Change 4 Life (C4L) – West Midlands Regional Conference

It has been a year since we first started to see those bright yellow posters on bus stops telling us to get off a stop early and the jelly-babies type characters on the ads on the TV.  You might be wondering ‘What is it all about?’  Well this month the Department of Health Regional Office hosted a conference to share the achievements and good practice of the C4L campaign with local co-ordinators, deliverers and supporters from across the region. 

Jane Baker, the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health (Dept of Health West Mids) chaired the event and she introduced David Shaw who gave a national update on C4L.  He explained that C4L is the brand name for the social marketing campaign led by the Department of Health and closely linked to their “Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives” (2008) plan. This plan was written partly in response to a Foresight report which forecasted that the health of the nation was on track to serious problems in the future with over 60% of the adult population predicted to be clinically obese by 2050.  You might be aware of a number of sub-brands to the C4L campaign such as Walk4Life, Bike4Life, Swim4Life etc.

“Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives” identified 6 clusters of families of which 4 were at ‘high risk’ of being overweight and inactive – this equates to over 3 million families in the UK. C4L focuses on changing 8 key behaviours using messages such as ‘me size meals’, ‘5 a day’, ‘snack check’, ‘sugar swaps’ and ’60 active minutes’.  From evaluations of the campaign so far, over 80% of mums recognise and trust the C4L brand.

Initially the C4L messages focused on families and particularly those with young children, but new strands are being delivered such as Start4Life (focusing on mums-to-be and babies), and another group which will be targeted is adults aged 45-65 years who are already overweight.

There was also a presentation from the Central Office of Information explaining how they help with the promotion of local campaigns, and the work they have already done linking C4L with Healthy Schools and a successful Walk to Schools campaign.

Delegates were treated to a display of ‘activity’ from the Coventry City FC Cheerleading Group and a Hoop Hop (Hula hooping to hip-hop music) demonstration by Kellee McQuinn from KidTribe and children from a Coventry primary school.

Tony Apicella, National Programme Director of ContinYou (representing the voluntary sector and a national partner with C4L) gave a very thought provoking presentation looking at putting C4L into practice and the successful work of the Breakfast4Life clubs across the country.

If you are thinking about running a local project that can benefit from using the C4L brand you should seriously consider using the Promoting Physical Activity Toolkit website.  This is a free, promotional tool which can help you design posters and other useful applications to help you with promotion and raising awareness of your events.  The website is; http://www.promotingactivitytoolkit.com

And finally, if you have not yet signed up as a local supporter please go to the C4L website where you can find a wealth of support materials and information; http://www.nhs.uk/Change4life/Pages/Default.aspx

Alison Williamson
Physical Activity Development Manager
T: 01785 619177
M: 07800 619695
E: awilliamson@staffordbc.gov.uk

Aiming High: Disability Sport and Physical Activity Officer
for Staffordshire

Hi my name is Mark Fosbrook and I am the Aiming High: Disability Sport and Physical Activity Officer for Staffordshire. This role is one of the first of its kind in the Country and Staffordshire are looking to lead the way so other Counties may follow.

Before I tell you more about my role I want to tell you about myself. I am a double below knee amputee with congenital deformities to my hands. Basically I have two fingers on each hand and no feet or ankles. This was a condition I was born with and has an official name of Ectrodactyl. Having this disability has in no way stopped me from achieving my goals. I found sport at a young age and soon realised that I could use it to show that my disability did not affect me. I went through mainstream education and faced numerous challenges but I used sport as my motivator and actually represented my school in Hockey. I also went on to represent Portsmouth.  Most noticeably my sporting achievements have been:

1996 Paralympics Atlanta, Volleyball, squad player (7^th)

2006 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships (4^th)

2008 Paralympics Beijing, Wheelchair Rugby, Team Manager

2007 & 2008 British Indoor Rowing Champion (World Record Holder)

Currently play Wheelchair Basketball for Wolverhampton Rhinos (Best team in the Country)

These are only a few of my sporting achievements and I can tell you more when we meet. I have also always worked within the sport and leisure environment. I have managed fitness clubs, run a sports department at a Specialist college and have also been the Performance Manager for the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Squad. These previous roles have given me a wealth of experience to bring to this role and I am looking forward to developing opportunities for young disabled people through out Staffordshire.

The role has been primarily funded through the Aiming High initiative with support from Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. My objective is to develop a sustainable strategy that will enable the development of existing and new clubs to support children with disabilities. I will also be a collating all of the opportunities from across Staffordshire to ensure children and parents are aware of what is available. Another key area is ensuring that these clubs and opportunities are staffed by appropriately skilled people so the children are supported appropriately.

I am really excited about this role and believe that I can make a real difference in Staffordshire. I started in the post at the beginning of January and I can already feel the excitement, potential and support from everyone to ensure this initiative is a success.

If you have any further questions you can contact me on:

Tel: 01785 619398
Mobile: 07800 619683
Email: mfosbrook@staffordbc.gov.uk

Active People Survey 3 Results

Active People Survey 3 (2008/9) began on 15 October 2008 and was completed on 14 October 2009, SASSOT have collated all the results for the Staffordshire area which are attached on the spreadsheet below.  The survey provides by far the largest sample size ever established for a sport and recreation survey. It identifies how participation varies from place to place and between different groups in the population.  The survey also measures;The two headline results: NI8 and The One Million Target.

