A social media-savvy Wildcats fan and founding member of the Northstanders supporters group has been named Wakefield Wildcats’ BRUT Fan of Pride 2014.
Ryan Williamson is a lifelong fan of the club, but doesn’t let his support of his team stop once he steps off the terraces. As a leading figure in the Northstanders (named after the stand at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium which is officially known as the Fleetmaster Stand), Ryan manages the group’s Facebook and Twitter accounts which provide an online forum for Wakey fans to discuss what’s going on at the club.
The Northstanders came about just over two years ago when the aforementioned stand had a roof added and, in Ryan’s own words, “we booted the away fans out and said this is our home now.” The group has since gone from strength-to-strength and this season it sponsored Wakefield player, Matt Wildie, for which Ryan raised just short of £2,000 in a week. This is the first time the group has finicially backed a Wakefield player and is something Ryan is keen to repeat in 2015.
On being named Wakefield Wildcats BRUT Fan of Pride 2014, Ryan said: “It’s overwhelming more than anything. The other two guys who were nominated, I know them very well, and they both deserve nominations and I’m overwhelmed to come out on top over both of them really because they’re both fantastic blokes. I’m very proud of it.”
Wakefield captain, Danny Kirmond, was on hand to help Ryan celebrate being named Fan of Pride and he had this to say about the Ryan and the Wakefield fans: “It’s a real community club, we really feel part of a family here at Wakefield and fans are a massive part of that. I’d like to congratulate Ryan on being named Wakefield Fan of Pride and wish him the best for the national award as we don’t get too much glory with the club - we don’t get to too many finals - so it would be great to see him go on and win the national BRUT Fan of Pride.”
By winning BRUT’s Fan of Pride award for Wakefield Wildcats, Ryan will enjoy a day out at the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in October, as well as some BRUT product. He will also go forward for selection for the National BRUT Fan of Pride 2014. This award will be chosen by a panel of Rugby League experts and will see the overall winner winning £5,000 for their club’s community foundation, a pair of 2015 season tickets, a signed Super League shirt and an invitation to the Man of Steel Awards.
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