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Partnership Directors UpdateThe next executive board meeting will be held at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on Monday 16th April. Key agenda items for decision by Board Members include:
Full details on these agenda items will be made available following the board meeting. For more information on any of the above please contact Mark Thornewill
Senoir Leisure & Cultural Officers Forum (SLCOF) UpdateSLCOF have recently established two new working groups the first of which is the 'Performance Management Group'. This group will encourage the are-wide co-ordination of the development, collation and dissemination of relevant performance indicators. The second new group to be established is a 'Sub Regional Facilities Group' that will develop a sub-regional facilities strategy. Discussions are also to take place to establish a 'Facilities Managers Forum'. New Sport Announced for Special Schools Sports FestivalThe list of sports has been confirmed for this year’s Special Schools Sports Festival. Zone Hockey, Tag Rugby, Athletics, Cricket and Football will all be on offer as in previous years, and for the first time the Festival will also able to offer Badminton. The Festival will take place on Wednesday 27th June at Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton-upon-Trent, and will offer more than 250 Special School pupils the opportunity to experience coaching and / or competition in their chosen sport. Invitations have been sent out to all Special Schools and those that are able to take part will be offered the chance to access free pre-event coaching sessions in the above sports. Youth Games Steering Group Set UpA Steering Group has been set up to assess whether it will be possible to run a Partnership Youth Games or similar one-day multi-sport event in 2008. The group will take into consideration potential funding options, the format of the event and how to ensure it fits in with partner priorities. The Steering Group, which consists of representatives from the SASSOT core team, Local Authorities, School Sport Partnerships and National Governing Bodies (NGBs), held its first meeting recently. The Group were unanimous in deciding that, if the Games were to take place, it was vital that there were clear links with the player pathways of each sport. To that end, all NGBs have been asked to put together a brief proposal outlining how they would use the Games to help achieve their identified targets. These will be collated and form part of an overall Games proposal that, once approved by the Steering Group, will be shared with other Partners for input. For more information please contact Jane Kracke, Sports Manager 01785 619187 or jkracke@staffordbc.gov.uk Community Sports Network UpdateEast Staffordshire United East Staffordshire held a very successful first meeting on March 9 2007. There was excellent attendance and commitment towards forming a community sports network from a broad range of organisations. There was high-level representation from East Staffordshire Borough Council Leisure services, Children and Young People, Parks and Countryside, Arts and waste management. Other organisations represented were Staffordshire Police, Extended schools, Children and Lifelong Learning Partnership, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust, Staffordshire Youth Service, Staffordshire County Council, Heart of Burton, East Staffordshire School Sports Partnership, County Sports Partnership, Staffordshire Early years and Childcare Unit. Apologies were given from Burton Albion Education Centre, Voluntary Centre and clubs and community groups. The meeting began with a team building exercise and then followed on with an informative presentation by Vicky Brearley (Head of Sport Physical Health and Community) on the work that had and was continuing to take place within East Staffordshire to raise physical activity and sporting participation levels. Will Evans then presented East Staffordshire current statistics from the Active Peoples Survey. He highlighted that 22.8% of over 16 year olds are participating in 30minutes of moderate activity three times a week however 48.2% were doing no activity. This session highlighted the task in hand for East Staffordshire United and focused the group to think about how they can work in partnership to increase participation levels. A presentation was also provided on The New Delivery System for Sport, the purpose and make up of a Community Sports Network. Group discussions then took place on opportunities and threats of working in this way to address community safety, regeneration, education and health. The outcomes from this discussion will form the basis of the work programme for East Staffordshire United. The next meeting will take place on 18 May. Vicky Brearley will act as Chair in the interim and lead this group to produce a well-planned delivery plan that will be actioned. For more information on East Staffordshire United please contact: - Vicky Brearley Head of Sport, Physical Health and Community Development East Staffordshire Borough Council Email: vicki.brearley@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
Tamworth Borough Community Sports Network “Together getting Tamworth active through physical recreation”
