News from Stoke-on-Trent

 Basketball bonanza with Northwood Valiants and StreetGames

Following on from a successful event delivered in March to celebrate NBA week, StreetGames and volunteers from Northwood Valiants Basketball Club teamed up to run two free ‘3 v 3’ basketball competitions on Saturday 21 May and Saturday 11 June at Northwood Stadium. 

The tournament on May 21^st attracted many young people with 5 teams in the 16-19 age group, 6 teams in the 13-15 age group and 2 teams in the 10-12 age group. The youngest age group also did skills and drills, as well as participating in other skill sessions such as football.

A number of teams from Cheshire and Staffordshire including Northwood Valiants also participated alongside StreetGames youngsters new to the sport. The tournament was played in a friendly and sporting fashion and everyone enjoyed the day.

The second tournament was organised by Northwood Valiants' volunteers and had StreetGames supporting on the day. The older age group was won by Fenton Flyers who have now won three tournaments in a row. Once again all the young people enjoyed themselves and everyone went home with free T-shirts and medals after the winning team was presented with a special StreetGames Basketball trophy.

Northwood Valiants train on a Saturday at Northwood Stadium from 12-2pm and are always looking for additional players. To find out more information contact Coach Khan on coachkhan1@googlemail.com and to see more pictures from the basketball tournament and to find out more about the StreetGames programme please see StreetGames Stoke-on-Trent facebook fan page.

David Hardwick
StreetGames Officer
01782 235001
David.hardwick@live.co.uk

StreetGames gets Children’s University Graduates

The Children’s University at Staffordshire University aims to accredit young people who have participated in positive activities such as museum visits, play activities, school clubs and sport. StreetGames run by Stoke-on-Trent City Councils Sport and Leisure section is one such accredited activity. StreetGames delivers multi-sports in the community such as football, cricket, basketball and dodge ball. These activities are free of charge and delivered to young people from all walks of life.

The Children’s University awards young people a bronze award for participating in 30 sessions, a silver award for participating in 65 sessions and a gold award for participating in 100 sessions.

This was the schemes third year with the graduation proving to be a popular and fitting capstone enjoyed both the young people and their families.   

In total there was 1 gold award, 6 silver awards and 48 bronze awards given to young people at the event. The StreetGames programme contributed to 3 silver awards and 30 bronze awards showing that a large percentage of the graduates were attracted to the StreetGames sessions.  

A number of children stated that they enjoy going to the StreetGames sessions because get to play with their friends and they can enjoy sports they like whilst also trying out new activities. Parents say that they encourage their children to go because they know that their children will be safe while having a great time doing a variety of exercise. A number of teachers have expressed approval for the scheme remarking that the Children’s University gives young people something to aim towards and a much needed sense of achievement, leading to better performance in the classroom.

To find out more about the StreetGames programme please visit StreetGames Stoke-on-Trent facebook fan page. You will be able to view photos of the graduation and see the current StreetGames timetable.

David Hardwick
StreetGames Officer
01782 235001
David.hardwick@live.co.uk

Stoke City FC’s new arrival, Immanuel Parry, hands out awards at the Potteries Junior and Youth League's Annual Awards

Stoke City's latest signing, Immanuel Parry, presented the awards at the Potteries Junior and Youth League's Annual Awards, held at Fenton Manor Sports Complex. The league, which is the largest youth league in Staffordshire, has over 200 teams and has held it's annual awards evenings, (including the Potteries Mini Soccer League) at the venue for the last three years.

Approximately 2,000 people attended the events with youngsters thrilled to receive their awards from Parry, who has just joined Stoke City from Milwall.

Chris Austin
Events Manager
01782 233222
christopher.austin@stoke.gov.uk

The Halfords Tour Series 2011 draws enthusiastic support from the people of Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Sport and Leisure Services took a significant role in organising the supporting events for the Halfords Tour Series 2011. This including the 'Veterans' Exhibition Event', which saw 22 veteran riders, (aged 40+) take to the track for 30 minutes prior to the main races.

Participating clubs included Stone Wheelers, Kidsgrove Wheelers, Newcastle Triathalon Club and Lyme RC, and the overall winner of the event was cycling legend and former world champion Les West.

Feedback from the veterans concluded that out of three years it’s run, this year's event was the best to date. The day also included a schools ride, the Horizon Fitness Ladies Race, and the Halfords Tour Series later that evening as well as a whole host of exhibition stands and activities around the City Centre.

Chris Austin
Events Manager
01782 233222

christopher.austin@stoke.gov.uk