SPORTS Minister and Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston held constructive talks with Warriors owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham on a visit to Sixways.
Warriors’ ground is based in Mr Huddleston’s Mid-Worcestershire constituency and many of the club’s supporters and staff are his constituents.
Mr Huddleston was given a guided tour of the stadium, met players and staff and was presented with a signed Warriors shirt by club captain Ted Hill – one of 17 home grown products from the Three Pears Warriors Academy in the current first team squad.
The Under-Secretary for Sport, Heritage and Tourism at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport also met with Mr Goldring and Mr Whittingham which gave them the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by Warriors and other Premiership clubs at a time when crowds are not permitted to attend professional sports events due to COVID-19.
“We would like to thank Nigel for bringing forward his visit to Sixways and for finding the time in his busy schedule to meet with us,” Mr Whittingham said.
“The meeting was extremely positive and gave the Minister the opportunity to look behind the scenes and to appreciate and understand the key role that we play in our local community, which is also his constituency.
“As the leading sports club in Worcestershire, we are proud to represent the county nationally and in Europe. Our supporters are part of the community, many of our commercial partners and suppliers are also rooted in the area and we have strong links with schools, clubs, charities and community groups across the region.
“We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received in recent days which underlines just how important Warriors as a club is to Worcester, Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands.
“It was extremely helpful for us to meet with the Minister and to understand the challenges that he and the Government face in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, something which affects all areas of our lives.
“A task group has already been set up to look at ways of ensuring that crowds can return to sports stadium in an environment that protects them from the disease.
“We were also reassured the Government understands the challenges and concerns that we and other professional sports club have and that they are seeking to address them as a matter of urgency.
Mr Goldring said: “Having spoken with Nigel and the hearing how valued the club is by the community, we are confident Warriors can weather the storm.
“Jason and I are fully committed to the club. We need everyone to pull together and show their support in any way they can. With the continued support from our Government and the collective power of our supporters, community and everyone at the Warriors we will get through this together.”
