County Sports Partnership Update
2nd Round of Funding Now Open !!Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (SASSOT) recognise that a modern network of sports clubs will be the centrepiece of people’s sporting experience and we want to develop welcoming, accessible and accredited sports clubs in partnership with National Governing Bodies of Sport and ensure there is an extensive network of vibrant community sports clubs offering high quality sporting opportunities for young people.
One of the key objectives of the SASSOT Club Support Plan is to increase the number of accredited sports clubs across the sub-region.
Therefore, SASSOT have introduced the Sports Club Accreditation funding scheme to increase the number of sports clubs being accredited or re-accredited with Clubmark, NGB Accreditation or the SASSOT QualityMark.
The funding is available to sports clubs who require financial assistance to achieve and pass their accreditation criteria although it cannot be used for NGB coaching qualifications. Sports clubs requiring funding for coaching qualifications can apply to the SASSOT Coach Scholarship funding scheme. All sports clubs benefiting from this funding must be based within Staffordshire or Stoke on Trent to qualify and commit to achieving accreditation within 6 months.
Applications can only be received from sports clubs, NGBs, Local Authority or SSP partners. NGB, LA and SSP partners can submit applications for more than one sports club. All applications will be assessed by the SASSOT Workforce Steering Group.
Please click here to find out how to apply.
Applications can only be submitted electronically and the 2nd round of applications must be submitted by Wednesday 27th January 2010.
Chris Turner
Promoting Physical Activity Toolkit Workshop
Organised a great activity but only 2 people showed up?
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Promoting Physical Activity
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Sports funding up for grabs!
Sporting cash available for young talent
Applications are now being invited from Staffordshire young sports people for a share of this year's Staffordshire County Council’s Young People's Sports Performance Grant Scheme which is also supported by Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The scheme is aimed at young competitors born between 1 September 1988 and 31 August 1999 who are members of their National Governing Bodies Development or Performance Squad. Priority is given to those who are not yet eligible for other existing funding schemes, such as Lottery funding.
Last year the scheme supported over 30 young sports people who have continued to excel in their field. These included 18 year old swimmer Emma Wilkins (pictured below with Gordon Brown) from Cannock who received a £400 grant which enabled her to purchase a competition suit she wore during qualification for the British Gas Swimming team in March. She has since competed in her first World Swimming Championships in Rome as part of the British team, which included double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington and Olympic medalists David Davies, Keri-Anne Payne and Jo Jackson.
Emma Wilkins pictured with the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown
Emma has now been selected for the National Squad and is aiming to compete at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and London 2012 Olympic Games.
Another grant recipient, Kieran Martin from Cheadle, recently became the 2009 U15 World Techno Champion after winning performances at the Techno World Championships in Weymouth this August.
Andrew Bridgman from Stone also competed at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Gul Topper World Championships in Ebensee, Austria on 19 to 24 July 2009 becoming World Topper Champion for 2009, 1st junior male.
For further information about Staffordshire County Council’s Young People’s Sports Performance Grants Scheme and to download an application pack please visit: www.staffordshire.gov.uk
You can also contact Chris Kirkland, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games, on 01785 854595 or email chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is 12 February 2010.
Chris Kirkland
Comic Relief grants of up to £10,000 are available to support community groups in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who are using a range of activities, including sport, to:
The kinds of groups that can apply are:
The Staffordshire Community Foundation will consider applications requesting funding for;
The Staffordshire Community Foundation will not fund applications if;
How to Apply
http://www.staffsfoundation.org.uk/grants/index.htm
Or please contact Sarah Nadin, Grants Officer responsible for Comic Relief Applications at sarah@staffsfoundation.org.uk or 01782 683000
Chris Turner
BT Community Connections Awards
The scheme supports a diverse range of sports, community and charitable groups. Round One has just finished and a number of sports organisations within the county have been supported including;
Applications can now be submitted for the second round and must be submitted prior to the relevant closing date:
Chris Turner
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New £1.26m state of the art sports hall unveiled in Burntwood
Olympic cyclist Paul Manning, MBE who scooped Gold last year at the Beijing Games in the Team Pursuit as part of the British Cycling team, helped to open a fantastic new £1.26m state of the art sports hall at Chase Terrace Technology College in Burntwood earlier this month.
Paul Manning who is also a former student a the school joined pupils and representatives from the school which saw Chase Terrace students and Year 6 pupils from Holly Grove, Chase Terrace, Highfields and Boney Hay Primary Schools enjoy using the new facilities.
Yr 9 pupils Amelia Ridgway (13) Olympic cyclist Paul Manning and Victoria Gibbons (14)
The purpose-built extension to the College’s PE facilities incorporates a four badminton court size hall, a fitness room, changing rooms and toilets, stores and office space. The building is accessible for physically impaired users and is a welcome addition which will be used by the wider Burntwood community. The College has also reinstated two mini soccer pitches on the site for the same purpose.
The Sports Hall is a concrete volumetric system and has been constructed by Construction Direct Ltd, a subsiduary of Roger Bullivant Ltd based in Burton on Trent. The in-house design team was ETC Design Ltd who has worked closely with Construction Direct on two Sports Hall projects for the county council.
