Emma Knight, said: “We are a Community Club and want our marketing strategy to reflect this.

 

“The mascots will be used as part of our Saints Roadshows which will also feature cheerleaders and free giveaways at selected locations throughout the town centre and Borough.

 

“Bernard and Boots will also be delivering positive messages across Merseyside as they role out campaigns focusing on anti bullying, road safety, and continuing the success of the Fit 4 Life project.”