Sporting club Tamworth invited all sporting clubs from within Tamworth to attend a presentation on the new Delivery System For Sport and find out more about their Tamworth Borough Community Sports Network. The main message presented was that the clubs have representation on this network through their National Governing Bodies, Sports Specific and Local Authority Development Officers and The County Sports Partnership as well as the chair of Sporting club Tamworth. They were all encouraged to continue to support Sporting Club Tamworth and encourage other sports clubs to join. The main benefits highlighted were that clubs would have additional support to gain clubmark, more coaches if required, more training for volunteers and coaches, more volunteers, increased publicity. The network recognises the opportunities the sports clubs offer the community of Tamworth and want to ensure they continue to develop. They will also want the clubs to have the capacity to take new members on in the future to help sustain and increase local people’s participation within sport. There was a mixed response from the sports clubs some felt this group could be a route of additional funding and support. Others were concerned that it will detract more funding away from the clubs and increase their burden placed on the volunteers. These concerns were addressed at the meeting and the clubs were reassured they can only gain benefit from this network but things will take time. These concerns will be taken back to the executive Board. For more information on Tamworth Borough Community Sports Network please contact: Wendy Anderson Active Recreation Manager Email wanderson@staffordbc.gov.uk Tel: 01785 619695
Lichfield District Community Sports Network Lichfield District held their first Community Sports Network meeting on 21 March 2007. Local sports clubs and organisations were invited to find out more about the new Delivery System For Sport and Community Sports Networks. Councillor Val Richards gave an enthusing speech on the challenge and benefits of increasing participation in sport and active recreation. This was followed on by an informative presentation by Helen Spearey Strategic Director Community Housing and Health on the District Councils priorities and Local Area Agreement and how this will link to the Community sports Network. A presentation was then provided on the Delivery system for Sport and the purpose and function of a Community Sports Network. Group discussions then took place on what the Districts Community Sports Network could achieve over the next five years, how your clubs and local organisation could benefit from this, what they could contribute, who else needs to be involved and whether they want to be part of the network. Many of these discussions focused on how this network could help to achieve some of the key focus areas and priorities for Lichfield District Council and the Local Area agreement. It was also clear that it would bring added benefits to the local sports clubs and community, through clubs working in partnership with organisations involved in the network. The evening was well received by all who attended. Lichfield District Council are keen to get this group established and will be moving things forward throughout April. If you would like more information on Lichfield District Community Sports Network please contact: - Paul Watson
New Web Pages For Community Sports NetworksSport Across Staffordshire website now has a new set of web pages on Staffordshire and Stoke On Trent’s Community Sports Networks. You will find these on the left hand navigation bar under the title Community Sports Network’s. The front page provides general information on The New Delivery System For Sport and Community Sports Networks. Each Local Authority area has their own section. Within this there is information on how the Network was formed, who is on it, terms of reference, minutes of meetings, their workplan and how to contact your Network. There will also be a page for news to promote the work of the Network. The aim will be that anyone can find out what is happening within their own Community Sports Network and how to get in involved. Please pass this information onto anyone who maybe interested in finding out more about Community Sports Networks. You can access these web pages on www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk. I would be grateful for feedback on this part of the site, as it needs to hold the information that you would like to see.
If you have any comments or would like more information please contact: Wendy Anderson
Upcoming WorkshopsUpcoming workshops for March see the inclusion of Safeguarding & Protecting Children, Coaching Disabled Performers, A Club for All and Autism Awareness. Our workshops are organised in partnership with sports coach UK, runningsports and a number of First Aid organisers. We aim to offer a wide variety of workshops to help clubs, coaches and volunteers develop and keep up to date with topics such as child protection, disability, equity, mentoring, communication, funding and fitness. For more information on the full list of workshops available please click here For more information on the above please contact Elaine Loader on (01785) 619695 or eloader@staffordbc.gov.uk
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Sport England's Latest News
Coventry – UK School Games press launch
Click here to read more Government UK School Games announcement - 7 March 2007 West of England, Wales, Tyne and Wear and Sheffield are to host the UK School Games in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. Click here to read more Parliament – 2012 Question Olympic Games Finance - 8 March 2007 Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the implications for the Big Five Lottery distributors of changes in funding levels resulting from preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games. Tessa Jowell: It was always understood when we bid that National Lottery funding for London 2012 would involve some loss of income to the non-Olympic good causes. Non-Olympic distributors may lose an average of 5 per cent. of their income because of sales diversion to Olympic Lottery games over the period 2005-06 to 2012-13. In addition, we have already announced that £410 million will be taken from non-Olympic Lottery proceeds between 