NI8: Refers to the percentage of adult population in a local area who participated in sport and active recreation, at moderate intensity, for at least 30 minutes on at least 12 days out of the last 4 weeks (equivalent to 30 minutes on 3 or more days a week) The only difference between NI8 and KPI 1 is that NI8 includes five light intensity activities for people aged over 65 (yoga, pilates, indoor and outdoor bowls, archery and croquet).

Please note that for the NI8 Active People 3 result it is a combined figure of APS 2 & 3, which provides a combined sample size of 1,000 that is comparative to APS1.
 
The One Million Target:  Refers to the percentage of the adult population participating in at least 30 minutes of sport, at least moderate intensity at least 3 times a week.  The One Million Target has a narrower focus of activities and does not include recreational walking or cycling.

KPIs 1-6:
The remaining KPIs report the proportion of the adult population that participate in 30x30 sport and active recreation, volunteer in sport on a weekly basis, club membership, involvement in organised sport/competition, receipt of tuition or coaching, and overall satisfaction with levels of sporting provision in the local community.

SASSOT Headline Results:

NI8: South Staffordshire have achieved the greatest percentage of 23.8% followed closely by Newcastle and Stafford (both 23.6%).  Stoke-on-Trent & Tamworth have also witnessed positive direction of travel.

One Million Target: SASSOT has witnessed a positive direction of travel of 0.9% making us the 2nd highest performing CSP in the West Midlands.  South Staffordshire have achieved the highest percentage in Staffordshire (19.2%) whilst Lichfield have witnessed the greatest positive direction of travel (4.2%). 

KPIs 1-6: South Staffordshire achieved the greatest % of participation against KPI 1 (3x30mins), whilst Stoke-on-Trent witnessed the greatest positive direction of travel (3.9%). East Staffordshire achieved the greatest levels of volunteering (KPI 2) whilst Stafford achieved the greatest level of club membership (KPI 3).  Tuition (KPI 4) witnessed the greatest positive direction of travel in Tamworth whilst those taking part in competitive sport (KPI 5) was highest in East Staffordshire. The only two statistically significant results for the Staffordshire area were achieved in KPI 6: satisfaction with sports provision in the local area.  These result were achieved by both Tamworth and Cannock. 
 

To download the full results please click here.

For more information please contact:

Naomi Bird

Knowledge, Communications & Equalities Manager

Tel: 01785 619 585

Email: nbird@staffordbc.gov.uk

Tell us your news:

If you have sport or physical activity related news that that you would like to have published, please use this template to have your article considered for publication.

Two-way process....

Are you looking for articles in your newsletters? Then don't forget to contact SASSOT and we can supply you with newsworthy articles on a one-off or regular basis.

Leigh Morton
Admin Officer
T: 01785 619349
E: lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has launched a Recession Response Funding Programme. The programme has a very short turn around period for applications, so please contact them ASAP if you would like an application pack. 

• Redundancy advice
• Domestic abuse support and advice
• Family and relationship support and advice
• Free or reduced cost sports and physical activities
• Work tasters
• Volunteering programmes to raise experience and skill levels
• Low cost transport schemes
• Recycling / re-use projects to provide cheap furniture, household items, clothing  
• Support for the homeless
• Peer support programmes
• Creation of jobs 
• Pre-employment and employability skills training
• New social enterprises

Eligible Wards 

Sport England’s Sportsmatch re-opened for applications on the 21st December 2009 for projects that will be delivered in the 2010/11 financial year.

Sport England’s Sportsmatch programme makes awards to not-for-profit organisations running projects at a community level which meet one or both of Sport England’s objectives of Grow or Sustain. They do this through matching eligible sponsorship pound for pound, up to a maximum value of £100,000.

How does it work?

Sportsmatch supports formally constituted not-for-profit organisations and statutory bodies. This might include sports clubs, voluntary organisations, local authorities, schools, universities or national governing bodies of sport.

If a sponsor gives £10,000 to its local rugby club to organise new coaching opportunities in the community, Sport England could match that with a grant of £10,000 - thereby doubling the amount of money available to the club. Sport England can match eligible sponsorship which has been given by an eligible company, trust, charity, or private individual. Sponsorship contributions can be either cash or in-kind, but in-kind sponsorship cannot consist of more than 50% of your total sponsorship amount. Projects can be supported by a maximum of five sponsors.

Please visit the following weblink to see if your project meets the Sportsmatch criteria, eligible sponsors, how to apply and what makes a good application.

If you need any further advice please phone the Sport England Funding Helpline on 08458 508 508

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports’ charity. Funded by the Premier League, the Football Association and the Government, the Foundation directs £40m every year into grass roots sport.

The Football Foundation has a funding window opening from 1st - 26th February 2010 for the 'Grow the Game' scheme, which is funding to support the formation of new football clubs, or financial support for new teams at existing football clubs.

Grow the Game Grant

Grow the Game provides funding for projects that use football to: 

• Increase participation by both players and volunteers.

This is done by supporting the costs associated with providing new activity.

Open to new or existing clubs to support the cost associated with setting up new football teams. This could be a boys' club who want to start a girls' or disability section from scratch, or it could include an existing girls' club who want to develop new teams and new age groups. The funding is up to £5k (for those clubs starting more than one team).

Grow the Game provides funding to contribute towards a combination of the following essential costs associated with providing new football activity: 

• Facility hire
• Hire of FA qualified coaches and referees
• CRB checks
• Affiliation fees
• League entry
• First aid kits
• Promotion and publicity
• FA coaching courses

The Grow the Game scheme will be open for applications from 1st - 26th February 2010, for new teams that will be affiliating in June and starting in August 2010.

