What a year! The challenges of 2020 were certainly unexpected and had an overwhelming impact on friends, families, work, communities and most strangely our lives.

We really hope that we have now seen the worst of this crisis and can start to reach a state of normality in 2021. Our thoughts are with all club members and their families who have experienced first-hand the hardships of this year, be that ill health or reduced income.

During these volatile times Rugby League, has remained strong and at the very heart of our town and community. Thanks to the brilliant work of the Rugby Football League, we have been able to provide some sense of normality and slowly re-introduce training for our players at all levels and provide them with a much-needed release from the confines of lockdown both mentally and physically.

The impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being cannot be underestimated, so it has been great for players to have somewhere to let off steam and enjoy the freedom and fresh air that the outdoor has to offer, combining that with the opportunity take part in fun and fitness with their friends is priceless.

We can look forward to the New year with a degree of excitement, with the prospect of returning to Winter activity looking likely for the New Year, including friendly fixture in the same format as we saw before our second lockdown.

We understand the frustration of not returning to training sooner but the club had a lot of work to carry out to meet the stringent guidelines set out by the RFL. Please be assured that every decision made has been done so to ensure that the club remain viable and we can return to rugby in a way that is not only compliant with government advice, but safe for players and their families.

On that note, I extend our deepest gratitude to the COVID Committee and the coaches for their support during this difficult period. We would also like to thank you for your patience and support in this year. We have a truly brilliant rugby club with huge potential, and we are committed to providing a fantastic local resource for everyone to enjoy!

Whatever your plans are this Christmas, we wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful time. We are working hard to make 2021 a fantastic, rugby-filled year and look forward to starting strong with training recommencing in early January. See you there!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Widnes Moorfield Tigers.