The design has been carefully considered to complement the College’s frontage buildings which were replaced in 2004 following an arson attack at the site.
County Councillor Veronica Downes, Cabinet Member for Schools said: “This is a superb facility which will enhance the existing leisure facilities in the Burntwood area and will provide students and the local community access to a wide range of sports and leisure facilities in a welcoming, modern environment. “
Dr Stuart Jones, Head teacher at Chase Terrace Technology College added: “This project is an excellent example of partnership working and we would like to thank everyone who has been involved. The new sports hall is a very welcome addition to our school and we are delighted with the new sports and leisure facilities”.
Steph Newport
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Sports Programme attracts VIP Cheerleaders
Cheerleaders put through paces
One of Sport England’s top officials visited Stafford on 29th September to see a successful cheerleading project that is helping local youngsters get fit.
Mike Diaper, Executive Director of the Children and Young People’s Team watched teenagers going through their cheerleading paces at Stafford Sports College. Barry Austin accompanied him from the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
The weekly cheerleading sessions are part of the national Sport Unlimited programme and has been running at the school for the last two years. The young cheerleaders from 10 to 16 years old demonstrated their skills to show the Sport England boss how the programme is coming along at a local level.
The Sport Unlimited projects are being led by Stafford Borough Council along with the Stafford and Stone School Sports Partnership. Activities include tennis, cycling, rugby for girls, athletics, girls’ football and gym sessions.
Sport England has recently invested £36 million into Sport Unlimited nationally to increase sporting opportunities for young people, which are being delivered across the county through Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.
Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture commented, “It is great to be able to support a scheme which gets more young people into sport and physical activities. The cheerleading sessions are one of the innovative ways we can help achieve this.”
Dr R Blencowe, head teacher at Stafford Sports College commented, “I am delighted to welcome Mike Diaper, Barry Austin and other sporting colleagues to Stafford Sports College for this sporting event.”
For more information on the Sport Unlimited programme visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment or call 01785 619 515.
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Staffordshire Cricket News
Attention All Cricket Clubs - New Sky Deal
Please make sure club takes advantage even if you’re a multi sports club.
Download the full brochure from the news section of the Staffordshire Cricket website www.staffordshirecricket.co.uk
Staffordshire Women Captain Georgia Elwiss has temporary left these shores to spend a winter playing for Northern Districts women in Sydney 1st Grade. Georgia will be returning for christmas before going back to OZ and returning in March.
Periodically during this winter Georgia will share her experiences in her blog. We will update you as we get Georgia's news.
Georgia here wrote just as she left England : "As my trip to Australia approaches, the excitement is beginning to set in. I will be heading to Sydney for 6 months to play for a season for a club called Northern Districts.
"I don’t know too much about the set up just yet, but I know I will be playing 1st grade cricket and training with the state teams which should be a great experience! I will also have the opportunity to train at the SCG and with the men’s team at ND’s which is run by Dean Gilchrist (Adam’s brother!).
A variety of one-to-one coaching courses have been set up by Staffordshire Cricket.
There will be a choice of three venues:
Full details can be obtained from Andy Grice 07831 158522 andy.grice@ecb.co.uk
Emerging Player Programme
Staffordshire Cricket is delighted to announce that its Emerging Player Programme (formerly Academy) will again be operating during 2009-10. This year's intake is pictured below with Staffordshire Cricket Chairman, Gerald Williams.
The programme will continue to be supported by Derbyshire County Cricket Club who over the four year period, have taken seven players from our scheme onto their first class academy including Greg Massingham (Little Stoke CC) who joined them last winter & Will Davis (Milford Hall CC) & Tom Lench (Kidsgrove CC) who will be joining them for 2009-10.
Consequently, they are keen to maintain links with Staffordshire Cricket and willing to assist the county to further develop our talented young cricketers in the hope that more young players will progress to the first class ranks.
The EPP programme has led to an expansion and enhancement of the programme which will now incorporate the following elements:
For more information contact:
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New Cricket Club & Academy Launched
Aston Cricket Club is the first new cricket club to be formed in Staffordshire for many years but it’s not just a club, it’s a Cricket Academy as well. What’s also different is that it’s been formed to develop the skills of all their young players.
The new club has been formed by coaches and parents who feel that their youngster’s development can be served better within a club whose focus is on junior development, that also includes girls. The proposals are also to run a number of junior teams in the 2010 season but this depends on how many youngsters join the new club.
Their home ground for their first ever season will be Alleyne's High School in Stone, which is only 100 meters from where their new Cricket Academy was launched at the Allenye's Sports Centre. The main objective of the Academy is to find and develop young cricketing talent and over 50 youngsters attending their first session.
The sessions are designed to firstly teach basic skills to beginners age 6 years upwards but also to increase the skill levels of good young players. This is done by a series of coaching activities known as The Player Pathway. Young players who then stand out will be recommended to the Staffordshire Young Cricketers' Group.
The Coaching Team is headed up by former ECB Staff Coach Tim Fielding, County Coaches Dave Cartlidge and Graham Warner along with District Coach Phil Johnson. Also included in their programme is a girls' section which will be headed up by Debbie Pursell.