Grow the Game is an extremely popular scheme and the assessment process is competitive, therefore we strongly recommend that before making an application you contact your local County Football Association's Development Manager to discuss your project;

Staffordshire FA
Andy Weston
Andy.Weston@staffordshirefa.com

T: 01785 256994

More information on Grow the Game can be found at http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/community-grants/grow-the-game/

Junior Kit Scheme
http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/our-schemes/junior-kit-scheme/ - free Nike kit and equipment for new or existing teams to the value of £400.

Goalpost Safety Scheme
http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/our-schemes/goalpost-safety-scheme/ - replacement of unsafe goalposts with the Foundation offering 50% towards the cost of a new set of posts (this does include mini soccer and some samba goals).

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk

STOP PRESS *** STOP PRESS *** STOP PRESS

Sport England (21 December 2009)

Sportsmatch is open again for project applications that will be delivered in the 2010/11 financial year. If you need any further advice please phone the Funding Helpline on 08458 508 508.

Visit the SE website

Each month, Waitrose branches around the country will distribute £1,000 between three local projects, through its ‘community matters’ giving initiative.

Through this scheme, Waitrose will allocate £1,000 a month to each of its 190 branches to distribute amongst three local community projects as chosen by its customers and employees. The scheme is designed to help put a share of their profits back into the local community.

Staff and customers of Waitrose stores all around the country will be encouraged to nominate and vote for three local organisations/projects, including sports clubs, community groups or schools. Each store branch has a ‘community matters champion’ whose role is also to find out potential beneficiaries. The final decision on the three shortlisted organisations is made by PartnerVoice forums (Waitrose’s local democratic bodies).

Once each store has chosen its 3 projects for that month, each customer will be given a token at the checkout that they can place into a box representing their preferred good cause, the amount of money each project receives will be in direct proportion to the number of tokens customers allocate.

To be considered for a donation, why not get in touch with your local Waitrose branch, http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/bf_home/bf.html, and pick up a nomination form from the Customer Service Welcome Desk.

This campaign gives local projects and organisations of all sizes the opportunity to compete to become one of the chosen beneficiary projects. For the smaller, less well-known causes it also offers a great publicity boost.

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 0785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk

Clubs that provide facilities and promote participation in eligible sports can save money by registering as a community amateur sports club (CASC).

Sports clubs play a valuable role in their communities. The CASC scheme recognises this important role by distinguishing between clubs and businesses for rates and tax purposes, ensuring money is kept in sports clubs.

Both property and non-property owning clubs can significantly benefit from the scheme.

The key benefits of casc registration include:

• 80% mandatory business rate relief. Local authorities can offer up to 100% relief to clubs at their discretion.
• The ability to raise funds from individuals under Gift Aid. A registered CASC can reclaim up to £28 in tax for every £100 donated, though at the moment this does not apply to all types of donations.
• CASCs are exempt from Corporation Tax on profits derived from trading activities if their trading income is under £30,000 pa.
• Profits derived from property income are also exempt for CASCs if gross property income is under £20,000 pa, of particular relevance following the abolition of the nil rate band.
• CASCs whose income does not exceed these thresholds will no longer be required to complete an annual Corporation Tax return.

The main conditions for registration are:

• Membership must be open to the whole community.
• The club’s facilities must be available to all members without discrimination.
• The club’s rules/constitution must prevent the distribution of profits to members i.e. funds must be reinvested in the club.
• Club members cannot be paid for playing, although they can be paid for providing other services to the club such as coaching.
• Membership categories and fees must be reasonable and should not be a bar to open membership.

The registration process is simple and can take a matter of weeks. Please click on the following web link for further information and details on how to apply; http://www.cascinfo.co.uk/

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk

Clubs and individuals across Staffordshire have been asked to nominate teams, players, athletes, coaches and supporters for the 11, prestigious 2010 npower Midlands Disability Sports Awards. Traditionally, the ceremony recognises and honours people of all ages and levels of ability and this year will be no different.

There will be trophies for the Male and Female Sports Personalities of the Year along with Coach, Team and School of the Year, plus the Sports Club of the Year, won in 2008 by the Special Olympics Stafford and presented to Clive Gibson by international footballer, Karen Carney.

Kevin Rodgers, community involvement executive for sponsors, npower, is keen for as many nominations as possible from Staffordshire to be considered, saying, "In 2008 the Sports Club of the Year award went to Special Olympics Stafford and top swimmer, Anita Linton from Stoke-on-Trent, was one of the finalists in the Female Sports Personality of the Year Award. I hope we shall be hearing from people nominating some of the counties existing and up-and-coming sporting stars over the next month or so."

The 2010 ceremony will be at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham on Thursday, 25 March, with ITV's London Tonight presenter, Matt Teale, hosting the ceremony. Finalists, three from each of the 11 award categories, will be rubbing shoulders with a host of celebrity guests and leading lights in the sporting world.

Around 300 guests will be attending the event, organised by the English Federation of Disability Sports. Dennis Hodgkins, regional development manager at the EFDS, wants to encourage people to get nominating, as he explains: "The nomination form can be downloaded from www.efds.co.uk and the deadline for submission is Friday, February 5, 2010. Finalists will be announced in early March. 

