A WHEELCHAIR basketball team have been left ‘devastated’ by the news they could be left without a home due to the planned closure of Henley College.
Warwickshire Bears basketball team, which includes several players from Rugby, practice at the college every week and also host games there at the weekends.
But they are now searching for a new home before the college closes next June due to dwindling student numbers.
Head coach Tom Masterson said: “It is a major blow to the club as we now need to try and find a new home venue that can also accommodate storage of the wheelchairs plus club equipment, and that has availability for practice nights and games at weekends.
“It is going to be a major challenge to find anywhere.”
The coach has looked into alternative venues but is struggling to find any which are wheelchair-friendly and have the space and time available for the club – which has been running for some 13 years.
He said: “It could even mean we may be forced to look at other regions which is the last thing we want to do as all the players feel extremely proud to represent Warwickshire. It could also mean the loss of another disabled sports club in this area.
“I will keep trying to find somewhere as long as I can.”
College bosses announced the closure earlier this month due to limited transport links, meaning students from Solihull and Stratford had trouble accessing the site.
Courses, along with college staff and students, are being relocated to Warwickshire College’s other sites in Leamington and Moreton Morrell when Henley shuts its doors next year.
But sports teams using the hall will have to find other venues to use.
Anyone knowing a suitable venue for the Warwickshire Bears can call 07946 518354 and speak to Tom.
