BARROW RAIDERS have launched what they say will be a new era for the historic club, including a fresh crest and membership scheme.
They want to build a strong identity around the town’s heritage of ship and submarine building.
With the order books full due to the UK’s multi-decade Dreadnought-class and SSN-AUKUS submarine programmes, the area’s economic stability is anchored.
The new crest features a submarine and Barrow’s shipyards, with Raiders chairman Steve Neale explaining: “Anyone who has worked in this town will recognise themselves in that badge.”
Like many clubs, the Raiders have had financial issues, and they are working hard to grow their income streams to help avoid future issues.
A variety of membership options are being offered, with Barrow saying the structure is designed “to give every supporter a place within the club, whether they live locally, follow from further afield, want to attend every home game or simply maintain their connection with the Raiders”.
The tiered membership structure will come with the issue of heritage numbers which supporters will keep for life.
Barrow have also launched a sponsorship structure with four levels, named after classes of boat built in the town, to accommodate a range of businesses.
Founded in 1875, members of the Rugby League since 1897 and Challenge Cup winners in 1955, the club last played in the top flight in 1990.
They came 15th in the club gradings released on Thursday, the highest of all Championship clubs and one spot shy of a Super League place.
“This is an ambitious club in a town that has been counted out more than once, and we are not pretending otherwise,” said Neale.
“But Barrow has spent a century and a half making things that outlast the people who made them. That is the standard, and we have set it ourselves.”