Footballer, Karen Carney, presents Clive Gibson of the Special Olympics Stafford

with the 2008 Sports Club of the Year Award

For further information please contact Yvonne Rush on 0121 436 5935 or email yvonne.rush@blueyonder.co.uk

Cannock Chase Council’s Sports Development
Team have joined forces with the South Staffordshire Athletics Network and the Cannock and Rugeley School Sports Partnership to run a series of indoor athletics coaching sessions at Chase Leisure Centre.

Following on from the success of this year’s Indoor Primary School Athletics Competition, Sport Unlimited funding has been used to set up and run a series of indoor athletics coaching sessions at Chase Leisure Centre.

Greg Allsopp with youngsters from the athletics session

Youngsters who take part have the opportunity to keep fit and develop new skills, with direct links with the Cannock and Stafford Athletics Clubs.

These sessions are being held every Thursday from 4 - 5 pm at Chase Leisure Centre, Stafford Road, Cannock for 10-11 year olds. All sessions are free.

For more details contact:-

Gregg Allsopp
Community Sports Coach
T:  (M) 07814 521904
E:  greggallsopp@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Sports Development Team in partnership with the Able Too Forum have been commissioned by Staffordshire County Council to organise a sports and physical activity event as part of the Staffordshire Aiming High for Disabled Children, Young People and their Families programme.

The date of the event is Sunday 21^st February 2010, commencing at 10.00am until 3.00pm at Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton on Trent and includes lunch for all participants.

Places for the event MUST be booked in advance and will be issued on a first come first served basis.

The event is an opportunity for people working on the Aiming High programme to talk to parents and gather their views on services whilst parents and children also take part in fun activities. Children and their parents will have the opportunity to participate in various sporting activities, to learn new skills, improve their social skills, make new friends and have fun.

The day will include activities such as Football, Boccia, Karate, Badminton, Zone Hockey, Basketball, Table Top games, Bowls, New Age Kurling, Goalball and Aerobics. The games are aimed at people with disabilities aged under 18 years old. 

*Neil Brown, Sports Development officer said: “We are proud to be able to organise such an event on behalf of Staffordshire County Council. This project enhances our existing disability sport provision and again provides an excellent opportunity for young people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. We also will provide participants with information of our ability clubs, in hope they continue participating outside of this event.”

To receive information on how to book a place please contact aiminghigh@staffordshire.gov.uk or ring Freephone 0800 093 0414.

For further information about the Aiming High event, please telephone Neil Brown,
Sports Development Officer on (01283) 505914 or email neil.brown@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk. 

PLEASE REMEMBER PLACES MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.

Further information & photo opportunities from:

Neil Brown
Sports Development Officer
Tel: 01283 505914
Email neil.brown@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

The Stafford half marathon has proved more popular than ever with registration now full - and the race still two months away.

Entries came pouring immediately the lines were open and now 2000 runners have signed up to take part. Registration for the event is now closed – well
in advance of the original deadline which was earmarked for 5th February.

It is the quickest the half marathon quota has been filled in the race’s 26 year history – despite more runners being allowed to take part since 2009. And it has been the first year without paper entry forms – with competitors signing up online or in person.

Registration opened in November and within the first week more than 400 athletes signed up. Crowds will line the 13.1 mile route on Sunday 21st March to cheer on the competitors. The borough council organised race heads off from the town centre into Stafford’s surrounding countryside, incorporating two steady climbs before returning to the Market Square via Victoria Park.

Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: “We urged runners to get their entries in early as registration would shut when all the spaces were filled and the response to that has been tremendous.”

Liz Hulse, Event Manager for Stafford Borough Council added: “This event just keeps getting more popular and is now rightly seen as one of the top races in the county’s sporting calendar.”

Also on the day as part of the event programme ‘Handcyclists’ will be competing along the half marathon route, and the School and Family Fun Run will take on a mile with runners in fancy dress.

Everyone will receive medals and other prizes are awarded for various achievements throughout the event. Runners training programmes, tips and a weekly training diary are available at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon.  

• Places are available for the School and Family fun run which is organised by the Borough Council with support by the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trusts’ ‘Surround Practice Based Commissioning Group.’ Entry forms are available from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/funrun or from various locations throughout the town.

Hannah Clifford
Marketing Projects Officer
Stafford Borough Council
T: 01785 619590
E: hclifford@staffordbc.gov.uk
W: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure

Local young people showed their skills in the Sportshall Athletics competitions recently when taking part in a partnership event.

Thirty teams, from years 5 to 8, took part in 9 separate Sportshall Athletics tournaments held at Sir Graham Balfour, Blessed William Howard, Alleyne’s, Stafford Sports College, Weston Road, King Edward VI High Schools organised by the Stafford and Stone School Sport Partnership (SSSSP).

Overall winners this year in the year 5/6 tournament were Oakridge Primary School, who overcame 6 schools in a nail biting final which was decided on the last race.

In the year 7 tournament Sir Graham Balfour High School were winners in both boys and girls and Walton High School won both year 8 boys' and girls' competition.

All 3 schools will represent the partnership at the county final held at Fenton Manor. 
Other schools competing were King Edward VI, Stafford Sports College, and the host school Sir Graham Balfour.

Walton High School year 8 boys and year 8 girls went on to be crowned County Champions at Fenton Manor while Oakridge finished 8^th in the year 5/6 event.

“In total over 900 pupils took part in this year’s event, this was achieved with the help of all SSCOs who gave up endless hours to help train leaders and run family cluster competitions alongside the Assistant Partnership Development Manager, Steve Glover and the Competition Manager, Nick Richards”

“ We hope next year to make the event even bigger and better and the goal would to pass 1,000 pupils taking part in Sportshall Athletics said Nick Richards, Competition Manager.”

