CLUB UPDATE JULY 2020
Coventry Bears Club Update & Season Statement
July 2020
Last week, the Rugby Football League announced that the 2020 season for both League One and Championship was officially cancelled. The Governing body then explained in detail the procedures that would need to be in place should clubs wish to take part in a voluntary club competition proposed to take place during October and November 2020.
We have a duty of care first and foremost to both players and staff (including medics, coaches, referees, venue staff, etc) and while the end of season voluntary tournament is a commendable gesture we have decided not to take part and formally declined this offer on Wednesday. Players have not played for a considerable period and we have limited access to training facilities while costs and challenges around bio-safety and unknown factors such as playing with or without crowds at any games has meant we must safeguard the financial position of our business.
The long term sustainability of the club is critical and we feel that this has to take priority, therefore playing activity is now officially over for 2020. Consequently, we have begun the process of contacting sponsors and supporters who have contributed to the club in 2020 to come to agreements around what they wish to do. The options are for sponsors and season ticket holders to have a refund in full or the preferred option for all would be to roll their commitment over into the 2021 season. So far a number of our main sponsors and fans have already committed to us for next season and for this we are very grateful indeed.
If this includes you, please feel free to contact us and let us know how you wish to proceed. Alternatively we will be in touch soon. We will be both retaining, releasing and signing new players as per the normal protocol for any season in the next few weeks and months. It has been a very difficult time for all players and staff and I would like to take time to say a special thanks to everyone who worked so hard for the club during this pandemic in 2020.
We will now strive to move forward in the best way possible to allow us to sustain our position as a developing club in an expansion area and I hope this gives everyone an insight into the decisions we have made and that everyone clearly understands our position.
Please be assured that Coventry Bears will be back in 2021, bigger and stronger and aiming to be the best year yet. It will be the 125th year Anniversary of Rugby League, Coventry Bears 7th season in League One, Coventry's year as City of Culture and the Rugby League World Cup will take place in the Autumn. Coventry will boast a round two game at Coventry's Ricoh Arena hosting no less than the current Men's World Cup holders, Australia v's home nation, Scotland. All the details can be found here.
In the meantime, aside from the professional side of the Bears, we have a number of community initiatives that are taking place currently or coming up very soon and we would love to encourage all our supporters to get involved wherever you can. All the details can be found here:
• Free Park Fitness sessions - Attention Juniors Players!!
• Players to undertake a sponsored bike ride from Hull to Coventry
• Join the Bears Lotto to support community activity
• Register your interest to volunteer for the Rugby League World Cup 2021
• Primary School Teachers – find out about free teaching resources for the RLWC 2021
There will also be some very exciting and BIG news to be announced next week so please keep your eyes peeled!
Thank you once again for your continued support and please stay safe. #InThisTogether
Thank you.
Alan Robinson
Coventry Bears