2009 and 2012. No decision has been made about how that amount will be shared between the various non-Olympic good causes. The Government are currently considering how the additional Olympic costs of £900 million should be met. No conclusions have yet been reached on the further use of Lottery funding. Click here for Sport England’s statement re the 2012 Lottery monies and here for statements of support 2012 Events Calendar This includes all significant championships/competitions around the world: Click here to read more 2012 – strategic approach to training camps for the WM – work commissioned by Sport England Reddenhill Consulting has been commissioned to develop a strategic approach to attracting teams and groups of athletes to the region to undertake training and perhaps site their holding camps. This will be achieved through developing a strategy for each sub region and Local Authority, matching what each area has to offer with the requirements of teams. The strategy will also address how individual teams should be approached. Note that this work is now underway and is due to completed this spring Parliament – Tackling obesity through sport question: 12 March 2007 Question: What steps is the Government taking to tackle obesity through sport? Tessa Jowell’s reply: My Department is promoting sport for people of all ages and backgrounds, both as something enjoyable and worthwhile in itself and, where appropriate, as something that has a vital role to play in tackling obesity. As part of my Department’s ongoing work to halt the year-on-year rise in obesity for the under-11s by 2010, we have been working closely with our target-holding partners the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills on how best to tackle this serious public health problem. The National School Sport Strategy, jointly implemented by DCMS and DfES, is a key component of a multi-faceted, ‘whole school’ programme of addressing obesity. The 2005/06 school sport survey found that overall 80 per cent. of pupils participate in at least two hours of high quality PE and school sport a week. This exceeded the target of 75 per cent. for 2006 and demonstrates a considerable increase from the estimated 25 per cent. in 2002. This target will rise to 85 per cent. by 2008. By 2010 the ambition is to offer all children at least four hours of sport a week. Furthermore, we are working with school sports partnerships to increase participation in physical activity by overweight and obese children. In addition, we have a PSA target to increase by 3 per cent. between 2005 and 2008 the number of adults and young people aged 16 and above from priority groups (in this context defined as those with a physical or mental disability, black or minority ethnic groups, those from socioeconomic groups C2, D and E, and women) who participate in active sports at least 12 times a year and engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity level sport, at least three times a week. Regional Sports Boards in partnership with Community Sports Networks are responsible for delivering the target in each of the Government regions. Sport England is also a key partner in our delivery chain for obesity with successful action dependent on good regional co-ordination and close working with primary care trusts and local authorities to increase participation. We have now invested over £1 billion in 4,000 new or refurbished sports facilities in order to help deliver this target and we are working to ensure that the 2012 Olympic Games creates a lasting legacy of increased participation in sport and physical activity. Government Launches Healthy Living Initiative Public Health Minister Caroline Flint this week launched the Healthy Living Initiative, a programme to help family’s lead healthier lives. A report published by the Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research Centre and the DH has used evidence from a diverse range of sources to identify the main areas where families with children under 11 need further support to limit the risk of unhealthy weight gain. These barriers are: limited parental awareness of weight status and associated health risks; parental beliefs that a healthy lifestyle is too challenging; pressures on parents which undermine healthy food choices; and a perception that there are limited opportunities for active lifestyles. The Government's Healthy Living programme aims to tackle these barriers through range of initiatives aimed at families with young children. It acknowledges that while there is a high level of awareness of the importance of good diet and physical activity, some parents need additional support to transfer awareness into action. The initiatives are designed to give parents the support and tools they need to recognise when their children are overweight and tackle the problem. Building on existing programmes the initiatives will be rolled out throughout the year and into 2008. Government Publishes England World Cup Study The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, and the Secretary of State for Culture, Tessa Jowell recently published the Government's official study into the feasibility of hosting a future World Cup, concluding that England is well placed to bid to host the tournament in 2018, and has strong public support for doing so. Gordon Brown said: "I want every region of the country to share in the benefits of these sporting events, I want every young person to be inspired by them to increase their own participation in sport, and - if The FA decide to launch a bid - I would make it my personal mission over the next few years to persuade countries around the world to support that bid." 600 Million Boost To Be Generated For Higher Education Fundraising The government is to provide £200 million over three years for a matched-funding scheme to