The Cricket Academy uses a formula of bringing together the best coaches available and getting to coach the best young players available. The results of this simple method have been the development of some of Staffordshire’s best young talent.
For more details of the Cricket Academy ring Kevin Langdown on 07985 624779.
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Aston Cricket Club - Update
Aston Cricket Club was only formed some 4 weeks ago but already has almost 60 young players on their books. Key to the momentum is the forming of their new Cricket Academy where youngsters ranging from 7 years upwards have been joining Aston Cricket Clubs flagship scheme; many of them have been girls.
For more information contact:
Tim Fielding
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Dance stars launch campaign to get nation on the floor
The Department of Health's 'Dance Champions' Group, will embark on a nationwide tour to get the country dancing, Public Health Minister Gillian Merron announced on Thursday 15th October.
Dance stars including Arlene Phillips, former Come Dancing presenter Angela Rippon, Capital Radio's Lisa Snowdon and Strictly Come Dancing pro Darren Bennett joined Health Minister Gillian Merron and Dance Champions Chair Rod Aldridge, to launch their campaign to get 100,000 people more active through dance in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Dance Champions Campaign, part of Dance4Life, will see the Dance Champions Group:
Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron said:
"Our Dance Champions are some of the best known and leading talents of the dance world, but you don't have to be a professional to enjoy dancing and feel the positive effect it can have on your health.
"People of all ages and abilities can get active to music and have a lot of fun too.
"The Chief Medical Officer recommends that adults do 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week, but over 27 million of us don't manage it. With the leadership of the dance champions, we want to capture the national enthusiasm for dance and get at least 100,000 more adults active through dance in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.
"The Dance Champions will help to make the Government's Dance4Life campaign 'come to life' for many people across the country”
Dance Champion, Arlene Phillips said:
"We want to start a revolution to get the nation on their feet and onto the dance floor!"
"Dancing is a great way to get fit and healthy and the Dance Champions want to get everyone involved. It doesn't matter whether you're young or old or if you've never danced before - we'll be touring the country to give everyone a chance to get dancing."
Rod Aldridge, Chair of the Dance Champions Group and of the Aldridge Foundation, said:
"Dance is one of the best ways to get people of all ages on their feet and fit. So whether you're fifteen or fifty, Dance Champions will offer you enjoyable ways to try all forms of dance.
"The Dance Champions tour is an incredible initiative backed by dance experts and celebrity ambassadors who'll be bringing dance opportunities to your door”.
Jade Moulden
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Madeley 'Fish for Fun'
On 31st July 2009 young people were invited to take part in a ‘Fish for Fun’ competition at Madeley Pool. The event took place over four hours and was a success.
Feedback from the community has been very positive and more events are to be planned in the future.
The Madeley residents association have been working with their local neighbourhood Policing team over the past few months to organise activities for the young people in the Madeley area.
Fishing tackle was provided for those who had not got their own. It was used as an aid to educate them in how to handle the fish, causing them minimal stress or harm and to look after the pool and its banks.
Madeley 'Fish for Fun' winners are congratulated as they receive their hard earned trophies.
The day was a success and we hope that some of the young people that were involved continue to with angling as a hobby to use their time productively.
More competitions are due to be arranged in the future, for all age ranges, to encourage members of the local community to get involved.
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A Second Fishing Competition!
Where: Madeley Pool
When: Saturday 15th November 2009
Time: 11:00am - 15:00pm
Drinks & Snacks provided
Organised again by Madeley Police Post and the Madeley Residents Association for ages 13 and upwards.
Meeting at 10:00am and start fishing at 11:00am until 15:00pm. Anglers wishing to take part need to contact the residents association and their name will be included. Fishing tackle provided for those need it.
For more information contact:
Johnathon Cartwright
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Staffordshire's newest girls' football league
Staffordshire County Girls League Kicks Off
Saturday 12th September 2009 saw the first games take place of Staffordshire's newest girls' football league, the Staffordshire County Girls' League.
September’s Results
Position Points
Under 16s
26/09/09
19/09/09
12/09/09
Top 5 League Goal scorers
Chasetown
Chasetown Ladies are delighted with their perfect start to the new season in the Staffordshire County Girls League after looking forward to the challenge of the new league, playing opposition not previously encountered.
U16 County Cup Draw Has Been Made! Round 1 – 7/11/ 09
For further information about the league, please contact the League Secretary, Steve Morris on 07890 200618 or Kevin Staples at the Staffordshire FA on 01785 279828
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Chase District Netball Club - gains CAPS accreditation
Congratulations to the Chase District Netball Club who recently gained their Bronze CAPS Accreditation. The Club meet for training every Tuesday and Thursday at the Chase Leisure Centre, from 5.00-6.00 pm.
The Cannock Chase District Netball Club was originally set up in 2005, through work undertaken by Cannock Council’s Sports Development Team and funding provided by the local Chase Sports Council.
Mick Grocott Leader for Children, Young People and Families, Head Coach Carol Lewis.
