VICTORIA Park Stadium is ready for the new rugby league season.
The £4.5m development, offering seating for 350 spectators, a standing terrace as well as state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated function room, is Latchford Albion’s new home and will also stage Warrington Wolves Reserves and Academy fixtures.
Driving force behind the stadium, which is adjacent to the athletics arena, is Albion’s director of rugby Michael Byron, supported by England international Mike Cooper, an active committee and businessman-fan Lee Birchall.
Byron, who acknowledged the backing of committee members Sean Byron, Alan Daintith and long-time club sponsor Tom Farrell from Red Line Recruitment, said: “It has always been my dream to have the best facilities to offer all players an opportunity to better themselves and also have a place I am proud to call our home.”
Former Wolves prop Cooper, now plying his trade with St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia, came through the junior ranks at Latchford, as did fellow England international Kallum Watkins and current Widnes Vikings scrum half Joe Mellor.
Mike Cooper playing for England earlier this winter
Cooper, who has been involved with the project, said: “We are a proud rugby league town and it’s only fitting that our clubs have the best facilities possible to develop people to reach their potential in any sport.
“I’m a proud Latchford Albion lad and I’m looking forward to seeing the facilities when I return from Australia.”
Following a discussion five years ago when the facilities at Victoria Park were questioned, the vision of creating a safe environment for players and fans as well as having a clubhouse for after-match functions was created.
After lengthy discussions with Warrington Borough Council, Birchall’s company DV8 Design drew up plans on the layout of a purpose-built stadium.
Cooper said: “I really appreciate the time and effort put in by Lee Birchall and by everyone at the council for first of all listening to what we had to say and second for taking action.”
Birchall added: “As a proud Latchford person I realised the need for a facility like this and am pleased to have given my time and knowledge.
“As a supporter of rugby league I hope this can inspire other clubs, because with the correct dedication and support then anything is possible.
“A lot of amateur clubs unfortunately are not receiving the support they should and we are proof that persistence really does pay off.”
Albion have a rich history, which includes being the first amateur side to reach the Challenge Cup in the 1951-52 season along with facing Wigan in 1954 against a side that featured Billy Boston.
The club were also inaugural finalists of the BARLA National Cup.
Having celebrated their 70-year anniversary in 2015, they are proud of their history and the stadium now forms a major part of the club’s future.
Latchford are looking forward to a new season in North West Counties Division One, starting in March.
With an average player age of 20, the squad – most of whose members have come through the junior ranks together – brings great optimism for the future.
Latchford are always looking for new players, whether to try and enhance the first team or purely for social rugby.
For further information, visit the club’s Facebook page.
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