Warrington open new indoor training centre
Warrington Wolves officially opened their new indoor training facility at the University of Chester’s Warrington campus last week.
Chairman Professor Steven Broomhead was just one of a host of specially invited guests who were in attendance at the opening.
Warrington Wolves staff, players, supporters and club partners were all there to hear Professor Broomhead speak about how the new facility was a sign of the club’s progress in recent years.
As well as current first-team players, there were also players from the club’s U-16 and U-19 academy at the event, as well as some club legends.
One current first-teamer in attendance was skipper Joel Monaghan, and he expressed the pride that all at the club felt at the new facility’s opening.
“This facility will rival those of any club in Super League and it is something we are very proud of as a team and a club,” he said.
“From what the club had in the beginning to where we are now has been about moving forward with the backing of the sponsors, and the board, showing their commitment to the team.
“It’s about the players right down to grassroots level. The juniors at the club get to utilise this as well so when they do make that step up it is easier as they have already been around that environment.
“We’ve been using it for a little while now and it is especially good for us in the winter months here. I think in the first week it had been snowing for three days but we didn’t miss any training.
“It’s an advantage we’ve now got, all the way down to our juniors.”
One Warrington legend in attendance was Alex Murphy, OBE, who is also a Wolves club ambassador. The former Great Britain half-back was hugely impressed with the new training facility.
“The people who have designed this and put this forward really need a pat on the back,” he said.
“This is a magnificent structure. I think anyone signing for Warrington would be proud to have these facilities. For the younger generations to come too these are second to none.
“To think where we started and to speak to some of the young lads about what I’ve done and the pleasure the game has given to me is great. It’s their time to enjoy it.”
Young centre Harvey Livettis one of the new generation of Wolves who can benefit from the new facility, and he is relishing the chance to train in such impressive surroundings.
“When it’s raining outside you can go in and do the extras and not worry about getting dirty either,” he said.
“A good facility like this will help make us better as players. I wouldn’t have thought of anything like this coming up through the scholarship and academy.
“It’s a massive investment by the club and gives us that drive to push on and get into the first team.
“We are kept on our toes with everyone fighting to get that first team spot and it keeps us working hard.
“There were massive names here at the opening; you want to become one of the names of the future so it gives you that drive.”