Nick Richards
Competition Manager
South Staffordshire/Stafford and Stone
Email: nrichardscm@hotmail.com
Mobile: 07837082288      

The Staffordshire Moorlands School Sports Partnership held their Step into Sport (SIS) induction for over 70 new sports volunteers in November. The induction was held to give pupils training and information on the scheme and included setting up their own online passport to record hours, workshops on festival organisation, multi-skills and cheerleading for leaders.

The pupils on the SIS can now volunteer their time in schools and sports clubs and accrue hours in exchange for rewards. Zoe Harp the SIS coordinator said “This is a great opportunity for pupils to gain new skills and give something back to the community whilst being rewarded for their time and effort”.

Zoe Harp
Assistant Partnership Development Manager
Staffordshire Moorlands School Sport Partnership
T: 01782 514641
E: zharp@btconnect.com
Website: http://www.smssp.co.uk

Stoke on Trent City Council has one of the most advanced community sports volunteering schemes
in the region, and they are looking for people of all ages, abilities and cultures to volunteer at a wide variety of projects in the city.

Whether you are retired, looking for a change in career, a student looking for a work placement or
just want to make a difference in your community, volunteering can be a rewarding and most of all a fun experience. 

Matt Kendall, 2012 Sports Volunteer Coordinator for the West Midlands said, “Having a vibrant sporting culture in Stoke depends on having volunteers. These volunteers can make a massive difference to young people doing the sport, while also having a good time and gaining skills and experience – it’s a real win win.”

Volunteers that choose to take part can start by supporting trained staff and more experienced volunteers in developing and running multi-sports sessions, but then gain qualifications and if they want to progress, to become leaders themselves. 

As well as the sports leadership, volunteers can support with administration, youth work and support and project development.  Vanessa Darlington, Stoke on Trent’s 2012 Coordinator said, “In difficult economic times it is a fantastic way to build your CV, skills and experience for the future, as well as making a real difference to the community”.

The City Council also provide a strong support system and training and development to volunteers including courses such as the following:

• Community Sports Leaders Awards (CSLA)
• National Governing Body Awards (e.g. Football Level 1)
• Child Protection
• First Aid
• Equality Training

If you are interested in becoming a sports volunteer or require more information please contact Sport & Leisure Services on Telephone: 01782 235001 or email: leisure.services@stoke.gov.uk

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk

Sporting legends honoured by Stoke-on-Trent

Two of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous sons, Sir Stanley Matthews and Phil Taylor, have been officially inducted into the city’s Sporting Hall of Fame.

The pair are the first two inductees, and Phil and Sir Stan’s daughter Jean Gough were presented with certificates at a ceremony today. Phil and Sir Stan also had their names engraved into a special commemorative honours board as part of the event.

The city council plans to add more famous names from the city’s sporting past to the honours board in years to come, commemorating the service they have given to the city and their legacy in the sporting world.

Phil has just won his 15^th World Darts Championship, beating Simon Whitlock 7-3 in the final at the Alexandra Palace in London. Phil has also won twice as many professional tournaments as any other competitor and has won nearly 60 tournaments throughout his career.

On receiving his award he said: “It’s amazing to be in the same company as someone like Sir Stan. I met him plenty of times throughout my career, and I always looked up to him. If ever I did anything wrong he would put me right. I feel really honoured to be here today and to get this award.

“I came from a very simple beginning. I held down three jobs and that was because I had a family to look after, but I’ve worked hard and I’ve got to where I am now. I’d never forget Stoke-on-Trent. I see lots of Robbie Williams and when we get together, that’s all we talk about - Stoke-on-Trent.

“It feels great to represent the city in all the tournaments I play in around the world, it’s an amazing feeling and I feel proud to be honoured alongside someone like Sir Stan.”

The Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Ross Irving, said: “Phil is an excellent representative of the city, and one of which we can all be proud. I don’t think anyone should dispute the fact that darts is a sport, and that makes Phil the greatest player in its history. We are rightfully proud of his achievements and the contribution he has made to the city.”

Sir Stanley Matthews played for Stoke City over 300 times and over 50 times for England. He is the only player to have been knighted while still playing and was the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards. Jean Gough is Sir Stanley Matthews daughter, and spoke of both her father’s legacy, and her pride at him being honoured by the city: “It’s wonderful that Stoke-on-Trent has never forgotten him, and I thank everyone who still remembers him to this day.

“I’m so proud that the city has chosen my dad as one of the first people to be in the Sporting Hall of Fame. He died ten years ago this year, but his legacy goes on here and in all the places he worked to set up the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation, from America to Africa. I’m so proud of the work he did and that he is being recognised for it here.

“It’s strange to see his picture everywhere and people often ask me what it feels like to be Stanley Matthews’ daughter. I just reply that he was my dad, and everyone loves their dad. That’s what he was to me.”

The city’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers, added: “My family lived near to Sir Stan’s family when we were growing up. He was a great ambassador for the city and he was also a great man. We are so proud to have him as one of the first inductees and his memories as one of the city’s best sportsman will live on.”

For all media enquiries contact Phil Bowers in the PR and Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232017.

Jack Manuel Plays In Under 19 World Cup

Jack Manuel, the Tamworth and Staffordshire star, has joined an elite band of cricketers by making his debut today for England in the Under 19 world cup game against India.