support English universities in their fundraising efforts. The scheme is intended to stimulate additional private cash donations to the sector of over £400 million - meaning £600 million in total could be generated for Higher Education. The scheme will aim to generate increases in donations for the majority of universities, not just those with a tradition of fund-raising. It will also assist other Higher Education providers in England to increase their capacity to raise funds. The scheme will run for three years, starting in 2008 and will match-fund donations on a 2:1 private to public basis with the aim of promoting a culture of individual giving to higher education similar to that of in the US, which will outlast the scheme. Click here for further information. Consultation Into Equality For Disabled People DWP has launched a consultation to ask disabled people what quality means to them, and to gain their views on how Government can best monitor progress towards equality for disabled people. Comprehensive Performance Assesments (CPA) Results Published The Comprehensive Performance Assessment results for Single and Upper Tier Authorities for 2006 was published last week by the Audit Commission. The CPA for 2006 represents the second year that a ‘harder test’ of council performance has been undertaken enabling year-on-year comparison, where possible, against performance in 2005. The key messages from the report revealed:
To download the full report click here ‘Awards for All’ latest announcement documents – February 2007 Lottery award gives facelift to historic Staffordshire railway. Click here to read more Click here for latest awards information Sportscoach UK – New Research Programme – March 2007 sports coach UK will be embarking on a new research program which will include a feasibility study into the concept of a licensing and registration system for coaches and coach education personnel (coach educators, assessors, verifiers etc). The timeline for completion of this piece of work is relatively tight, with the view that a draft report will be delivered by September 2007. The research methodology will include the need for data collection/analysis and a literature review. A research brief, outlining the background, aims and objectives and budget for this work will be available within the next week, at which time the project will formally be out to tender. Anyone interested in bidding for this project, is kindly asked to indicate their initial intention to do so, by contacting Kurt Lindley (Education & Training Manager) at: klindley@sportscoachuk.org Melina Timson-Katchis
Runningsports Regional Event Your Exclusive Invitation - (Stoke on 11 April in our region) What do you think about when you hear runningsports? Workshops, workshops, workshops? Well, there’s a lot more to runningsports now. As one of our valued runningsports Partners, we would like to invite you to join us at one of our special regional events so you can find out exactly what runningsports is about and how it can help you to provide even more of what your local sports volunteers need. Click here to download an application form BHF ‘Think Fit ‘ Seminars The BHF Think fit! pack is a step-by-step guide to introducing physical activity in the workplace. It contains a wide range of materials that can help initiate change in the work environment and help employees become more active, healthier and happier.
A FREE copy of the Think Fit! Pack is given to every delegate who attends. BOOK YOUR PLACE... Amateur Rowing Association Scholarship Coaches The ARA is seeking to employ a new group of Scholarship Coaches. These are very similar to Community Sports Coaches except they work for 20hrs per week and study for a post graduate sport / physical activity qualification too. Please click here to view the details Cheerleading Competitions Open Schools Championships in Manchester on 28th April. The Schools competition is aimed at entry level/grass roots competition to develop the sport and get young people involved. Click here to read more StreetGames E-Mail Alert You can now register to attend the 2007 National StreetGames conference. The conference is based in the West Midlands at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, and takes place on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th May. The cost is £100 which includes a jam packed programme on developing sport for young people in deprived areas, one nights accommodation, and full catering. You must be registered on the StreetGames website to qualify for the £100 price. Please click here and follow the link to register: |
London 2012
The West Midlands Region has set out its priorities for its contribution to the success of the 2012 Games in the recent ‘Prepare for 2012’ publication. Contained within is Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s sub regional priorities: ‘We have clearly defined our priorities to ensure that all areas of the community and the local business sector benefit from the opportunities that the 2012 Games offer. The sub region will see potential new facilities being developed, from a new Sports Village at Fenton Manor in Stoke-on-Trent to an Equestrian Centre in Leek, through to a Hockey Centre in Cannock and an FA Training Centre at Burton-upon-Trent. Additional athlete and support infrastructure programmes are being developed which will support early identification in schools of potential athletes, volunteer recruitment and development support packages and assistance for future Olympians and Paralympians. These priorities, linked to the great facilities and infrastructure already in place, will give sport in the sub region a fantastic present and future. In terms of business, Stoke-on-Trent has now hosted two business seminars and continues to work with local firms bidding for contracts.’
