NEWS & ARTICLES

Below we'll post current news and articles designed to assist you with your career as a sports coach at whatever level. We'll also post news from sport, news of events or third party blog posts that are relevant. All contributors will be named, all original sites where articles have come from will be shown.

If you'd like something published, simply drop us an email using the sites email address or contact us form. Everything will be considered.

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 WELWYN & HATFIELD TIMES - HERTFORDSHIRE

GB Sports Coaches brings Paralympian & World Champion Swimmer to HCS Careers Opportunities days in bid to save funding for event for young people with disabilities.

Organisers of an annual careers day for children with special needs fear for the future of the event, in the wake of Government spending cuts.

For the sixth year in a row, the Hatfield-based uni hosted Opportunities Day – a yearly event organised by career service HCS Herts in partnership with the uni, Herts Youth Connexions and St Elizabeth Centre in Much Hadham – which gives special needs students a taste of future career paths.

Pupils tried a range of skills and professions, including photography, hairdressing, film, breadmaking, gardening and looking after farm animals.

The days provide a chance for teenagers with learning difficulties to gain a sense of what the working world is like – but the future of the event is now in doubt, as Government service cuts begin to take hold.

With Hertfordshire County Council having to find savings of around £200m over the next five years, the HCS Herts is worried the £16,000 needed to put on Opportunities Days next year may not be forthcoming.

And Opportunities Day co-ordinator Mita Ashcroft said she hoped businesses and organisations could club together to provide funds in order to continue the service beyond this year.

“The feedback has been excellent from employers, students and teachers,” she said.

“It’s a real case of a partnership working together to support these young people throughout the day. I just wish it could be sustainable.”

But a Hertfordshire County Council spokesman reassured organisers that the even was safe for the foreseeable future, saying: “There are no specific plans to cut valuable events like these.”

At the de Havilland Campus, this year’s event was opened by Paralympic World Champion swimmer Fran Williamson and her partner and publicist Chris Whitaker.

Fran, who won gold in the 50m backstroke at the 2006 World Championships in Durban before taking silver in the same distance at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, said it was important that Opportunities Days continued.

“You want to produce well rounded individuals, so it’s [Opportunities Day] very important because kids get the opportunity to look at different career options, and work out what they want to do,” she said.

“There is a range of opportunities here that they wouldn’t normally have.”

You can visit Frans website and keep up to date with how her raod to London 2012 is going or follow her via Twitter

http://www.fran-williamson.co.uk / @franswimsto2012

 

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KT Tape Product Launch at GB Sports Coaches

In association with www.medzooma.com 

Many people suffer lower back pain, the discomfort and inability to perform daily tasks can often be frustrating.   Most people rely on traditional remedies, a hot water bottle, massage and often ibuprofen… but there are alternatives that are fast easy and effective. KT Tape is a therapy tape designed for common sporting injuries.. used by physiotherapists and professional athletes KT Tape is designed to reduce muscle pain, increase mobility and enhance recovery. KT stands for Kinesiology Therapy and the injury therapy phenomenon is taking grip of the UK.

Kinesiology is a alternative therapy that was introduced in the UK in the early 70s.. the advanced manipulation of skin contour helps to hold specific muscles in place providing support and comfort for the user.KT Tape pioneered the first ever Precut tape meaning you do not require scissors and each strip has been precut to an exact measurement to ensure you get optimum use.Unlike other taping products available in the market, the adhesion quality of KT Tape is far superior offering the user good secure contact and dynamic enough for continious use over a 3 to 5 day period; even when showering or swimming. The attributes of the adhesion allows the user to create hugher levels of adhering by simply rubbing the tape once applied to activate more of the adhesion.Naturally if you are using KT Tape in an area where you have body hair, it is advisable to trim this down as this will make the application easier and removal more comfortable. KT Tape can be used for a number of injuries ranging from;

Achilies Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, Shoulder Pain, Ankle Sprain, Runner’s Knee, Shin Splints, IT Band Pain, Back Pain and Neck Pain..KT Tape is used by people who actively pursue:Football, Running, Swimming, Rugby, Weight Training, Golf, Tennis and many more sports.. what is amazing is as a product it is also now chosen to maintain pain relief, comfort and mobility for everyday activities.We also recommend the product for expecting mothers as the tape provides excellent support to the lower back.Here are some comments from users who have been trying KT Tape

” I had been suffering from lower back pain for a while with no remedy. Delia came to me with the KT tape explaining what it had done for her son when he had an injury playing football. She showed me how and where to apply it. Within just a few hours I could feel a difference. I had it on for A WEEK and in that time I had NO PAIN! I had showers, went shopping, did my exercises without any restrictions. It did the job. Not sure what’s inside it, but I am not complaining.Thank you Delia for helping me get back to normality.

”Khali (May 2011)

I bumped into Delia and explained I had done my back in by lifting a bed. She told me about this tape she had and how it worked wonders for her son. She gave me a pack and I put it on that evening. For three days I felt no pain. My work is strenuous and very physical and I did not think it would do anything for me. This tape had me moving like I was in the 2012 Olympics! I would recommend it to people with backpain.

Grace (June 2011)

KT Tape is available in a wide variety of colours.. the range is quite expansive catering for both consumers and professionals. Each consumer roll comes individually packed and consists of 20 precut strips, loading instructions and also information on where you can watch videos online of KT Tape applications for specific injuries.