The Club has now grown to over 50 affiliated members, comprising the following teams:-
These teams compete in the Staffordshire Junior and Senior Wolverhampton League.
For more information on the club contact Carol Lewis (Head Coach) - Tel: 01543 450281
Paul Smith
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Lichfield Ladies Festival Day of Rugby
On Sunday 11th October, Lichfield RFC hosted an event to raise awareness of the forthcoming World Cup hosted by England in 2010. Lichfield & Burton U15s and U18s played in curtain-raisers, with the 1st team hosting Team Northumbria in a Premiership Clash boasting plenty of Internationals followed by a Q&A session with the players.
Lichfield Ladies 1st XV - 27 Team Northumbria - 5
On Sunday, Cooke Fields saw a celebration of rugby to help promote the World Cup in 2010 that saw action from the u15’s, u18’s and Senior 1XV teams (all running out winners), and the welcoming of new sponsors Tempest Ford to Cooke Fields for the first time.
The day started with superbly hard fought wins for the u15’s against Paviors 38 - 24 and the scalp of Jimmy’s Angels for the u18’s where they won 46 - 0. Both wins baring testimony to the talent in the junior section of the club and hard work of players and coaches.
Lichfield Captain Sarah Hunter (in red) rises for the home side in a line-out
The main event was a hard fought affair with Lichfield running out eventual winners 27 – 5. Team Northumbria certainly did not make it easy for the home team battering their way over the line once towards the end of the first half. However, Lichfield’s sheer grit and determination made sure that they held their opposition off to run in 4 tries through fullback Vicky McCormack, 2 by scrum-half Lois Moulding and 1 by sub Becky Williams. England’s Emily Scarratt converted 2 of the tries as well as a penalty.
U18s players from Lichfield and Jimmies Angels participate in a Q & A session with players Kat Merchant from Worcester; Sarah Beale, Emily Scarratt and captain Sarah Hunter from Lichfield and Rochelle (Rocky) Clarke from Team Northumbria
After the game, both Premiership teams containing International players from many nations, hosted a Q & A session with the U15s and U18s which allowed an insight into the lives of the top players in the country as well as guidance on how the youngsters can start their own journey to represent their country. This was run by RFUW Club and Coach Officer Andy Paton and Midlands RFUW Rugby Development Manager Claire Antcliffe. The event was supported by Club and CB dignitaries and it is hoped that after visitors saw what Lichfield have to offer in the way of girls and women’s rugby, that there will be more players encouraged to join the club.
For further details of female rugby at Lichfield RFC, please contact: lichfieldladies@hotmail.co.uk.
Claire Antcliffe
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Sailing & Windsurfing
Getting Started Sailing and windsurfing are two great sports for getting you active and outside in the fresh air. They're quick and easy to learn and with the right tuition, you'll have great fun, speed along in no time and you'll probably get wet!...
Once you’ve learnt the basics, you can actively explore your local stretch of water, join a sailing club full of like-minded people, or learn to race.
Already hooked on sailings?
Then it’s probably time to join a local club, where you can enjoy the social side of the sport too, making friends and improving your skills on the water with other enthusiastic sailors.
There are hundreds of RYA affiliated sailing and windsurfing clubs around the country, and whether you live in a city, on the coast or in the countryside, there will be one that’s local to you. Find a local club on the RYA website - click here.
Share your knowledge and skills - become an instructor or coach
Teaching sailing or windsurfing can be a rewarding and challenging career or hobby. The RYA instructor training schemes are progressive - you can develop your skills and qualifications at your own pace by taking endorsement courses, working towards senior Instructor level and, in the case of sailing, ultimately becoming a Coach/Assessor. To find out more - click here.
Try Volunteering!
A great way of getting involved with sailing and windsurfing is to volunteer at your local club.
Volunteering can:
Contact the Regional Development Officer for your region - click here.
The RYA is the UK’s national association for all forms of recreational and competitive boating, representing sailing, motorcruising, sportsboats, windsurfing, inland boating, powerboat racing and personal watercraft, It co-ordinated competition
For more information contact:
Tzaneen Mears
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South Staffordshire launch monthly competition night
The monthly competition night is aimed at giving more opportunities to provide regular competitive events held locally in schools across the partnership.
South Staffordshire School Sport Partnership has piloted a successful monthly competition night, targeting pupils in KS3 & KS4 and to provide the opportunity to participate on a regular monthly basis.
Every month an alternative sport is introduced alongside the national priority competitions to engage more pupils to compete against different schools.
All competitions were selected from a partnership mapping programme of sports, which were chosen by the Heads of PE in September.
Included in the events are a series of skill stations aimed at fun as well as participation.
In September and October the competitions were in football and table tennis with badminton, cricket, tennis, and handball to follow later in the year.
In 2010, Years 7, 8, 9, will be offered the opportunities to compete in addition to the established national priority competitions.
“Our aim is to provide more opportunities for young people in KS3 & KS4 to participate in regular competition and have a greater opportunity to represent the School Team” said Nick Richards, Competition Manager for South Staffordshire School Sport Partnership.
Nick Richards
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Staffordshire pupils skip into the World Record Books
Pupils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are celebrating after having officially skipped their way into the Guinness World Record Books.