For more information please contact: Mark Thornewill
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Special Schools Olympics Seeks Sponsors
Sponsors are being sought to support the county’s 2007 Special School Games. The Games, which are organised by Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent, are provisionally planned to take place on June 27th at Shobnall Leisure Complex, near Burton, and will involve around 250 budding athletes from the region’s special schools. The games will feature a number of sports and will aim to provide lasting pathways for the participants to enable them to continue to enjoy and succeed in their chosen activities. “The games have proved a fantastic success in previous years, but a change in our remit as a County Sports Partnership means that we have limited funds available to support such an event,” commented Sports Manager, Jane Kracke. “With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching, a number of the larger companies in the County will be hoping to tender for contracts linked with delivering the Olympic Games in London; sponsoring our Special School Games would be a great addition to the CV’s of those potential bidders and would really make a difference to the lives of the children involved, “ said Jason Britton, Business Development Manager for the Partnership, “Last year’s games cost around £5,000 to stage, and ideally it would be fantastic if we could secure one major partner to sponsor the games. The games will generate tremendous coverage and there’s a chance that the London 2012 Olympic Roadshow will attend on the day.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should contact either Jason Britton
or Leigh Morton
Picture shows Cllr Jean Edwards - Lord Mayor, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and consort Harry Edwards with Tag Rugby Runners-up Middlehurst Special School from the 2006 Games.
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Staffordshire Coaching Conference - Two Weeks Left To Book Your Place!
The first Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Coaching Conference will take place on Sunday 29th April at Staffordshire University, Stoke. This all day event will contribute to greater recognition of voluntary and paid coaches and will provide personal development and networking opportunities For more information on this event please contact Elaine Loader on (01785) 619695 / Email eloader@staffordbc.gov.uk |
Project Oarsome In Stoke-on-Trent Goes From Strength To Strength
2004 saw the launch of Project Oarsome a rowing programme developed in Stoke on Trent for young school pupils in the city. The partnership between the Amateur Rowing Association, Staffs University and Stoke on Trent City Council, Sport and Recreation Development Section has become a project in which all those involved should be proud. The aim of Project Oarsome is to provide young people from local high schools with the opportunity to participate in one of Britain’s most successful and ever growing sport. Pupils are introduced to rowing by the Sport Across Staffordshire Community Rowing Coach Darren “daz” Barton who delivers a number of sessions during curricular time on “Concept Rowing Machines” All pupils who are interested continue their development in the after school clubs based at the high schools. Those pupils keen to develop their skills further progress to rowing on the lake at Trentham Gardens in safety boats, equipment purchased through funding by Sport England. After a short while a group of these young pupils were rowing crew boats and single boats up and down the lake - the Junior Rowing Team was formed. The team consists of rowers from Trentham and St Peters High School. Racing under the name of Stoke Schools Rowing Association the Junior Rowing Team accompany the adult section of the newly developed Trentham Boat Club to regattas across the country. 2006 has seen the most successful year yet with the juniors crews competing in regattas and head races over the Midlands and receiving a number of medals on the way. Two junior regattas have been held at Trentham with over 30 pupils from local high schools taking part. The Junior Team also competed at the British Indoor National Rowing Championships and walked away with gold, silver and bronze medals. 2007 has started well with the English Indoor Rowing Competition in January and on March 27th over 150 high school pupils from Trentham, St Peters and St Josephs will compete in the City’s Go Row Event at Trentham High School.