The match shown live on Sky Sports saw England  struggling early against the new ball. Dent and Root were both out early leaving Manuel to join star player Jamie Vince of Hampshire at the crease. After a stand in difficult circumstances Manuel was dismissed for 16 by the impressive Netravalkar quickly followed by Vince for 28.

England were then boosted by a superb century from Durham player Ben Stokes as he scored a superb 100 from 88 balls in the Final total of 246-8 off their 50 overs.

India’s reply was less than convincing. Apart from the opening batsmen only wicketkeeper Sufiyan Shaikh showed any fight, hitting 45 off 72 balls, but it was never going to be enough in reply to England’s total being all out for 215 and leaving England winners by 31 runs.

Opening bowler David Payne was England’s best, taking three for 40, while Man of the Match Stokes chipped in with two including that of the dangerous Mayank Agarwal, to an outstanding catch by outfielder Jack Manuel who raced around the cover boundary and dived full length to his right to take one of the best catches of the tournament.

Jack had missed out on selection for the opening two games of the tournament against Hong Kong and Afghanistan after playing in both the warm up games.

Jack then top scored with 43 as England ended their Under 19 World Cup campaign with a close 2 wicket defeat to hosts New Zealand.

England were taken into the 7th/8th play off against New Zealand after defeats to West Indies in the quarter finals then India.

Jack certainly took his chance to impress against New Zealand with a classy knock against some useful bowling as England reached 228 for 9. The hosts reached their target with two wickets and two balls to spare. Jack now returns to his newly signed two year contract with Worcestershire CCC.

'Time to Listen' Courses 

‘Time to Listen Courses’ are now available to book.

All courses are £25 and can be booked via Staffordshire Cricket.

Please contact Steve Walker via e-mail stephen.walker@ecb.co.uk or for further details phone Alison Grimley on 07708 129643.

Courses currently available for booking are : 

Hem Heath CC  11 February 2010
6.30pm to 9.30pm

Stafford CC    4 March  2010
6.30pm to 9.30pm

A course in the south of the county is planned but no details are available as yet.

Staffordshire Cricket One to One coaching

Staffordshire Cricket have announced new programmes for one to one coaching in February and March 2010. The programmes will be coached by representative level coaches from the Staffordshire Cricket staff.

There will be 4 week programmes in each month at two centres, Clayton Sports Centre in the north of the county and Streetley High School in the south.

These programmes sold out during November, December and January. There will be a charge of £110 per 4 week programme with a coach writing a report at the end of the sessions.

Staffordshire Cricket  will also be holding school holiday camps arranged by the county development team and featuring representative team coaches from across the age groups. Further details will be available in February.

Please contact Andy Grice on 07831 158522 to book your place. Andy can also be contacted by e-mail andy.grice@ecb.co.uk

World Cup Winning Captain due In Staffordshire

Knypersley Cricket Club have confirmed that Charlotte Edwards the England World Cup winning captain will be speaking at the club in the new year. Invited guests include local England squad member Danielle Wyatt.

Charlotte will be guest speaker at a sports persons evening at the club on Friday March 26th 2010. Tickets are expected to be £10 per person. Further information can be obtained from Roger Butler on 07842 440828

Andy Grice
Funding and Marketing Director
Tel: 07831 158522
Email: andy.grice@ecb.co.uk

Running a big event? Need Volunteers?

Communities and events within communities work because people give their time and energy to them. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic Games has already, and will continue to, inspire thousands of people around the region to give their time and commitment to events in the West Midlands including Staffordshire.

West Midlands for 2012 are currently producing a volunteer opportunities noticeboard specifically so that members of the public across the region can find out about opportunities, and volunteer, at the wide range of events across the West Midlands.

Please visit the website for further information.

If you want to advertise your sports event to recruit volunteers please download, complete and return the form to matthewk@rawm.co.uk

For more information, please contact;

Matthew Kendall, West Midlands Regional Sports Volunteer Co-ordinator for 2012, matthewk@rawm.co.uk

Tel: 0121 359 9116

January's newsletter from the West Midlands
Leadership Group for the 2012 Games

Chair's Introduction

Happy New Year and welcome to our first newsletter of 2010.

I’m delighted to have recently been appointed as Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games.  Over the next few years I hope to build on the excellent work achieved to date by Cllr Chris Saint, who continues to be involved as Vice Chair of the Group. 

Having lived in the region all my life I’m passionate about ensuring the West Midlands fully maximises the benefits of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and am looking forward to working with all our partners and stakeholders to achieve this.

The year ahead for the West Midlands will be incredibly important and exciting in terms of making the most out of London 2012, and in working to deliver the Leadership Group’s mission to create an Olympic moment for everyone in the region.

The articles below outline just a few of the events and activities happening in the West Midlands over the next few months.  These include the continuation of crucial business support and procurement guidance workshops for businesses across the region and the Staffordshire & Stoke Annual 2012 Conference, incorporating two special Get Set workshops open to all West Midlands schools, and delivered by the Education Team at LOCOG.

The first half of this year also marks the start of some exciting cultural programmes including the International Dance Festival Birmingham, the launch of the Community Games support programme and a number of People Dancing commissions including collaborative animated film, The River.

For further information on all these stories and many more, please visit our website, www.wmfor2012.com, which is regularly updated with news, events and helpful documents relating to our 2012 work in the region. 

We are also interested in hearing your about your 2012 inspired activity and events, and would like to feature these on the website.  Please get in touch by clicking on the contact us button above.