Over 27,000 pupils from 275 schools across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent joined pupils in Lincolnshire to skip simultaneously for 3 minutes on 30 June in an attempt to break the previous world record for the most people skipping simultaneously.
The event was organised by the School Sports Partnerships in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as part of the Lloyds TSB National School Sports Week celebrations and is part of an ongoing programme to promote physical activity and the work schools are doing to ensure that all pupils are accessing 5 hours per week of PE and School Sport.
Skipping alongside pupils were a number of Olympic and International Athletes from a wide range of sports including Badminton medallist and Olympic Ambassador Gail Emms MBE, 400m runner Daniel Caines and Archery medallist Alison Williamson.
Badminton medallist and Olympic Ambassador Gail Emms MBE
It has now been officially confirmed by Guinness World Records that 43,772 participants across 414 schools (including those in Staffordshire) hold the World Record for the most number of people skipping simultaneously.
County Councillor Veronica Downes, Cabinet Member for Schools said: “Skipping is a fun, healthy activity and I’m delighted that so many of our pupils took part. To break the World Record is a wonderful achievement and everyone who took part should be very proud. This reflects how all schools are helping children to understand the importance of being healthy through regular physical activity”.
Andy Mawdsley, Partnership Development Manager, East Staffordshire added: “It was a fabulous event, which the children taking part thoroughly enjoyed. I am sure the experience will inspire many of the young people to continue skipping, learning new skills and being active”.
The event raised £10,000 for the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association, a Staffordshire based national charity and self help organisation, committed to supporting patients and carers who have these conditions.
Steph Newport
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Successful 6th Able Too Games
The Able Too Forum, in conjunction with East Staffordshire Borough Council, once again organised a very successful Able Too Games.
The event was on Saturday 12th September 2009 at Meadowside Leisure Centre. The date was brought forward from last year’s November date due to the closure of the Meadowside Centre for refurbishment.
This date unfortunately clashed with a large disability sports club camping event, therefore meaning potentially 3 to 4 clubs couldn’t attend. This will be looked at for next year’s event, to avoid such a clash in future years. Also, we are governed by the re-opening of the Meadowside Centre, which might have an impact on any potential dates. The Meadowside Management mentioned that if we could hold the games shortly after the re-opening, as they would particularly like a showcase event to show-off the new facilities.
This year we had 47 people with disabilities attend, plus their families. We had 12 different activities during the day, ranging from swimming to boccia to table tennis and bowls. We had consistent numbers across each activity, meaning people were free to come and try different activities that they may not necessarily have done before.
The staff used on the day were, East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Sports Leaders, who in some cases on the day led certain activities. Members of the Able Too Forum were on hand to take care of proceedings during the day.
Parents thought that the coaching aspect of each session was excellent and different to other years; it engaged the participants longer and gave them a true feel of how our Able Too clubs operate. This feedback was received and passed on to the coaches, as they initiated the idea.
We also had other excellent feedback ideas, which will be presented to the Able Too Forum, in hope to action or respond to.
Overall, the day was well attended, well received and we are certain that next year, all who attended will attend again. In addition, with the other disability sports clubs able to attend, we hope for another successful year.
For more information contact:
Neil Brown
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Entries open for 2010 Stafford Half Marathon
Runners from Staffordshire and beyond will be able to enter the Stafford Half Marathon from Monday 2nd November. And race organisers, Stafford Borough Council, will be launching new entry methods for the popular event due to take place on Sunday 21st March 2010.
For the first time, runners will be able to register at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre – in person at the Eastgate Street venue or by telephoning 01785 254 653. Online entries will be available via www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon.
Printed entry forms for the hugely popular race will not be available for the 2010 event as the council moves to a more environmentally friendly paperless entry system.
This year the race attracted 2,000 competitors – a record for the 25th anniversary event – and organisers are urging would be runners to register early to avoid missing out.
The closing date for entries is Friday 5th February 2010 or earlier once race capacity has been reached.
The 2010 Half Marathon will start in Stafford Street (town centre) at 10.30am. The route will head off from the town centre into Stafford’s surrounding countryside on traffic-controlled roads, incorporating two steady climbs before returning to the Market Square via Victoria Park.
Crowds line the route to cheer on the diverse field of athletes and help them enjoy the thrill of the race. Local community groups, bands, school children and anyone else are encouraged to get involved and offer support to the runners along the course.
For 2010 all Half Marathon participants will receive medals and t-shirts and other prizes are awarded for open and vet categories.
Also on Sunday 21st March as part of the Half Marathon event day programme Handcyclists will take to the Half Marathon route and the School and Family Fun Run will fill the town centre with fun and fancy dress.
For more information or to register visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon, email sports-events@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01785 619 300.
Hannah Clifford
Stafford Sport Unlimited Cycling Project
PRESENTATION NIGHT INVITE!
Staffordshire County Council's Road Safety Unit and Stafford Borough's Sports Development Team are nearing the end of the Sport Unlimited Cycling Scheme.