For more information on the project please contact:
Tel: 01785 236929 Email: hilary.asplin@stoke.gov.uk |
First Golf Club In Staffordshire Achieves GolfMark
The Craythorne Golf Club & South Staffordshire Golf Club are the first clubs in Staffordshire to achieve the new GolfMark accreditation which was re-launched last year. GolfMark is a national scheme that identifies and reconises junior and beginner friendly golf clubs. The newly updated accreditation launched last February now also incorporates Sports England ClubMark which is a cross sport accreditation for sports clubs with junior sections, recognises a quality club. Melanie Flude, Regional Development Officer for the English Golf Union & English Ladies Golf Association say’s “ Clubs have to meet minimum criteria in 3 key area’s; Coaching & Playing, Club Environment & Child Protection. Both clubs have worked extremely hard to gain this recently re-launched prestigious accreditation as there’s a lot of hard work required to produce the evidence and to ensure that the right support for the players is in place to develop juniors into good golfers” For clubs that work towards Golf Mark there’s a good support structure in place from Melanie to ensure that they have the right procedures and policies are in place and that they club have a strong infrastructure for player development. The benefits for the clubs is without a doubt, promotion of them being awarded not only on the EGU & ELGA web sites but also Sport England. For parents, is the knowledge that their child is in safe hands. For more details www.golfmark.org |
Chance to Shine Bringing Cricket To State Schools
In conjunction with the East Staffs School Sport Partnership and Barton Cricket Club, the programme aims to develop the opportunity for young people to increase their skill level and knowledge of the game and also develop opportunities for staff through INSET training, all delivered by ECB qualified coaches.
Chance to Shine is a cricket programme that is being organised by Barton Cricket Club. It is being delivered in nine partner primary schools and one secondary school. The schools are receiving a total of 300 hours coaching over a period of 12 weeks of the summer term. Along side this there are 5 match days that the primary schools will take part in to introduce them to the concept of kwick cricket. The coaching and matches is aimed at the yr 3 & 4 however other year groups will also benefit. As well as the Chance to Shine program is also giving girls the opportunity to take part in cricket as there is an OSHL session being run by Barton Cricket Club at the secondary school with a view to getting more girls involved in cricket. To secure the school club link further the chances to shine programme is also putting on two taster sessions at Barton cricket club for all those not involved in club cricket who have been involved in the chance to shines program.
For more information please contact: Pete Monaghan SSCo John Taylor High School Tel: 07929441975 |
THE POWER Is a smash at getting fit
BBC Midlands Sports Personality 2006 and 13 times World Darts Champion, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor continued his fitness drive on Monday 12th March, when he tried his hand at badminton.
Phil, who lost out to Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in an epic world final last December, believes his stamina let him down and pledged to improve his fitness to ensure he added to his long list of world titles. As his fitness has improved, Phil’s already 'Powered' his way to the top of the Sky Sports Darts Super League - incidentally coming back from 5-1 down to win 8-6 against van Barneveld who beat him in that world final.
Sport England’s Regional Director, Steve Town, who challenged Phil to get fit, is amazed at his rapid and impressive progress, having lost over a stone in weight and greatly reduced his cholesterol levels.
Under the supervision of experts based at Staffordshire University’ Sports Performance Department, Phil has been a regular visitor to the gym and now follows a healthy eating plan. However, today’s activity was an opportunity to vary his training regime with a badminton session delivered by Rauf Mirza, Chair of the West Midlands Regional Sports Board.
Commenting after the session Rauf said: “We are delighted with Phil’s progress and today’s badminton session was an opportunity to introduce him to another means of getting fit. He’s incredibly committed to changing his lifestyle through increasing his activity levels and if he can serve as a role model to encourage others in the community to do the same it will be fantastic.”
Badminton is a great sport that can be enjoyed by all age groups and at all levels of ability. It is very accessible and facilities can be found in school halls, church halls and sports centres. It isn't expensive to take up and is a game that families can play together to help keep fit and healthy.
During his session Phil was also challenged to a badminton match by GCSE PE students from Thistley Hough High School along with some of the University’s PhD students. In return Phil gave them a Darts Master class.
Phil Taylor added: “I’ve taken up Sport England’s challenge, with the help of Staffordshire University and Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, to improve my fitness and I hope that my example will encourage others to get fit and make a real difference to their lives”.
Phil’s programme, which is being co-ordinated by the County Sports Partnership – Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, is the brainchild of Sport England West Midlands Director Steve Town. Sport England’s recent Active People Survey highlighted the West Midlands region as the least active in England.
BBC Midlands Today is following The Power’s Progress with regular monthly features. A copy of Phil’s programme can be found on the County Sports Partnership website www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk along with other useful information on how to become more active.
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South Staffordshire Get Set for rewards card scheme
In their on going commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, South Staffordshire Council Leisure Services have launched the Get Set Points Card, an innovative project aimed at increasing sport and physical activity participation amongst children aged between 5 and 13 years old.
