Determined to realise their objectives Southern and Barker with the assistance of journalist Rodney Hartman advertised a series of meetings to gauge local interest in the project. Amongst those that attended the first meetings were a few former league players, administrators and match officials such as Trevor Lake (Wigan), Ray Mordt (Wigan), Tony Lane (Lock Lane) and former referee Barry Haslam. Their presence and insights into the game were critical for the launch of the next phase of the project, namely the election of office-bearers and the launch of the new body on 26 August 1991. Among the pioneers driving this process were Trevor Lake, Dave Southern, John Callaghan, Peter Cook, Tony Barker, Jacey Strauss.
By Hendrik Snyders