Over the past 6 weeks a group of 11 to 19 year olds have experienced a variety of cycling based activities to promote cycling as a health, fitness and travel alternative in the future. From Mountain Bike Skills to Maintenance the group have developed their skills along the way with excellent instruction from David Butler and Tim Price from Cycle Staffs, Staffordshire County Council's cycling instructors.
On Tuesday the 3rd November the Sport Unlimited group will be taking part in a coaching session and BMX display from the country's top BMX team. We would like to invite you to see how the group sessions have worked, meet the Cycle Staffs team and observe the display from the BMX team "Inertia Shows". Please follow the link below.
Please feel free to come along for either the whole or some of the session. As this is an outside activity, we will be weather dependent, please feel free to call and check on the day on either of the numbers below.
Tuesday 3rd November - time 5 to 7pm Rowley Park Stadium (off West Way) Stafford ST17 9XX
Cath Jenkinson
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South Staffs students at Young Ambassador Conference
In addition to taking Aiden Bolas and Emily Quimby from Great Wyrley and Natasha Hale from Cheslyn Hay as delegates to the Young Ambassador Conference at the Ricoh Arena, South Staffs also provided two of the presenters.
James and Chris Perrin, Year 12 students from Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School were asked to attend the Conference as presenters, working alongside the Olympians and Paralympians in promoting the Olympic values and the benefits of participation in sport. Each student was paired with a Champion, Chris with Wheelchair Basketball player Clare Strange and James with Olympic Swimmer Adam Whitehead. Both students used a powerpoint presentation and DVD, illustrating the work that they did in their own school and in their local Primary Schools last year. This included Coaching Basketball to Primary pupils, refereeing football matches, helping at their own High School sports clubs, and organising and assisting at all the primary School Festivals and Tournaments. Although nervous, their presentations went extremely well and they were highly regarded by their Olympic and Paralympic co-presenters.
On completion of their GCSE exams and in preparation for National Sports Week, they visited the 5 Primary Schools in the Cheslyn Hay cluster and worked with classes on the Olympic Games, Olympic Values and London 2012. They encouraged the pupils to make a Sporting Pledge and the best ones were chosen to be read out at the Cheslyn Hay Primary Mini Olympics during National Sports Week.
Each has completed over 150 hours of school based volunteering and 100 hours Community volunteering since first logging on to the SiS passport in February 2008.
Chris and James manage all of this alongside their own training as Staffordshire Schools, and Cannock and Stafford Club middle distance athletes. They also play tennis for Walsall Tennis Club.
Eric Field
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Stoke-on-Trent City Council are recognised for their outstanding work with Sport Leaders UK
Sport Leaders UK filmed various Sport Leaders from Stoke City Council as a result of successfully accrediting over 150 people in different Sports Leaders UK awards including Sports Leaders UK Level 2 award in community Sports Leadership, Level 1 award in Sports Leadership, Young Leaders Award, Level 1 award in dance leadership and Sports Leader tutor training. As a result we have facilitated volunteer opportunities and career pathways for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.
Sport Leaders UK is a National charity which aims to inspire people and communities into leadership through the medium of sport. Sports leadership is popular with over 130,000 new leaders accredited nationally every year, and nationwide Sports Leaders UK aim to train 1 million leaders over the next 5 years. Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Sport Development team have been working closely with Sport Leaders UK for the past 3 years and during this time have accredited 153 people with the nationally recognised awards, contributing to improving people’s motivation, confidence, communication, fitness, and leadership skills through sport and physical activity.
Sport Development staff at Stoke-on-Trent City Council are proud to be an Approved Assessment Centre and a successful Community Delivery Partner, boasting real life examples of creating career opportunities for young and older people in the community.
Andrew Heaward
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Summer fun in Tamworth
Tamworth Castle
Over the summer holidays Tamworth Castle ran 4 different workshops over 4 weeks. These workshops included Frog Surprise, Zoetrope, Personalised Family Crest and Green Man Mask.
Belgrave Sports Centre
During the summer of 2009 Belgrave Sports Centre was closed for renovation, so the staff created an outreach programme and delivered a wide variety of courses at different venues across the town. These courses were swimming lessons, sea-doo’s and snorkelling and get safe for summer.
The activities took place from 27th July until 14th August at QEMS, Woodhouse and Wilnecote High School.
Sports Development work for C&LP
The Sports Development Team ran a wide variety of activities for the Staffordshire Community & Learning Partnership. This included dance workshops, drama, music sessions and multi sports activities.
Dance (StreetDance) This session ran every Friday at TORC from 31st July until 4th September (6 sessions) and was from 10am until 12 noon, these were aimed at 5 – 14 year olds and cost £1 per session. Each session was a complete sell-out!
Day Dance Course This was an all day activity for children based at Tamworth Assembly Rooms and ran for 3 days a week for 4 weeks starting from 27th July until 27th August.
These were aimed at ages 8 – 14 year olds and cost £3 per session. Again, each session was a sell-out!
Music (electric guitar, drums, bass and keyboard)
Multi-sports This was an all day activity for children based at the Castle Grounds Activity Centre and Tennis Courts and ran for 5 days a week for 4 weeks starting from 3rd - 28th August. These were aimed at ages 8 – 14 year olds and cost £1 per day.
