Alosh K Jose will bring plenty of business expertise, and knowledge of the sporting and social landscape generally, to the cause of not only Hunslet Rugby League club but of the south Leeds community in general.
The 29-year-old has signed up with Hunslet – together with Richard Jenkins and Manu Singh – as a board consultant, while Jackie Kingham has become a non-executive director. All have joined through the Rugby Football League’s Club Board Diversity Project, with the RFL’s Inclusion Lead Ben Abberstein praising the south Leeds outfit for its proactive approach.
Brought up on cricket, which led to him launching Cricketqube, which provides cricket sessions throughout the year for the elderly and the disadvantaged, Alosh first sampled Rugby League in last year’s World Cup – Scotland v Italy at Kingston Park which, for him, Scotland sadly lost – close to his home in Newcastle. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was further stimulated, in a brief meeting, by RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton’s passion for the sport. And when the Rugby Football League’s Inclusion Board contacted him about linking with a club, he was ready and willing to take the opportunity.
The RFL paired him with Hunslet and he is delighted by, and impressed with, what he has seen so far.
He said: “I’ve quickly learned that this is a great club with a proud 140-years history. I’m sure, too, that it has a vibrant future which I am determined to contribute to, making full use of knowledge gained not only through Cricketqube, but through my work in the north east, where I seek to improve the technological skills of the elderly, including those in care homes, which is so important in this day and age.
“I and my colleagues are designing an app to help staff in care homes act as the `bridge’ between the elderly and what can often be daunting technology for them. And we’re planning to conduct market research which will establish who we can similarly help in south Leeds and beyond.”
Alosh concluded: “I see part of my role as helping build Hunslet’s fanbase among minorities, who are often disadvantaged. I’m proud to be part of the board; with the distinction of being the only supporter-owned club in Rugby League, Hunslet is an excellent place for me to be at. I am excited to work alongside fellow board members and help the club in any way I can to fulfil its ambitions. I believe that my skills and experience will be an asset and I’m looking forward to this new challenge. I can’t wait to get started.”
Hunslet’s CEO Neil Hampshire said: “”When I met Alosh, his enthusiasm and energy shone through and he clearly has a desire to help the vulnerable, the underprivileged and local communities, which fits perfectly with our social values. I’m sure he’ll prove to be a real asset and help us promote the club to a whole new fanbase over time.”
