Thunder Storm: A Brief History

Thunder Storm was set up on a dark November night in November 1999, it's original brief was to lobby the RFL for the re-inclusion of Gateshead Thunder back in to Super League.

Over the course of the next couple of months the Thunder Storm Committee tried their best to convince the RFL that a Gateshead Super League team was a viable proposition. This unfortunately failed, however this wasn't the end of Thunder Storm or Gateshead Thunder for that matter.

During 2000 Thunder Storm continued lobbying the RFL and made some very public appearances at various Super League games culminating with an appearance at Challenge Cup final in 2000. The RFL relented and Gateshead Thunder entered that seasons Northern Ford Premiership.

Thunder Storm at this stage became the Official Supporters Association and has assisted all administrations in the history of Gateshead Thunder with funding and also has offered social events for fans. In addition to supporting Gateshead Thunder, Thunder Storm has also supported Rugby League Development in the North East and continues to provide assistance, where it can, at grassroots and amateur level.

After a couple of years of in activity Thunder Storm re-launched in February of 2008 with a new committee and offered several social events over the course of 2008. After a successful 2009 and Championship survival for Gateshead Thunder, Professional Rugby League in the North East was dealt a huge blow when a shareholder dispute at Thunder caused the clubs future to become very uncertain. Following a successful rescue package being ratified by the RFL, Thunder Storm became a Supporters Direct recognised Supporters Co-operative Trust during 2010. This was followed by a very generous offer from Gateshead Thunder to become a shareholder in the newly created Community Club. Thunder Storm hold a maximum allowed holding of 20 shares in Gateshead Thunder, which gives the trust exactly the same share holding as Managing Director Keith Christie, Community Director Chris Hood and other Directors of Gateshead Thunder.

There has never been a better time to be a Thunder Storm Member as our shareholding and our relationship with the current Gateshead Thunder Board has never been stronger. This allows Thunder Storm to represent the views of it's membership directly with the club and also allows Thunder Storm to offer unrivaled special events and discounts for it's membership.

Thunder Storm are also active in North East Community, so if you have a Community Project for your Youth or Amateur Rugby League side that you would like us to advertise or if you're looking for assistance with fund raising. Thunder Storm are here to lend a helping hand, just let us know how we can help by using the contacts page here.

Stay tuned to our pages here on the Official Thunder Storm website for the latest news, announcements on future events, or ways in which to get involved in the trusts work.