Swinton Lions CEO Steve Wild has been confirmed as the incoming RFL Vice-President on a two-year term commencing in January 2025.
The CEO of the club was confirmed in the new role at the Rugby Football League Council meeting at the Salford Community Stadium.
The appointment was met with further excitement as Steve promised to “double down” on the promise to bring the club back to M27.
As he shared that it was in his interest to secure a “new long term home venue not only for the Lions, but one which has a true community and cross-sport focus.”
Steve will begin the role in January 2025, and will act as the Vice-President of the RFL on a two-year term, sharing the role with former women’s England international player Danika Priim.
The new appointment was congratulated by Salford City Mayor, Paul Dunnett who said: “Congratulations to Steve Wild, CEO of Swinton Lions, following his election as the Vice-President of the Rugby Football League.”
The Salford City Mayor was happy to share that the council will be committed to working closely with the club moving forward, as he said: “I look forward to working with Steve in promoting rugby league at a local and national level.”
As he continued: “And in making sure our communities and residents here in Salford share in the sporting, health, social and economic benefits the sport can provide.”
Congratulations to @Swinton_Lions CEO Steve Wild for his election as Vice-President of @TheRFL.
I look forward to working with Steve to promote rugby league & to develop our Rugby Strategy for Salford. 🏉https://t.co/BiJfDzLima
— SalfordMayor (@salford_mayor) September 23, 2024
The excitement of the appointment can not be overlooked, growing up supporting the Lions from an early age it seems like an overwhelming moment for the Lions CEO.
As he added: “Supporting the Lions from the terraces at Station Road I am overwhelmed with pride at this appointment, and immensely humbled.
“Hopefully it demonstrates the respect Swinton Lions holds in the sport as a result of our combined efforts,” he added.
“On a personal level it’s almost impossible to justify the hours I continue to commit to Swinton Lions, and on that subject I want to pay tribute to my wife Lesley, and my family, for putting up with it!”
And with the new appointment, he was happy to share that this was the perfect opportunity to share the long-term plans for the club, as he continued: “We believe can finally make this 32 year old dream come true.”
Nonetheless, it seems that it is going to be an exciting time for the future of the club, as it looks to not only benefit the long-term future of the club but the community that surrounds the team.
As the statement finished with Steve sharing: “Hopefully together we can go on to deliver a sustainable long-term future for the Lions.
“And if this honorary position can help progress that plan in any way whatsoever, then I’ll be absolutely thrilled.”
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