The Warrington Wolves Community Foundation is delighted to announce the support of Warrington Wolves Supporters Trust - SquadBuilder as an official partner of the Heroes of the Wire Ride.
Later this month, a team of riders will cycle more than 225 miles through Northern France and Belgium, visiting battlefields, memorials and cemeteries connected to Warrington Rugby League players who lost their lives during the First World War.
SquadBuilder, whose primary focus is supporting the development of Warrington Wolves' homegrown players, saw the project as an opportunity to help preserve and share an important part of the club's history.
Alex Chicken, Chair of Warrington Wolves Supporters Trust SquadBuilder, said:
"The heritage of the club is so important. Although our aim is to support the young players at the club, the legacy left by players of the past is equally important."
"We could remember these players through a service here in Warrington, but to actually go there, to visit the cemeteries, the places where they died and where they are remembered, that's hugely significant."
Alex has previously visited the battlefields of Northern France and understands the impact these sites can have.
"I've been fortunate enough to visit some of the memorials and cemeteries myself. It's incredibly powerful when you see the scale of it all, the vast areas, the memorials and museums. It really makes you reflect."
"The fact that this ride is specifically remembering Warrington players from the past makes it even more powerful. For this group of riders to travel there and pay their respects on behalf of the club and town is something very special."
The ride forms part of Warrington Wolves' 150th anniversary celebrations and will see each rider become an ambassador for one of the club's fallen players, carrying their story throughout the journey.
A key part of the project is ensuring that these stories continue to be shared long after the ride has finished. Riders will be encouraged to visit schools, community groups, workplaces and sports clubs to speak about their experiences and the players they represented.
Alex believes this educational element is one of the project's greatest strengths.
"The timeline in the South Stand concourse is a powerful reminder of where the club has come from over the last 150 years. If projects like this can inspire younger supporters to learn more about that history and educate them about the sacrifices people made, then that's incredibly important."
"It shows where the club has come from and why it's important that we honour those people. At the same time, it can inspire future generations."
The project also holds a personal significance for Alex.
"My grandfather was an Army chaplain during the First World War and served on the Somme. He kept a diary, which was later published, documenting his experiences and the letters he wrote to the families of fallen soldiers."
"Because of that, I have a personal connection to this period of history. It was certainly one of the reasons why we wanted to support this project."
While SquadBuilder is best known for supporting the next generation of Warrington Wolves players, Alex believes projects such as Heroes of the Wire demonstrate the wider role the organisation plays within the club.
"We've always worked closely with the Foundation and have been involved in heritage projects before, including the club timeline. It's not just about supporting homegrown players. It's about the bigger picture, and education is a really important part of that."
Alex also encouraged supporters to learn more about Warrington's rich history.
"The heritage of this club is incredibly important. There are volunteers working hard behind the scenes to preserve it, and there are plans to continue developing and expanding the historical resources available."
"If supporters get the opportunity to visit the timeline at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and learn more about the club's story, I'd strongly encourage them to do so."
Finally, Alex had a message for the riders preparing to set off on the challenge.
"We wish them the very best of luck. It's a massive undertaking, not just for the riders but for everyone involved in organising it."
"They're representing the club and everybody is incredibly proud of them. I'm sure they'll enjoy every moment and do the club proud."
The Heroes of the Wire Ride departs on 22nd June and will see riders visit some of the most significant First World War sites in France and Belgium, ensuring that the sacrifices of Warrington's fallen rugby league heroes continue to be remembered more than a century later.
We Will Remember Them.