It is completely free of charge for a child to become a Get Set Points Card member. The card will work on a similar basis as a loyalty scheme. Children receive a set number of points every time they participate in sport and physical activity through an approved provider or a South Staffordshire Council Get Set activity, including the new Get Walking project. Upon reaching specified point targets, the child can then redeem their points and be rewarded with special discounts at a local sports club or with coaching at their school.
There will also be special prizes available soon to those who collect the most points in a stated month. These prizes include free tickets to Telford Ice Rink, Dudley Zoo and Birmingham Science Museum amongst others!
Upon applying, children receive their card amongst other goodies through the post in a welcome pack. The card is simple to use, it just has to be swiped at reception when visiting a Leisure Centre operated by South Staffordshire Council Leisure Services and the points are automatically added on!
It is anticipated the card will result in increased opportunities for children to participate in sport and physical activity both during school and out of school. Data collection of participation trends will also assist Leisure Services in future planning of children’s activities.
The card has initially been launched over a small number of schools, with the project set to grow over the coming months across the whole of the district.
For more information please contact Mark Jenkinson Tel: 01902696533
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England Star Tracey gives High 5 to County Netball
England Netball star Tracey Neville was the guest of honour at last week’s under 11 County High 5 Netball Tournament. Tracey, who plays for England and Northern Thunder, attended the tournament as part of Sport England’s Sporting Champions scheme, which provides sports stars to inspire young sports talent.
The tournament hosted 13 of the county’s best under 11 netball teams from 7 out of the 9 Staffordshire local authorities at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent, and proved a fantastic success with Orme House, Newcastle-under-Lyme eventually coming out as tournament winners.
“The tournament was a huge success and a great example to other counties in the area; we’re really grateful to Tracey for supporting our event and I think all the teams who participated gave a great account of themselves and provided a super showcase of emerging talent in the region, “said Netball County Development Officer Carly Hendey. “Hopefully, each team learned something from Tracey’s coaching session which will stand them in good stead for future games.”
For more images of the event, or for more information on how to get involved in netball and other sports visit the Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent website at www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk .
For more information please contact Carly Hendey
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Gemma Rows To Fitness
When an initially reluctant Gemma Lovatt tried indoor rowing at school, she fell in love with the sport. After joining a club and spending lots of time on the water, she found she also gained confidence, friends and a healthier lifestyle...
Gemma Lovatt was an overweight teenager who never exercised and was being bullied at school. “Trust me it’s not fun,”said Gemma. “I had no confidence, I hated my body and I was allergic to any form of exercise.” Gemma
attempted lots of sports at school but, having never particularly enjoyed any of them, she was reluctant to try rowing when her PE teacher suggested it.
“Still, I thought I might as well give it a try,” Gemma said. “We used the indoor rowers in a school PE lesson and I quite enjoyed it, but as for going down to row on the lake, I was scared senseless. I thought I’d be too fat and that
I wouldn’t fit in.”
Fears of being seen as “a fat geek” were quickly quashed when Gemma had her first session on the water. “Everyone made me feel great and I loved it,” she enthused. However, soon the rowing stopped. “The boat club wasn’t
formed properly and the rowing died out,”said Gemma.
Having enjoyed her first few sessions so much, whenGemma’s school PE teacher announced that rowing was again available, she jumped at the chance to get back onto the water. “It was April, I was bored and I love rowing, so I went to see the coach,
Darren, to ask if he wouldn’t mind teaching me,”said Gemma. “ That’s when it all started. Between Easter and the summer holidays I went down to the lake twice a week. I’d go in anything from a virus to a quad or a double,”Gemma
continued. “Darren even put me in a single scull, which is quite daunting for someone who can’t even ride a bike! It was hard work but I stuck with it and had a great time.”
