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Racecourse events suspended after Covid-19 decision

A number of fixtures at a sports venue in Staffordshire have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Uttoxeter Racecourse has had to suspend its Staffordshire Plate on May 2, the visit of Rick Astley on May 16, Ladies Night on June 11 and the Summer Cup on June 28, as well as all other meetings, after the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said that all jump racing in Britain would be suspended until the end of June.

A spokesperson for the BHA said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that it will delay the resumption of jump racing until the beginning of July.

“The return to racing is also likely to be phased with a limited number of fixtures in the initial weeks.

“This reflects the likelihood that any easing of the Covid-19 situation, and any associated restrictions and pressures on medical services, will also happen progressively.

“With flat racing usually entering its core season at this time of year, the focus in the early stages of the return to racing will be on providing opportunities to the flat horse population.”

BHA Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman added: “The decision to lose jump racing until July was not one which was taken lightly and we are very conscious of the impact this will have on many across our sport.

“We are working closely with the horsemen, racecourses and Levy Board to ensure the sport is ready for a resumption of racing at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Our planning is progressing well, and it is important that we keep everybody informed as it develops to help them with their own decision-making.”

Horse Racing across the UK is suspended until at least July

A spokesperson for Uttoxeter Racecourse said: “Following this afternoon’s announcement from the British Horseracing Authority, all jump racing in Britain has been suspended until the end of June.

This includes our fixture here at Uttoxeter on May 2 (Staffordshire Plate), 16 (featuring Rick Astley) and 24 as well as June 4, 11 (Ladies Night), 17 and 28 (Summer Cup).

“Please note that we are currently working with Rick Astley’s management and are confident of rescheduling his live show that had been scheduled for May 16.

“We will update customers with more information as soon as possible.

“Please rest assured that if you had booked tickets or hospitality to any of these fixtures, you will be eligible to transfer them to a an alternative meeting in the future, or receive a full refund should you wish.

“As ever, we would like to thank all of our customers for their understanding at this time and wish everyone all the best.”

Those who have booked for a horse racing fixture in April, May and June can transfer their booking to an alternative date or can claim a refund by emailing info@uttoxeter-raceourse.co.uk with their booking reference and whether they would like to reschedule to have a refund.

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Olympic champion from Staffordshire raises thousands for NHS

An Olympic gold medallist from Staffordshire has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the NHS as health workers continue to tackle coronavirus.

Global swimming sensation Adam Peaty MBE from Uttoxeter raffled off his Team GB 2016 Olympic Racing Trunks over the weekend to help raise money for the service to purchase personal protective equipment after taking part in a 100km exercise bike ride to raise yet more funds last week.

The six-time Male European Swimmer of the Year selected the winning ticket on Friday, and managed to raise more than £13,000 for NHS charities on top of the £4,000 that was donated during his 100km exercise bike ride challenge – meaning altogether Adam managed to bring in more than £17,000.

Peaty tweeted: “Raffle closed! Thank you so much everyone you helped raise over £13,000 with this raffle alone and another £4,000 on Ryan Richardson fundraising page! All money goes to the NHS.

“It’s going to an amazing cause and the money raised will help so many.”

Peaty’s cycling feat was part of the ‘Ryan’s Exercise for the NHS’ campaign, organised by Ryan Richardson, that invited people to either cycle, walk or run five kilometres and so far has raised over £11,000 in total.

On his Just Giving page, Ryan said: “After the recent Coronavirus outbreak, I started doing running challenges on social media to encourage people to exercise and get out of the house!

Peaty has raised more than £17,000 for the NHS through his fundraising efforts

“Adam Peaty joined and cycled 100km with 700 others online to raise more money.

“I’m asking for anyone to run/bike/walk 5km and donate £5/£10!

“When lockdown is over, my challenge is to run/cycle 100 miles in one go, consisting of five legs of a 15 mile bike and a five-mile run.

“I’m Encouraging anyone that wants to jump in on any of the legs with me to do so. We only set off to raise £500 and it’s been blown out the park.

“The money will go to NHS charities which supports patient care and staff care, especially during the coronavirus outbreak.”

On Monday, Peaty announced he would be giving away his signed racing cap, stating that this was because he was supposed to be competing in the Olympic Trials earlier in the week.

Adam will continue to hold the 100-metre breaststroke Olympic title he won at Rio 2016 after the Tokyo 2020 games were postponed last month due to the international coronavirus outbreak.

He set a new world record on his way to Olympic gold with a time of 57.13 seconds but broke this last year when the 25-year-old became the first man to break the 57 second barrier after recording a time of 56.88 seconds at the 2019 World Championships in South Korea.

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Another new signing arrives at Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club

Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club has bolstered its squad further after announcing yet another signing in the month of April.