Mobile Leisure
During the six week school holidays, the Sports Development Team delivered a wide range of activities. There were four 2 hour sessions from 4pm until 6pm and two 1 hour sessions from 12 noon until 1pm per week. Total number of hours for mobile leisure was 60 hours during the 6 weeks holiday, they are aimed for any children 5 – 14 years. Average sessions received 30 children. Mobile Leisure takes place at various areas in Tamworth within the outside play areas. These include Stonedelph, Kettlebrook, Belgrave, The Kerria, The Activity Centre and the Castle Grounds.
In the summer of 2009 the Sports Development Team revamped the annual Playspace/sport activities to a more sports based programme.
This took place for four full weeks over the summer holidays from 27th July until 21st August. There were three venues for the full scheme playspace/sport and two venues for the Special Needs Playspace/sport. The cost for the playspace was £40.00 a week for borough resident, £25 a week for concession resident, then £55 per week non resident and £30 concession non resident.
Special Needs ran for 2 weeks from 10 – 3 pm at Two Rivers Torc and Two Rivers Quinc. The full Playspace/sport was split up into a Junior Venue aimed at 5 – 9 year olds and the intermediate Venues aimed at 8 – 12 year olds. The junior venue was Woodlands and ran for 4 weeks from 10.00am – 4.00pm. The intermediate venues were Woodhouse and Two Gates and ran for 4 weeks from 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Tamworth Summer Festival
The annual summer festival took place on Sunday 30th August in the Castle Grounds. This event is aimed at families and had a wide range of activities for children, these included Circus Skills, Dog Show and the Animal Corner. It is estimated that there were 1500 children who attended the event. This event ran from 12 noon until 5pm and was free of charge. The event offers families the chance to spend a day together taking part in a wide range of activities.
For more information contact:
Neil Mason
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Free sports equipment, coaching and education materials for clubs and schools
Reciproc8™ are a recycling company that focuses upon the recycling of mobile phones, inkjet cartridges and toners. Through the schemes sports clubs, schools and community projects can gain FREE products and experiences for Sport, Education and Growing & Conservation.
The range of rewards and further information on the schemes is available at www.reciproc8.co.uk or call 0845 194 8288. Setting up a scheme is easy, it’s done on-line and only takes a couple of minutes.
At the heart of the schemes is the Reciproc8™ Rewards program that enables you to gain great benefits whilst having a positive impact environmentally. You gain Reciproc8™ Points for goods that you collect for recycling. You can then redeem these Reciproc8™ Points against the range of products and experiences in the Reciproc8™ Rewards program. You can also convert them into a monetary value or even a charitable donation. Businesses can
support clubs, schools and projects by donating their points to the organisation of their choice.
Andrew Vernon
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Sport England Update
Celebrating the power of sport
Nominations are now open for the BBC Power of Sport Award, supported by Sport England - an opportunity to celebrate grassroots sporting projects that have really changed people's lives.
The prestigious award is being contested in all 12 BBC regions for the first time.
FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER THE AWARDS
Joining forces with Facebook to drive up sports participation
Sport England and Facebook have announced a new partnership that will transform the way sports bodies engage with participants as they deliver a lasting Olympic legacy of one million people playing more sport.
The new partnership, which will help national governing bodies to reach out beyond their traditional club structures, was launched at a mass table tennis event in London, organised through Facebook.
FIND OUT MORE
Secretary of State sees Premier League 4 Sport in action
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport visited a school in a deprived area of Liverpool recently to see how Premier League 4 Sport is using the power and expertise of the Premier League to inspire young people to take up new sports.
FIND OUT MORE
New jobs for sport
Funding to create 2,000 new jobs for young people in sport has been announced by the Government as part of its £1 billion Future Jobs Fund. SkillsActive, one of Sport England's national partners, will help to shape the qualifications, training and continuous professional development the young employees need.
FIND OUT MORE
2012 Sports Champion named
Sir Steve Redgrave, one of the greatest ever Olympians, has been appointed as the Government's 2012 Sports Champion. Sir Steve will champion the shared commitment to ensure London 2012 leaves a lasting sporting legacy of a world-leading sport system.
FIND OUT MORE
Investing in sustainable sports facilities
We launched the programme to encourage multi-sport developments that are viable in the long term, delivered through partnerships between public, private and commercial organisations.
FIND OUT MORE
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And Finally....
Castle News - Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club
The 2009 UK School Games marks a fantastic success for the club with no less than thirteen of our young players playing for English Divisional teams in this event - that is a highlight in the junior volleyball calendar!
With the new NVL and cup season underway, what a prospect the forthcoming Castle 2 v Castle 1 match is! "Come on ‘Castle" will be the shout of the day I think!
Click here for the September issue of Castle News, and click here for their new website.
Cannock Needs Trail Fairies
The search is on for volunteers of all ages to help complete part of the West Midlands' newest mountain bike trail on the Forestry Commission estate at Cannock Forest, near Rugeley.
With only six months to go until the new trail is due to open to the public, three ‘Big Build Days' are being arranged by Chase Trails volunteers over the autumn and winter to help get the trail finished in time.
