Workington 2025

[RoundTheBoards]

What's amiss at Workington for their licence to be suspended?

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

1 hour ago, RoundTheBoards said:

What's amiss at Workington for their licence to be suspended?

Crowd numbers have been concerning in recent weeks, I feared this when I was up there a few weeks back and 3 away matches in a week without a home match to raise some revenue may be a factor, whatever the issue I hope it sorted 

Edited June 27, 2025 by THE DEAN MACHINE

[noaksey]

5 minutes ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said:

Crowd numbers have been dreadful recent weeks, I feared this when I was up there a few weeks back and 3 away matches in a week without a home match to raise some revenue may be a factor 

Rumours also that Leicester are struggling with crowds. Grim news when these purpose built venues that are always held up as the way forwards hit difficulties 

I hope its resolved soon 

[screm]

𝗕𝗦𝗣 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗪𝗔𝗬

Within the last 48 hours the Directors of British Speedway Promoters Ltd have become aware of administrative issues that must be resolved before Workington Speedway can compete again.

A seven-day suspension of membership has been imposed on Workington Speedway to give them time to overcome these issues.

Said BSP Chairman, Rob Godfrey: “We are happy with the progress being made by the Club in sorting these issues and I anticipate that there will be a speedy resumption to racing at Workington.”

The suspension does mean that Workington’s matches at Berwick on June 28, Oxford on July 2 and Redcar on July 4 will be postponed.

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

Just now, noaksey said:

Rumours also that Leicester are struggling with crowds. Grim news when these purpose built venues that are always held up as the way forwards hit difficulties 

I hope its resolved soon 

This is more than speedway, I’ve said this on the Birmingham thread, the financial crisis is hitting and people are starting to feel it and are picking and choosing where they spend their money, it’s not just speedway 

[noaksey]

5 minutes ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said:

This is more than speedway, I’ve said this on the Birmingham thread, the financial crisis is hitting and people are starting to feel it and are picking and choosing where they spend their money, it’s not just speedway 

There has to be a reset on costs (for promoters and fans) soon if its to survive in anything like its current format 

Some tough decisions to be made i think but will they...

[Woke23]

Very concerning. I fear speedway will be no more at northside soon.

We should've been allowed to stay at NDL level for another season.

[Midget]

It was good while it lasted. 

Great track and facilities but hardly any home meeting then gaps of 2 and 3 week just aint going to work, people quite simpley find other things to do. 

One big league is the only way forward, unfortunately that looks like it will be without the comets 

[Bellers101]

Is it a case that they need some home meetings to make some money before fulfilling any further away fixtures? Crowds across the country aren't helped by the gaps in the fixture list. People get out of the habit of going and find other things to do.

[TracksideView]

Not financially related, visa related. Poor statement from BSP

[Woke23]

Just now, TracksideView said:

Not financially related, visa related. Poor statement from BSP

Can you give a bit more info? I've seen this rumour on Facebook as well.

[crescent girl]

1 minute ago, TracksideView said:

Not financially related, visa related. Poor statement from BSP

To be fair, a discreet statement which stated the immediate case 

[TracksideView]

4 minutes ago, Woke23 said:

Can you give a bit more info? I've seen this rumour on Facebook as well.

No further info, but source isnt social media etc.

[mikebv]

33 minutes ago, noaksey said:

There has to be a reset on costs (for promoters and fans) soon if its to survive in anything like its current format 

Some tough decisions to be made i think but will they...

They haven't for the past two decades when they should have done, hence we are where we are today...

Maybe those chickens have finally come home to roost...?

[scaramanga]

if its a visa issue then surely it should only affect the rider or riders not the clubs license   

 

and visas should be passed before season 

but the wording of statement does point to administrative issues  

could be money could be paperwork we may never find out

 

 

Edited June 27, 2025 by scaramanga

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

16 minutes ago, TracksideView said:

Not financially related, visa related. Poor statement from BSP

Hope so, I love worky, shame I live 200 miles away 

[mikebv]

Just now, scaramanga said:

if its a visa issue then surely it should only affect the rider or riders not the clubs license   

 

Rider bans don't stop meetings taking place do they?.

Strange...

[Pinny]

Just now, scaramanga said:

if its a visa issue then surely it should only affect the rider or riders not the clubs license   

 

Not if they have sponsored the rider who is having visa issues. 

[IainB]

Speedway riders, like other professional athletes coming to the UK, primarily obtain their visas through the International Sportsperson visa route (formerly Tier 2 Sportsperson visa). There's also the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (Tier 5) for shorter stays, though the International Sportsperson visa is more common for full season engagements.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Sponsorship and Endorsement are Key:

 * Sponsor Licence: The speedway club or organisation employing the rider must hold a valid "sponsor licence" issued by the Home Office. This licence allows them to sponsor overseas workers.

 * Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once a rider is offered a position, the sponsoring club assigns them a unique electronic Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This CoS contains details about the job, salary, and the rider's personal information. It's a crucial piece of the visa application.

 * Governing Body Endorsement: This is a critical requirement. The rider's application must be endorsed by the relevant UK sports governing body for speedway. This endorsement confirms that:

   * The rider is an elite sportsperson or qualified coach.

   * They are internationally established.

   * Their employment will significantly contribute to the development of speedway at the highest level in the UK.

2. Eligibility Requirements for the Rider:

 * Age: Must be 16 years or older.

 * Job Offer: A genuine job offer from an approved sponsor (the speedway club).