The latest player to come through the door is 22-year-old Nathan Caucau.

The exciting young talent is no stranger to the Staffordshire rugby community having come through the ranks at Newcastle and Longton previously.

On Monday, the club also announced that “MVP” fan favourite Andy Marsh has signed on with the Midlands 1 West outfit ahead of next season.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club said: “We’re ending our Easter Bank holiday by giving the fans what they want. Everyone welcome back Andy Marsh.”

The club announced the singings of former players Chris Yates and Tom Stone earlier this month.

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BetVictor pulls out as sponsors of the Northern Premier League and Southern League

Bookmakers BetVictor will end its sponsorship of the Northern Premier League, the Southern League and the Isthmian League with July, according to one of the aforementioned leagues.

At the weekend, The Isthmian League stated that the betting business have terminated the sponsorship of step three and four non-league football leagues due to “a number of reasons” – although not to do with the coronavirus outbreak.

It said the decision to end the partnership was decided in early March and said the deal would officially cease on July 9.

BetVictor had agreed a two-year deal with the three leagues in summer 2019 – the first time all three step three and four leagues had been sponsored by the same business.

A letter sent out to its members read: “BetVictor have terminated the sponsorship for a number of reasons, but mainly due to the fact that the increasing compliance restrictions and challenges faced in their first seven months outweighed the benefits they were drawing from the sponsorship.

“However, the escalating negativity towards betting in football did not help, nor did – most disappointingly – compliance breaches by clubs in and outside of the Isthmian League.

Currently, the Norther Premier League, Southern League and Isthmian League has no sponsor for the 2020/21 season

“Although the search for a new sponsor has begun, the Covid-19 crisis makes it very difficult to engage meaningfully with potential replacements. So, as of now, the Leagues operating at Step Three and Four have no main sponsor for season 2020/21.”

A spokesperson for The Isthmian League said: “It has been confirmed that during the first week of March BetVictor served notice on the Isthmian League, the Northern Premier League and the Southern Football League that they were activating the break clause in each of their contracts, and that accordingly their sponsorship of the leagues will cease on 9th July 2020.

“The three leagues were required to keep this information confidential, so initially only our Boards were notified. The decision was made prior to – and as such, not influenced by – the coronavirus crisis.”

League chairman Nick Robinson stated: “We are very disappointed that this decision was made as it means that we are not able to develop the relationship with the sponsor. We are actively looking for a new sponsor, but are apprehensive at this time due to the general economic downturn due to Covid-19.

“We believe we have a good and marketable product which has attracted sponsors for nearly 40 years, and we hope will continue to do so once we are able to restart the League.”

Stafford Rangers, Leek Town, Kidsgrove Athletic, Chasetown and Newcastle Town play in the Northern Premier League while Tamworth and Hednesford Town are members of the Southern League.

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Staffordshire football community reacts to decision to ratify season cancellation

Several members of the footballing community in Staffordshire have voiced their opinions about the decision to ratify the cancellation of the 2019/20 season for steps 3-7 of the non-league season, as well as grassroots football.

Last month, the FA decided that these respective campaigns should end amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Since that announced, a petition to try top overturn the decision saw over 3,800 pen their names while over 60 representatives from non-league clubs, including a couple from Staffordshire, wrote to the FA to ask that it reconsidered its decision.

However, this decision has now been officially signed off following a meeting with statutory bodies on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the FA said: “The FA Council has ratified the decision to conclude the 2019-20 season across Steps 3-7 of the National League System, Tiers 3 to 7 of the women’s football pyramid and the wider grassroots game.

The decision to cancel the steps 3-7 non-league seasons has now been certified

“The request to end the 2019-20 season was taken to the FA Council by the representatives of the relevant committees having been fully supported by the FA Board. The FA Council’s vote today was overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying the decision.”

North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) chairman Paul Lawler gave his honest thoughts, saying: “As I expected, the FA Council has backed the decision to null and void the season for Steps 3-7.

“I never thought they would overturn the decision but we made our voices heard. We never had any contact from The FA throughout this and find out the decision through social media.

“Thank you to everyone who has sent me their thanks for supporting clubs in the NWCFL. We run the League on behalf of clubs so I will always try and do what is right. Unfortunately the FAs decision leads to me concluding that football at our level isn’t important.

“Myself and my colleagues (all volunteers) spend a considerable time working to run a successful league. Tonight, I am seriously considering whether it is all worth the time, effort and stress involved. I am sure many other volunteers are feeling the same. Stay safe folks.”

No football has been played in Staffordshire since March 16

NWCFL members Stone Old Alleynians tweeted: “A disgraceful way for the FA to treat very many well-established leagues and all those involved playing for, or running clubs.