Kindest regards,

Dave Moorcroft 
Chair, West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games

Paralympic athlete and local children join together to celebrate 1,000 days countdown to London 2012 Games

Pupils from Catshill Middle School and Chadsgrove Special School who are part of the North Worcestershire school sports partnership, enjoyed a joint celebration on 3 December to mark 1,000 days to the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Events took place at both schools and the children were joined by Richard White, the Paralympian who won two bronze medals in Sydney 2000 and lives in Catshill. Read more

Staffordshire Get Set Leaders Early Taste of 2012 A group of young people from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent aged 13-19 had the opportunity to experience the Olympic Park first hand when they visited the site of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games recently. Read more

Running a big event? Need volunteers?   The West Midlands hosts fantastic cultural and sporting events all around the region, and volunteers are a key ingredient to making those events a success. If you are planning a major cultural or sporting event, then we can help. Read more

Find out how to get dancing with People Dancing surgeries!   The People Dancing team are holding surgeries for people and organisations who would like to put in a bid to People Dancing to gain advice on their application or simply find out more about the programme. Read more

Join in the Discovering Places Weekend 1 – 3 May 2010   Discovering Places, a three year campaign as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, is inviting organisations from the built, historic, museum and natural environment sectors to get involved with the project launch.

Untapped Volunteer Centres Offer Potential for Sports Clubs   Sports Clubs regularly say they need volunteers, but they often don't seek the support of their local Volunteer Centre. Find out about one lucky club that did.Read more

Schools across the West Midlands are invited to be inspired by London 2012

Schools and colleges across the West Midlands are invited to attend two free, special workshops outlining how children and young people can be involved in the excitement and inspiration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Hosted as part of the annual Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Conference, the workshops will highlight the opportunities for schools and colleges across the region to get involved with, and bring the Games to life in the classroom through, the London 2012 education programme, Get Set. Find out more.

Businesses urged not to miss out on London 2012 contracts

Businesses across the West Midlands are being encouraged to ensure they don’t miss out on opportunities being provided by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic Games by attending business awareness and procurement workshops being delivered across the region over the next few months.   Find out more.

Festival of Sport is granted the Inspire Mark

The Coventry and Warwickshire Festival of Sport has been granted the Inspire Mark - the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme. Read more

London 2012 appoints Director of Culture

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) and the Cultural Olympiad Board have appointed Ruth Mackenzie as the Director of Culture for the 2012 Games.

Leading the LOCOG Culture Team, she will report to Tony Hall and the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad Board and will be supported by a team of artistic advisors: Martin Duncan, Craig Hassall, Sir Brian McMaster and Alex Poots.  Find out more

Interested in finding out more about the work of West Midlands for 2012? Subscribe to other updates

 © Advantage West Midlands 2009

A brand new activities search for young people

The YouFind.me.uk website, an online directory of
activities for young people in Staffordshire, has been
developed by Staffordshire Integrated Youth Support
Services, District Councils and many other partners
across the County.

YouFind.me.uk provides clubs and activity providers
with an opportunity to promote their events and activities, free of charge, to young people across the County.There are 1,000’s of activities listed on the site but there is room for lots more.

Free promotion

YouFind is a free service to promote your organisation's activities, future events and news.

• Let young people know when and where your sessions take place
• Expand your membership
• Promote your facilities
• Publish photos of your venue or activities online
• Connect with young people

Join now

If your facilities are not yet on YouFind.me.uk please go online and register your activities today.

If you do experience any problems with registration or entering your data please email the Team@YouFind.me.uk or telephone 01785 355752.

Additional www.YouFind.me.uk promotional materials are also available.

Good luck - Team@YouFind.me.uk

Kevin Phillips
Project Officer - Promoting Positive Activities
Connexions Staffordshire
T:01785 355 752
E: Kevin.Phillips@cxstaffs.co.uk
W: www.cxstaffs.co.uk

Cycling and athletics lead the way in delivering sporting legacy

The number of adults in England who play sport at least three times a week has reached 6.93 million, continuing the positive trend of the past four years.

Sport England’s Active People Survey 3 shows we are now 115,000 closer to our legacy goal of getting one million people playing more sport by 2012/13. The encouraging news comes despite a fall in the amount of money people are spending on sport and recreation during these challenging economic times.

Key findings from the research include:

• The number of men playing sport three times a week has risen by 176,000 to 4.203 million
• Regular participation among non-white adults has increased by 98,800 to 713,800
• Cycling and athletics have delivered a combined increase of over 240,000 weekly participants.

"We are delighted that cycling is proving so popular and we welcome all newcomers to our sport,” said Ian Drake, British Cycling’s Chief Executive.

Important to getting more people on their bikes has been the Skyride initiative, launched in partnership with BSkyB and Sport England last summer, which attracted over 100,000 people to mass participation cycling events across Britain."

The once-a-week participation figures for all individual funded sports can be found on our website.  Half a dozen sports are already meeting their growth targets for year one, just six months into the new funding period. In addition to cycling and athletics, the other sports are:

• Boxing
• Table tennis
• Canoeing
• Netball.

There is some concern around participation among disabled people and women. The number of adults with a limiting disability doing regular sport has decreased by 42,800 to 386,700 and regular participation among women has fallen by 61,000 to 2.727 million.

Measures taken to tackle this issue include Sport England’s £10 million National Lottery funding round to encourage ‘Active Women’, and our work with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation to support governing bodies in increasing sporting opportunities for women.

