Sharks to get teeth into Mount Wise
News Archive > Sport > Sharks to get teeth into Mount Wise
By Sports Editor Matt Bunt
MOUNT WISE Stadium is to become home to the Cornish Sharks American Football club, after a landmark deal was signed this week.
The stadium, home of Newquay AFC, will be shared between the clubs, becoming the ‘Shark Tank’ throughout the American football season which runs between April and September.
The Sharks have been based at Newquay Sports Centre since their inception six years ago, and regularly play host to teams from across the UK.
“It's a fantasic move for everyone. It's a step in the right direction for us and will help us to continue supporting the community as well.” Sharks coach Brian Smallworth told the NewquayVoice.
“We were quite restricted at the Sports Centre. Because we couldn't charge an admittance fee, we couldn't make the revenue that we needed to move on.
“Everyone at Newquay Football Club is so friendly, and Mount Wise has everything we need. There's not too much that needs to be done to the pitch to adapt it. We'll have a ninety-yard field, same as we had at the Sports Centre.
“It's very important to be able to continue to play in Newquay, it's supporting the sponsors, and the local community that's been so loyal to us.” continued Brian.
“We will always be based in the town because of the airport, and train. It's got everything we need.”
The Cornish Sharks are one of Cornwall’s sporting fairy stories. They have grown from strength to strength over the last six-years from humble beginnings and now boasting a youth academy and around 150 players on the books coming from all over the county, and even the US to play.
They are held in very high regard amongst teams in America, and one American paper has even called them ‘the football factory’ due to the quality of players that were playing.
“Our vision is to play in the premiership, and this is the ideal ground for us to be in,” continued Brian.
“Within five years we want to be playing in Europe, but for that to happen we need a decent base, and a decent crowd - which is exactly what we are getting at Mount Wise.
“I'm building such a good team this season that I think we could get some silverware this year. Keep an eye on the Sharks.”
Chairman of Newquay Football Club, Peter Butterley, was excited about the move, and said “It's not just a matter of franchising the ground.
“Both clubs are very successful, and very ambitious so we will be able to start looking at joint fundraising ventures and joint sponsorships - there's so many things that can tie in together.
“We've got over 500 players at Newquay, and the Sharks have got around 150 with their new youth development scheme. There's a big revenue to tap into there.”
Mount Wise Stadium boasts a number of facilities, including a spectator stand, spectator gates, clubhouse, bar, changing facilities and food outlet.
“Mount Wise has always been underoccupied at the end of the football season,” continued Peter.
“It's a chance to use the facilities in the best way and maximise the revenue streams of the club.
“I feel that both clubs are sleeping giants that could move forward together.”
Coach Smallworth is also excited that the new facilities give the opportunity for the Sharks to put on a good show for the fans.
“People that come to a Cornish Sharks game at Mount Wise can expect all the razzmatazz - music, cheerleaders, plenty of food and a friendly family atmosphere,” he said.
“We're going to start work as soon as possible with the help of the Football Club to sort the stand, and the Sharks players will be coming out of the tunnel at the start of every game.
“We're going to put on a good show!”
The Cornish Sharks enjoyed regular live commentary coverage on BBC Radio Cornwall last season and have already got further coverage planned for the future - including hosting television crews.
The team are also looking forward to hosting the European Champions 'London Blitz' in March - the date will be confirmed in the next few weeks.