“No respect at all for the views of those who represent far more teams and players than the elite professional clubs and leagues.”

One football supporter of another Staffordshire outfit said: “Disgraceful behaviour. No consultation. Not caring about the supporters, staff or the players hard work. Another case of people in their ivory towers not in touch with the people.”

Another football fan wrote: “Say goodbye to clubs who have invested their time and money. Non league clubs could fold as a result if they were in a good promotion chance situation.”

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Stoke announce return of 24-year-old Yates

Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club has revealed that another former player has rejoined the outfit this April.

24-year-old Chris Yates re-joins the set-up after several spells away from his home club.

Yates enjoyed a period with Staffordshire’s County team before becoming a part of Championship outfit Hartpury’s development squad.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Let’s all give a big welcome back to the Pug. Good to have you back Yatesy.”

On Saturday, the club also revealed that Andy Plant and Ollie Tatham had signed on with the Midlands 1 West outfit again.

The news comes after the club announced the return of former player Tom Stone earlier this month.

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Stoke announce return of former player

Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club have announced that a former player has rejoined the set-up.

Tom Stone leaves Midlands Premier outfit Newport Salop to return to his home club after spending three years with Leeds Beckett University’s performance squad.

The 23-year-old helped Newport rise to third in the table before the RFU announced that the season would progress no further last month amid the outbreak of the coronavirus.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Great to have you back Tom.”

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Stoke-on-Trent boxer ranked inside top 15 UK middleweights

Stoke-on-Trent’s most exciting upcoming boxer has been ranked inside the top 15 middleweights in the UK.

Nathan ‘Hitman’ Heaney claimed the IBO Continental Super Middleweight title last month after comfortably beating Christian Schembri on points in their bout last month, taking his record to 10-0.

According to BoxRec, the sports official recorder keeper, the 31-year-old is now currently ranked 14^th in the country.

Top of the pile is Chris Eubank Jr with Liam Smith and Liam Williams making the top-three cut.

Heaney is also 138^th in the world in his weight division.

Heaney is still undefeated after 10 bouts

Tweeting about the news, Heaney said: “No better way to celebrate being 31-years-old than to find out I am now ranked within the top 15 best middleweights in Great Britain.

“I’m also just outside of the top 100 in the world. Couldn’t have been done with out my incredible supporters though.”

In his ten bouts, the avid Stoke City fan, whose ring walk song is ‘Delilah’, has boxed 59 rounds and has dealt three knock-out victories.

He has also fought at Arena Birmingham in November at the ‘Midlands Mayhem’ event organised by Frank Warren, beating Nelson Altamirano by technical knock-out in the fifth round live on BT Sport.

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Robbie Williams’ homecoming show at Vale Park postponed

Stoke-on-Trent pop star Robbie Williams has announced that is much anticipated homecoming show at Port Vale’s Vale Park has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The ‘Let Me Entertain You’ singer was due to perform at the Burslem venue on June 20 but this concert will now take place next summer.

Fans that have bought tickets will be able to use them to gain entry to next years show.

In a post on his Instagram account, Williams said: “Some news on my Port Vale Homecoming show – due to the current situation, the organisers have sensibly decided to postpone the event, which will now happen in the summer of 20201.

“As soon as a new date for the show is confirmed it will be announced, along with details of the on-sale date for the remaining ticket allocation.

“Please bear with us until then. Tickets already purchased for the event will be valid for the new date.”

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Club launches fundraising scheme to help with finances

A Midland Football League outfit has started a fundraising initiative to help it through the coronavirus pandemic period after their season was cancelled by the FA due to the outbreak.

Club secretary Adam Drew has set up a Just Giving page for supporters and the football community to donate to in an attempt to keep the club afloat amidst the lack of matchday income and club events.

A target of £1,200 has been set with over £300 raised already.

Adam said: “We’re raising £1,200 to help raise vital funds for the club with all football & club events suspended due to the pandemic, starving us of valuable revenue.

“As many of you will know, this has been a challenging season in terms of the running of the club with months of bad weather stretching from the end of October wreaking havoc on the club’s cashflow and causing plenty of financial turbulence.

Stapenhill were 10th in MFL Division 1 when the season was expunged

“And now with the Covid-19 pandemic setting in, not only has the season ended early, but we have been forced to cancel all our upcoming events which would have helped generate funds for the club.

“So we are appealing for donations to help us out at a time where we are unable to carry out fundraising events at our clubhouse, causing financial strain on the club. Any donations small or big would be highly appreciated in what is a difficult time for the club.”

Adam told Sport in Staffs that £1,200 would “cover plenty of ground” and that it was a “realistic, yet useful” goal.

To visit the Just Giving page, click here.

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