WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols helped secure back-to-back wins for the town’s football and rugby clubs this week.
On Tuesday, Charlotte’s lobbying resulted in a decision by Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston and the FA to allow spectators into the FA Cup tie between Rylands FC and York City this Saturday October, 3, securing a change in guidance from the FA.
Prior to Charlotte’s conversations with the club, the Football Association and the Minister, there were a number of anomalies in the guidance, regarding differences between non-league and ‘elite’ clubs.
However, the changes announced on Tuesday, which allow home fans to attend help to secure the club’s financial footing and ensures that there isn’t a perverse incentive to pile into surrounding gardens to watch the game.
With the game already a sell-out fans can watch it live on the BBC.
The Warrington North MP followed this win with a question to the Sports Minister yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 30th September), concerning funding for rugby league clubs.
This comes in the wake of the decision to scrap pilot crowds in Rugby League, described by Charlotte as a ‘devastating blow.’
Huddleston responded that ‘conversations are continuing’ within Government, on the measures to support Rugby League clubs.
Charlotte said:”Sport plays such a vital role in our town and I will continue to fight hard to protect our clubs.
“I am delighted that the anomalies concerning football crowds have been resolved and that fans will be able to watch the big game at Gorsey Lane on Saturday.
The Sports Minister’s response regarding funding for Rugby League is very welcome and I will continue to hold the Government to account on this and make sure that rugby league clubs get the funding they need.
Warrington Rylands historic FA Cup clash to feature live on the BBC