 * English Language: For stays longer than 12 months, riders usually need to prove their English language proficiency (e.g., by passing an approved test or demonstrating they are from an English-speaking country).

 * Financial Maintenance: The rider must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK (currently £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days). Alternatively, their sponsor can certify they will cover the rider's costs.

 * Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If the rider is from a country where TB testing is required, they will need to provide a certificate.

 * Travel History: Provide travel history for the last 5 years.

 * Valid Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa.

3. Application Process:

 * Online Application: Riders apply for the visa online through the UK government's official website.

 * Document Submission: They will need to submit all required documents, including:

   * Valid passport.

   * Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.

   * Endorsement letter from the speedway governing body.

   * Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).

   * Bank statements (or sponsor's certification of maintenance).

   * TB test results (if applicable).

   * Previous travel documents to show travel history.

 * Biometrics: Riders will need to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre.

 * Fees: There are application fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

4. Visa Duration and Extension:

 * The International Sportsperson visa can be issued for up to 3 years initially, or for the duration of employment plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

 * It can be extended if the rider continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

 * After 5 years on this visa, riders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) in the UK, provided they meet further criteria (e.g., continuous residence, salary requirements, passing the "Life in the UK" test).

Important Considerations for Speedway:

 * Governing Body: The relevant governing body for speedway in the UK (e.g., the Speedway Control Bureau - SCB, or British Speedway Promoters' Association - BSPA, working with relevant sporting bodies approved by the Home Office) will be crucial in endorsing riders.

 * Loan System Impact: There have been instances in the past where the Home Office scrutinised how speedway's loan system impacted visa compliance, leading to some challenges for clubs and riders. Clubs must ensure they comply with all sponsorship duties.

 * Brexit: Since Brexit, non-UK riders (including those from EU countries) now require a visa to ride professionally in the UK, which was not always the case previously. This has added a layer of complexity and cost to bringing in overseas talent.

The process is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail from both the rider and the sponsoring club to ensure all requirements are met. Many clubs and riders often seek assistance from immigration lawyers due to the complexities involved.

 

[noaksey]

3 minutes ago, IainB said:

Speedway riders, like other professional athletes coming to the UK, primarily obtain their visas through the International Sportsperson visa route (formerly Tier 2 Sportsperson visa). There's also the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (Tier 5) for shorter stays, though the International Sportsperson visa is more common for full season engagements.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Sponsorship and Endorsement are Key:

 * Sponsor Licence: The speedway club or organisation employing the rider must hold a valid "sponsor licence" issued by the Home Office. This licence allows them to sponsor overseas workers.

 * Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once a rider is offered a position, the sponsoring club assigns them a unique electronic Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This CoS contains details about the job, salary, and the rider's personal information. It's a crucial piece of the visa application.

 * Governing Body Endorsement: This is a critical requirement. The rider's application must be endorsed by the relevant UK sports governing body for speedway. This endorsement confirms that:

   * The rider is an elite sportsperson or qualified coach.

   * They are internationally established.

   * Their employment will significantly contribute to the development of speedway at the highest level in the UK.

2. Eligibility Requirements for the Rider:

 * Age: Must be 16 years or older.

 * Job Offer: A genuine job offer from an approved sponsor (the speedway club).

 * English Language: For stays longer than 12 months, riders usually need to prove their English language proficiency (e.g., by passing an approved test or demonstrating they are from an English-speaking country).

 * Financial Maintenance: The rider must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK (currently £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days). Alternatively, their sponsor can certify they will cover the rider's costs.

 * Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If the rider is from a country where TB testing is required, they will need to provide a certificate.

 * Travel History: Provide travel history for the last 5 years.

 * Valid Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa.

3. Application Process:

 * Online Application: Riders apply for the visa online through the UK government's official website.

 * Document Submission: They will need to submit all required documents, including:

   * Valid passport.

   * Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.

   * Endorsement letter from the speedway governing body.

   * Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).

   * Bank statements (or sponsor's certification of maintenance).

   * TB test results (if applicable).

   * Previous travel documents to show travel history.

 * Biometrics: Riders will need to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre.

 * Fees: There are application fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

4. Visa Duration and Extension:

 * The International Sportsperson visa can be issued for up to 3 years initially, or for the duration of employment plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

 * It can be extended if the rider continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

 * After 5 years on this visa, riders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) in the UK, provided they meet further criteria (e.g., continuous residence, salary requirements, passing the "Life in the UK" test).

Important Considerations for Speedway:

 * Governing Body: The relevant governing body for speedway in the UK (e.g., the Speedway Control Bureau - SCB, or British Speedway Promoters' Association - BSPA, working with relevant sporting bodies approved by the Home Office) will be crucial in endorsing riders.

 * Loan System Impact: There have been instances in the past where the Home Office scrutinised how speedway's loan system impacted visa compliance, leading to some challenges for clubs and riders. Clubs must ensure they comply with all sponsorship duties.

 * Brexit: Since Brexit, non-UK riders (including those from EU countries) now require a visa to ride professionally in the UK, which was not always the case previously. This has added a layer of complexity and cost to bringing in overseas talent.

The process is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail from both the rider and the sponsoring club to ensure all requirements are met. Many clubs and riders often seek assistance from immigration lawyers due to the complexities involved.

 

So as its the club thats been suspended (rather than Zagar for Brum for example) does that suggest an issue with the sponsor licence?