Gemma spent much of her summer holidays at the lake. “Rowing is one of the few things I enjoy and the atmosphere at the club is great,” she said. “I’ve tried everything – coxing, coaching and rowing in all different kinds of
boat. I even did some running to improve my fitness. If you had said to me six months ago that I would be like I am now, I wouldn’t have believed you.” The members of the boat club were instrumental in making Gemma feel at home. “I was terrified I wouldn’t fit in, but I have made some of the best friends I’ve ever had. They believe in me and they never gave up on me,” she said. “I even won a race in a double. I’d never won a race before in my life and it felt absolutely great.”As well as the social benefits, Gemma says her health and overall fitness have improved drastically. “Since I started rowing I have grown three inches taller and have lost one stone and 10 pounds. I have dropped a dress size, I’m continuing to lose weight and I’ve finally got some confidence back,” she said. “I don’t even get out of breath walking to school anymore.”
Gemma has wise words for anyone in a similar position as she was: “If you want to feel better, try a sport. Any sport could work for you. The sport for me is rowing and whilst it may sound melodramatic, it’s changed my life. Don’t put yourself down, just have a go. You won’t believe the difference it will make to your life.” Know someone who might like to try rowing? Rowing is a sport for all ages – and whether you want to go it alone, on land or water, or as part of a team, there is an aspect of the sport that appeals to most people. As a low impact form of exercise it places very little stress and strain on joints, but uses more muscles than any other sport and is a proven way to improve health and fitness. For anyone who might be interested in rowing please vist http://www.britishrowing.org/
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Sporting Champions
Sporting Champions inspires young people by giving them the chance to meet their sporting heroes face-to-face and gives us the opportunity to bring world-class athletes into our local community.
Funding secured by Sporting Champions for the period April 07 to March 08 will allow us to apply for a national pot of around 200 visits. Requests for these visits are to be made via the County Sports Partnership and must demonstrate support to Sport England’s vision and Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Delivery Plan through one or all of the following key themes:
How to apply Complete the attached form (click here to download) and return to Leigh Morton lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk . Your request will then be submitted to Sporting Champions who will then liaise with you direct regarding the outcome and visit arrangements.
For more information on the above please contact Leigh Morton, Admin Officer on (01785) 619349 or lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk |
Club Programmes Get Another Year of Unrivalled Support!
Alongside the Key Clubs Tennis Staffordshire has committed to supporting other Potential Clubs across the county.In 2006 the Executive Group decided to spend just under £20,000 in 19 clubs. This year the original budget was just £5,000 but due to demand from clubs and good quality applications they decided to change some budget allocations allowing them to invest just under £16,000 in 16 clubs.
This year the applying clubs had to read the new Blueprint for British Tennis and show how their proposed project(s) for up to £1000.00 funding related to it and the consequent future of British Tennis. The quality of applications was high with the very best showing planning, budgeting and outcomes not short of good sports development work! Our thanks go to everyone who applied as a Potential Club and we hope they appreciate our flexibility in responding to the demand from clubs. It should be noted that despite the large investment in 2006 against the target to increase membership this did not take place. Final membership returns are coming in but it’s looking like the number of members in affiliated clubs in 2007 will be less than in 2006. This is a trend we’re committed to changing and Potential Clubs really must ensure that they deliver on their targets in 2007. Here’s the list of Potential Clubs funded by Tennis Staffordshire in 2007: Abbey View, Basford, Bilston, Brewood, Esporta Lichfield, Florence, Halesowen, Hanbury, Next Generation Club, Quarry Bank, Spital, Stone, The Grange, Walsall, Wall Heath, Wednesbury For more information on the above please contact: Jeremy Lemarchand
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East Staffordshire School Sports Partnership School Club Links Events 2007
East Staffordshire School Sport Partnership hosted two School Club Links events in Burton and Uttoxeter. Over 50 sports clubs attended the two events, aimed at establishing stronger links between the primary, middle and secondary schools and local sports clubs within the School Sport Partnership.
Four workshops were delivered on by the SSP key partners e.g. County Sports Partnership, National Governing Bodies, East Staffordshire Borough Council Sport Development Team and a SSP multi-skills coach on key subjects such as funding applications, club accreditation, developing multiskills and the benefits of working with the local sport development unit.
The two evenings were a great success, with clubs feeling more informed on how the School Sport Partnership can support clubs in developing formal links with schools and the support offered by the CSP, NGB’s and Sport Development. Due to the success and demand for the events, it is expected to be an annual event to maintain the support and sustainability of school club links in the partnership.
For more information please contact Adam Barrigan
Tel: 01283 749463. |