“This is an encouraging set of results,” said Richard Lewis, Sport England’s Chair. “It’s clear we’re making progress both in getting the right sporting opportunities in place, and in changing people’s sporting behaviours.

“Six months into a four-year funding period, we’re delighted that sports such as athletics and cycling are already delivering substantial growth. However, the figures clearly show we face challenges on participation among women and disabled people, and Sport England is committed to tackling these, as demonstrated by our allocation of £10m to projects specifically focused on women's sport."

The number of adults doing athletics at least once a week is up by 127,600.

Key Facts

• 635,000 more people are playing sport regularly than in 2005
• We spend £2.46 million on the survey
• That's about 1% of our annual investment in sport
• 193,000 people are interviewed each year.

   

  Fact Sheets
   

• Overall sports participation
• Individual sport, once per week participation

   

  To find out more about the survey results, you can read the two fact sheets linked to this story.

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  Sports England strengthens its senior team

   

  Sport England has begun the new year with the appointment of Rona Chester as Chief Operations Officer (COO).
  
  Rona will start on 1 March and joins us from the Law Society where she is currently Group Finance Director in charge of all financial and governance matters. 

  
  Find out more»

   

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  Champions of grassroots sport recognised in New Year honours list

   

  The New Year Honours list recognised the contributions several sporting heroes have made to their local communities. Andy Wood, Mavis Bent, Eve Loeffler and Dudley Fletcher are just some of the individuals whose hard work and commitment to grassroots sport has made a huge difference to the lives of those around them.

   

  Find out more»

   

Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF)(December 2009)

All of WSFF's new sport insight factsheets are now available to view. The individual analysis of how women participate, and are involved in, over 30 of the Sport England funded sports (where data is available).

These factsheets provide a comprehensive analysis of how women participate, and are involved in, various sports. This unique resource brings together data from a number of different sources, including Active People and WSFF's own leadership audit. Crucially, these factsheets also include new gender disaggregated data from Sport England's recent Sport Satisfaction survey

View the information

Participation: A WSFF Insight Factsheet. Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation, November 2009 (5 pages)

An insight factsheet that provides an analysis of women's participation in all sport, focusing on the various demographic characteristics that influence activity behaviour.

Download a copy

Breakfast Club Family Grants Programme

As a result of the Blue Peter Mission Nutrition Appeal, ContinYou has a number of grants of £350 available to offer to breakfast clubs. These are intended as 'seed' funds to enable an existing breakfast club to develop a sustainable family dimension - this should include creating an aspect of the breakfast club that will support children and families who are hard to reach or particularly vunerable.

Grants are available thanks to the generosity of children who raised money during the Blue Peter Mission Nutrition appeal which ContinYou took part in, in partnership with the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens and Save the Children. You will find out more about this at http://www.mission-nutrition.co.uk/

How can you apply for the £350 grant? click here.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 26th February 2010. Grants will be awarded by the end of March 2010.

You can submit your application either by email or by post, as follows:

Email it to us at bcfamilygrants@continyou.org.uk

Post it to:

Breakfast Club Family Grants
ContinYou
Unit C1, Grovelands Estate,
Longford Road,
Exhall,
Warwickshire.
CV7 9NE

Breakfast Club Plus

Is your breakfast club something to be proud of? 
Do you know of a breakfast club whose good work should be celebrated?
If so, enter the 2010 National Breakfast Club Plus Awards, and your club could win £2,000.

Breakfast Club Plus, the partnership between learning charity ContinYou and Kellogg’s, are offering over £15,000 worth of cash prizes to the best breakfast clubs in the UK. 

The Breakfast Club Plus awards aim to recognise and reward the UK’s best breakfast clubs and highlight the unsung heroes who help ensure that thousands of children and young people and some adults across the country get the best possible start to their day.

In 2010, we are looking for:

• The best breakfast club in each UK country (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• The local authority who has done the most to support and develop breakfast clubs
• A breakfast club champion who epitomises what breakfast clubs are all about 

And this year there are many more opportunities for your breakfast club to win cash prizes.

The winner of each of the four country-wide awards will receive £1,500; the runner up clubs will receive £750 and 5 highly commended clubs will receive £200 each.

Our breakfast club champion will receive £2,000 to spend on their breakfast club, with the runner up receiving £500.

And our local authority award winners will receive a certificate and a year’s supply of breakfast cereal for 10 clubs.

Additionally, clubs in each category who reached the final stage of judging will receive a ‘finalist’ certificate to recognize their valued application.

How to apply 

The deadline for applications is Friday 12th February 2010.

This year you can register to receive the application form straight into your in-box, simply by emailing bcplusawards@continyou.org.uk

For more information on the 2010 Breakfast Club Plus awards, email us at bcplus@continyou.org.uk

If you have any further enquiries about the grants, please email bcfamilygrants@continyou.org.uk, or telephone 02476 588453. 

Mencap Sport Quarterly Newsletter

Newsletter - Issue 10 - Winter 2009

For all the latest news and competition information - click here.

In this issue:

• Paralympic exclusion ends 

• 2012 a reality for athletes with a learning disability

• “Time for sports organisations to act”

• Details of the new classification process

• National Classification

• Mencap Sport supports local sports events

Castle News - Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club

This month's ‘Castle News' is a fascinating read with the 30th Anniversary feature and Neil Masters’ reflections in his perfect team and much more.

Click here to read December 2009 issue.