In typical Matt and Craig fashion, Fat Monkey started because of people moaning!!! We were sick of rugby league being portrayed as on its last legs, or a game that is dying, we set on a conquest of changing that unhelpful perception.
We decided from the outset that the Super League, or professional rugby more generally, was beyond our scope. However…..the community game (in all its guises) needed some enthusiasm, some promotion and a platform to showcase the amazing things that are happening in our game.
We didn’t know where it would lead, we didn’t know if it would take off and we didn’t know if people would buy into what we are trying to achieve. We started with an amazing podcast with the Wigan Warriors Wheelchair team which set the tone for the next 12 months. We got great feedback so then focussed on the girls game with a great interview with Genna Banks and finally Super League referee James Child – momentum was growing. We started competitions including club of the year, unsung hero and the ever popular try of the week. Traction was great, views, sharing, interactions were great and so we ventured into the world of a ‘Festival’.
2,500 people descended onto Leigh Miners where we had Monkey Fest 2024, junior games, senior games, full family fun day and over £5,000 raised for St Roccos hospice.
Since starting we have attended the Wigan Referees society awards dinner, Warrington Select Charity day against the police, we have visited loads of games and venues, we had so many teams join us for World Downs Syndrome day 2024 and we are planning for over 100 teams to be involved in 2025. We have formed a full playing squad that will be playing in exhibition fixtures across the North West with over 40 players all raising money for this years chosen charity of Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
We will continue to support all aspects of rugby league, in 2024 our main emphasis was on the emerging girls game and in 2025 will look to be proactive in promoting the masters games in both Mens and Womens. We will obviously promote all community clubs and look to forge relationships further into the new year, sharing successes, promoting the game and in general celebrating the best game in the world. We are always open to ideas and suggestions about how people think we can improve believe me when I say our heart is fully invested into this glorious game
