Spartans seal deals to boost plans for 2017
THE Halton Spartans American Football team are currently finalising plans for the 2017 season which will see them compete in the British American Football Association National Leagues for a third year.
In the first of a special two-part feature, the Weekly News has caught up with general manager IAN DERBYSHIRE and head coach IAN BEATTIE to find out what’s been happening at the franchise since the season ended last summer.
Next week, coach Beattie is in the spotlight. This week, it’s GM Derbyshire...
FINISHING with a respectable even record of 5-5 in their inaugural 2015 season, the Spartans went one win better last year compiling a 6-4 mark. And they are firmly setting their sights on improving on that record this year by not only booking a place in the play-offs but making a real impact in them.
“Although the 2016 season completed in August last year, myself and our fantastic off-field team have continued to work hard ensuring we have everything in place for the 2017 season,” GM Ian Derbyshire said.
“For the third consecutive season the Halton Spartans will be playing all of our 2017 BAFA National League season home games at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes.
“The Stadium and the famous i-pitch are perfect for American Football and during recent weeks the Spartans have been working with the stadium management to secure dates for our 2017 home games.
“The Halton Spartans would like to thank the stadium management and staff for their continued support in 2017 and we feel privileged and honoured to play in the same stadium as Widnes Vikings and both Liverpool and Everton Ladies’ football teams.
“We will again be looking for a great season in 2017 and we look forward to welcoming our ever-growing army of Spartan fans down to the Select Security Stadium next year cheering us on. ●
“The season runs from April to August and details of our 2017 season passes will be announced in the next few weeks.
“Meanwhile, following a number of successful discussions and meetings with Halton Farnworth Hornets ARLFC, we can confirm we have secured the use of a training pitch on Wilmere Lane Playing Fields in Widnes.
“The Wilmere Lane facilities are now run and managed by Halton Farnworth Hornets, and the Halton Spartans will have sole use of a pitch, that will be permanently marked out for American Football.
“This along with the great facilities at Wilmere Lane give the Spartans a great training base.
“We have been very lucky to secure a pitch on Wilmere Lane and having it fully marked out for our sole use will ensure we have great facilities to conduct effective training sessions ahead of our 2017 season.
“We thank Halton Farnworth Hornets for welcoming us to their facilities, and we look forward to this being a great relationship.
“In addition, we have secured a new sponsorship partner in 2017 – the Mill Brow Snooker & Social Club, Widnes.
“The partnership will see the Mill Brow become the new off-field home of the Spartans, with all players, officials and fans returning to the club after all of our home and away games in 2017.
“Our fundraising and marketing team are also planning a number of events throughout the year to be held at the Mill Brow. The partnership will also see the Mill Brow logo appearing on the Spartans 2017 game shirts.”
Vic Turton general manager of the Mill Brow, said: “Everyone here at the Mill Brow is excited and thrilled to be supporting a great club like the Spartans.
“Myself, Karen and all our staff are looking forward to hosting the players and team management here and can’t wait for everyone to settle in. Welcome to your new home Halton Spartans.”
GM Derbyshire said: “Can I take this opportunity to thank Vic and Karen at the Mill Brow for supporting the Spartans, and myself, our players, coaches, off field staff and our fans are looking forward to the Mill Brow becoming our home.”
Added the GM: “Discussions are in an advanced state with all of our 2016 partners and we expect all of them to commit to the Spartans for the 2017 season.
“We will be playing in brand new game day shirts for 2017 and we will again be proudly displaying the logos of all of our sponsorship partners.” ● Next week, head coach Beattie outlines the on-field work that has been taking place as he aims to guide the team to a second successive winning season. ●