Chase Trails, a group of local mountain bikers who have already given up countless weekends and raised thousands of pounds to help enhance the cycling facilities at Cannock Chase, are now on the look out for even more volunteers to lend a hand building two more sections of trail.
On Sunday 15 November 2009 and Sunday 3 January 2010 from 10am until 4pm, families and their four-legged friends will be encouraged to play their part in creating the West Midlands' newest mountain bike trail. Children and dogs must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Boccia England / C P Sport Regional Boccia Competitions
The regional Boccia competitions are being held on the following dates at the locations listed below:
South West Saturday 14th November 2009 GL Gloucester
Midlands Saturday 21st November 2009 Trent University, Nottingham
North East Tuesday 8th December 2009 (BC3/BC4) Wednesday 9th December 2009 (BC1/BC2) Percy Hedley, Newcastle
North West Sunday 17th January 2010 Greenbank Centre, Liverpool
South East Saturday 30th January 2010 (BC3/BC4) Sunday 31st January 2010 (BC1/BC2) Farnborough Leisure Centre
Click here for the competition entry form.
To ensure you are entered into the correct event - you will be classified by trained classifiers at regional and national level. Classification is selected by grouping athletes based on functional ability - click here for the classification listing.
The National Boccia Championships are on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March 2010.
For more information click here to view the CP Sport website or contact:
Lucy Hall
INCLUDING DISABLED SWIMMERS - YES OR NO?
Date: Saturday 14th November 2009
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Venue: Fenton Manor Sports Complex, City Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RR
The CPD seminar ‘Including Disabled Swimmers – Yes or No?’ will help teachers gain confidence when teaching children with disabilities to swim.
The course will have 2 dry-side sessions from 9am – 11am and from 2pm – 4pm and an extra 2 hours poolside practical session with disabled swimmers of varying abilities.
The cost of the seminar is £34.00 (Cheques payable to Institute of Swimming)
The course will be led by Jill Stidever and Anna Lavan
To register your place on the course, please contact:
Anna Lavan
IFI Education Programe 2009/2010
After a break for the summer period, the IFI Education Programme 2009/2010, sponsored by Cybex, is back with a promise of exciting speakers and on-going support from the IFI Team.
The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) is running a series of events during 2009-2010 with the aim of enhancing the benefits of providing an inclusive fitness facility. The series of seminar style events will cover a number of topics including inclusive marketing, creating an inclusive fitness environment, staff training and developing partnership networks. The events will include speakers from key areas of the industry as well as the IFI team. Each seminar will also include an IFI facility case study.
We all know how quickly our diaries get filled and with all speakers confirmed for the remaining events running from November 2009 through to March 2010, now is the perfect opportunity to book. Places for the events are available at a subsidised rate of only £50 plus VAT (2 free places per event for IFI Mark accredited facilities) and with 25 ISRM CPD points for ISRM members on offer, this is a great opportunity to get more involved in developing and learning about inclusion.
Click here for further information - our leaflet provides you with an overview of the content, speakers, dates and venues for each event, not forgetting that all important booking form which should be completed and returned as soon as possible.
Places for these events are limited and are based on a first come first served basis, therefore it is advisable to book early.
The next event ‘Inclusive Connections: Developing and sustaining effective partnerships’ will be happening on 12th and 26th November 2009.
If you have any questions about the IFI Education programme or would like to book a place on any of the events please contact Marie on 0114 257 2052 or e-mail marie@inclusivefitness.org.
IFI Fitness Instructor Training
Disabled Participants Needed
The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) is currently looking for disabled people to volunteer to support the ‘Level 3 Award in Exercise Programming with Disabled People’ course candidates during their assessment. As a valued IFI contact I wondered whether you would consider promoting this opportunity to disabled people within your networks.
The Level 3 Award in Exercise Programming with Disabled People is a fitness industry qualification that improves candidates knowledge and understanding of disability and adapted exercise. The course includes an assessment that must be completed by each candidate and requires them to take a disabled person (volunteer) around a gym and design a suitable training programme for them.
Forthcoming assessments are due to take place at Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre on 11th & 12th November between 9am and 5pm.
Volunteers will receive £30 per assessment towards expenses. Each volunteer can conduct one or as many assessments as they feel comfortable to do.
Click here for more information.
If you know of anyone that might be interested in this opportunity or if you would like to get involved yourself, please contact Marie at the IFI office on 0114 257 2060 (textphone users add prefix 18001 for Typetalk) or email: marie@inclusivefitness.org.
Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent
Catch up on the latest county news for 2012 including the 2012 conference, launch of the new regional 2012 website, themed updates and much more.
The North West Health and Physical Activity Forum Annual Conference 2009
Move More for Less Thursday 5th November 2009 10.00 am - 4.30 pm Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool www.movemoreforless.eventbrite.com
The NWHPAF is pleased to announce their annual conference for 2009 - Move More for Less. The conference focus for this year is making things happen on a budget, getting more mileage for your money and surviving the economic downturn. Another key strand is how to harness new technologies and social networking sites, and the opportunities for physical activity offered by active video gaming.
Jackie Brennan
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