New Sports Partnership for Solihull

New Sports Partnership for Solihull (November 08 2007)
Damson Parkway is set to play host to a new Sports Partnership to be formed by Solihull Moors Football Club and Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club.
The proposed ‘Solihull Sports Partnership’ will be formed as part of a ground sharing deal between Birmingham & Solihull and Solihull Moors. The Ground will be managed independently and operate as a sporting venue to provide a platform for a wide range of sporting benefits for not only the clubs involved, but also local schools and the community at large, coaching football and rugby in both the North and South of Solihull.
The deal is close to being finalised and when confirmed will include a multi million pound investment into improving the current Damson Park facility and the sporting infrastructure in Solihull.
Pertemps Bees have been looking for an alternative ground for some time, as traffic problems, inadequate parking, inadequate flood lighting and cramped facilities at Sharman’s Cross Rd, mean that the ground cannot be developed to meet the criteria needed to play in the National Division 1 league, and prohibit the club from advancing to the premiership.
Bees’ Director, Kieran Leahy said, “Ground sharing between clubs is increasingly more common and the partnership with Solihull Moors is a perfect fit for the aspirations of both Clubs”
Stuart Potts, president of North Midlands RFU and the newly-elected representative on the RFU Council, said: "We fully support any initiative that encourages the development of rugby in North Midlands. "We hope that their proposed community development and educational programmes will help to foster interest in rugby in Solihull and beyond. "We also hope that the Damson Park ground share will provide a facility which will help Pertemps Bees achieve their on-field ambitions and to enjoy financial stability."
Solihull Moors’ Vice Chairman and principal sponsor, Ian Childs, said “This is great news for the long term sustainability of both clubs and for sport in general in Solihull”
Peter Coates, Chairman and owner of Stoke City Football Club and FA representative for Midland clubs who are members of the FA said, “I think the ground sharing concept is a good one and already a proven success at professional level where a number of clubs share with Rugby. This offers better utilisation of facilities, which helps to maintain the viability of both sports. Most important of all, it gives added value to the community”.
Tim Watts, Chairman of the Pertemps Group, said “It’s an exciting time for both clubs and it will enable them to reach their individual goals"
Nick Garnett, Head of Leisure at Solihull Council, said: "We believe this course of action will ensure a viable future for both clubs. We look forward to working closely with both of them to bring this plan to fruition."