Capital Challenge 2025 raises over £16k for charity

St.Helens R.F.C. reflects on what was a brilliant and successful occasion on Wednesday, 29th January 2025, The Capital Challenge – an event which raised over £16,000 for the MND Association and the Royal British Legion.

The Saints have developed a strong working relationship with the British Army Rugby League organisation over several years. This led to the First Team’s Pre-Season camp at the British Forces Cyprus base in 2024, and the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment coming to train at our facility too – read more by clicking here.

The latest collaboration project with our Club’s connection with the Army was The Capital Challenge, a military engagement and charity fundraising event for the MND Association and the Royal British Legion.

Taking place at the prestigious and historic Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest regiment in the British Army, which was set up by King Henry VIII in 1537, The HAC is a unique and wonderful estate set in the heart of London and surrounded by modern city buildings. A truly historical and brilliant location to ensure a legacy of The Capital Challenge event, both the match and the Charity Dinner.

MANDATORY CREDIT: Richard Beattie – for editorial use only – copyright remains property of Richard Beattie // Alfie Sinclair of Saints smiling during The Capital Challenge match against Army Rugby League

St.Helens’ side on the day was a combination of five of our young First Team players, a couple of our developing Reserves, and most of the squad were members of our Under 18s Academy. The Saints put on a strong performance and made the fixture one to remember. It was a spirited performance from the Army who have had a busy January of Challenge Cup fixtures alongside their busy roles at regimental duty, and although 4-74 it was played in great spirit by both sides. Saints ran out out 4-74 victors over the Army – and a full recap of the match can be read with our Match Report.

MANDATORY CREDIT: Richard Beattie – for editorial use only – copyright remains property of Richard Beattie // A wider look at the unique pitch location at The HAC, in the heart of London.

Ahead of the formal Charity Dinner, many businesses based in London got to meet members of the military and representatives of our Club in a networking capacity, with a number of new commercial connections made.

The fundraising Charity Dinner was a terrific success, celebrating the opportunities and positives of Rugby League. Hosted by the Saints’ incomparable Match Day Corporate Host Pete Emmett, a legendary lineup went on stage; Paul Sculthorpe, James Roby, Jodie Cunningham, and Eorl Crabtree. All four are fantastic ambassadors of our sport and shared stories of their careers and lives, with many of Rugby League’s sporting core values aligning with military standards.

MANDATORY CREDIT: Richard Beattie – for editorial use only – copyright remains property of Richard Beattie // Paul Sculthorpe, James Roby, Pete Emmett, Jodie Cunningham and Eorl Crabtree on stage during The Capital Challenge Charity Dinner

A silent auction ran throughout the evening, and host Pete Emmett also held a live auction in the room, featuring some truly one-of-a-kind items up for bid as part of the fundraising efforts.

To close the wonderful occasion, a military custom of toasting the King was made followed by the national anthem. A thank you video message was then played out on the stage screens by MND Association ambassador Kevin Sinfield, who wished to be in attendance himself, thanking all in the room for being part of the event and helping the charity.

MANDATORY CREDIT: Richard Beattie – for editorial use only – copyright remains property of Richard Beattie // A jam-packed room and a unique networking opportunity at The HAC

The Capital Challenge was a tremendous success, leaving something of a legacy and perhaps something to build on in the years ahead between the British Army Rugby League and St.Helens R.F.C.

Our young talent got the opportunity to play at an historic venue, experience a long-distance fixture outside of Rugby League’s traditional heartlands, and take on a selection of the Army’s best sporting men. Commercial and military connections, both new and old were made in the nation’s Capital, with businesses getting to hear first-hand the positive impact that Rugby League has in communities.

The lasting legacy of The Capital Challenge 2025 however will be the over £16,000 raised for the MND Association and the Royal British Legion.

The MND Association is a charity close to the Rugby League community’s heart with the heroic fundraising and awareness efforts of Rob Burrow, and the MND Association funds research, care improvement, and support for people with MND and their families. The Royal British Legion is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity and supports serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

St.Helens R.F.C. would like to express our profound thanks to; all involved with the British Army Rugby League organisation, everyone at the Honourable Artillery Company, every business and attendee who joined the Charity Dinner, and the many Saints supporters who made the trip to cheer the team on.

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