KT Tape will be exhibiting at the Virgin Marathon Expo at Excel in London during July.. for further information or to order KT Tape please contact GB Sports Coaches to enquire or order retail@gbsportscoaches.co.uk

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 Paralympian Joins Learning Event For Special Needs Schools

Paralympian Fran Williamson has been announced as the special guest at ‘Opportunity Days’, a work based learning event for special needs schools in Hertfordshire, held at the University of Hertfordshire’s de Havilland Campus on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th June.

The University is working in partnership with HCS Careers Limited, career management specialists, to provide special needs students between the age of 14 to 19 with the opportunity to develop key employability, enterprise and personal skills through a range of workshops and experiences.

Now in its 6th year, the event is run by employers, business professionals and volunteers within the community and gives students the opportunity to:

• Receive hands-on practical experience of a number of different work areas
  

• Meet and work directly with people from industry
  

• Experience a new and different learning environment
  

• Meet and work with young people from different schools
  

• Recognise, develop and apply their skills for enterprise and employability.
  

This year, HCS Careers has also teamed up with GB Sports Coaches, a free national online sports coaching and networking community based in Stevenage. Through the site’s networking facilities, they have arranged for Paralympic athlete Fran Williamson to attend, who is hoping to inspire the young people to follow their dreams. Fran has been a member of the Great Britain swim team since her international debut in 2001 and is the current World Champion in the 50m backstroke. Having won 12 World Championship and six Paralympic medals, she looks to add to her titles in the London 2012 Games.

Ross Renton, Head of Recruitment and Access at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event again. It is an inspirational event that gives young people the opportunity to realise their potential.”

St. Elizabeth’s Centre and Hertfordshire Youth Connexions are also working in partnership with the event. Further workshops are being held on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd June at the St. Elizabeth’s Centre in Much Hadam. For more information about ‘Opportunity Days’, visit www.hcs.co.uk or call the team direct on 01462 704934.

Original article can be found here (provided by Hertfordshire University)

 

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Royal Windsor Triathlon Report - Sunday 12th June 2011 

(News provided by Medzooma.com)

Medzooma welcomes tri-athletes to their hometown of Windsor for this weekend’s Toshiba Windsor Triathlon. Over 20 years Windsor has been the venue for this auspicious event in the triathlon calender and this year has seen a record 2000  entries within the first 36 hours.

“It is great to see such a high interest of people wanting to give triathlon a go and so many committed supporters of the event. The towns of Windsor and Eton provide a perfect triathlon setting for both spectators and competitors alike and we look forward to welcoming everyone next year,” commented John Lunt, MD of organisers 'Human Race'

The event will see former world champion and current British Triathlon Super Series champion Ian Don attempt a third consecutive victory in the 2011 Series. Ian secured victory in both the GE Strathclyde Park Triathlon and the GE Blenheim Triathlon, the first two races of the 2011 British Triathlon Super Series. Tim comments: “Racing in Windsor is always a great experience. The event is always well organised and as an athlete you have great support from the crowd. With the additional prestige of racing for the British Elite Championship, I will be giving it my best to finish on the top of the podium.”

Medzooma will be out and about on Sunday offering KT Tape amongst other sports and fitness products, of course we will be cheering on the participant. A number of entries for the Windsor Triathlon are also available through official and very worthy charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research who are aiming to raise over £100,000 with the support of the event’s participants.

We applaud all the participants this year and wish them luck for the event which includes 750m swim, 30km bike and 5km run or Olympic 1500m swim, 42km bike, 10km run.

KT Tape is the US Sports Injury Phenomenon that is now available in the UK, the tape is ideal for common sporting injuries and designed to reduce muscle pain, increase mobility and enhane recovery. The noticeable colourful tapes strapped to professional athletes and olympians is a sign that KT Tape is recommended by physiotherapists globally and one of the highest performing products available in the market. 

Medzooma is a proud reseller of KT Tape in the UK, not only do we have the lowest price for KT Tape in the UK we offer you the guarantee that if you are not totally satisfied we will give you your money back.. so if you are a exercise or sports enthusiast, professional sports or athlete or a professional clinician looking to support your clients or sports teams then order your rolls by click on >> KT Tape today!

If you cannot attend the triathlon this weekend in Windor fear not  highlights will be  broadcast on Channel 4 on 3 July at 7am.

 

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STEVENAGE BEAT TORQUAY IN LEAGUE 2 PLAYOFF FINAL - A 'FANS EYE VIEW'!

Stevenage Football Club managed by Graham Westley took to Old Trafford today (Sat 28th May 2011) in what can only be described as an epic first season journey in league 2 that is the stuff that legends are made of.

After securing promotion at the end of last season fans expected to see Boro spend this season in mid table, and I am sure most of the football league did too! It's been a season of legendary moments, much like the last! A 'giant killing' over Newcastle United in the FA cup was a massive boost for the club and the fans that was a truely fantastic perfomance and game of football. Promotion last season clearly wasn't enough for Westley and the lads. Westley, having many critics in the league, has certainly proved them all wrong and rightly so. In true style the Stevenage FC team have put together a strong squad delivering an amazing campaign to get to league 1 playoffs in their first football league season. Boy, have they done it in style! 

With Accrington Stanley at Home and 2nd leg away between them and the league playoff final there were some nervous times and twitchy fans, myself being one of them! Could Boro do it?! I know I wasn't sure at one stage! but of course they could, beating Accrington at home and then away, the final was in the bag. 

Stevenage faced Torquay United today, a team that frankly are 'in Boro's league' and I don't mean that literally!

'Its even, it could go either way, 50:50' said one dedicated Boro fan and I have to say I agreed with him on that.

Many nervous hours in the lead up to the game today for many Boro fans and probably some unhappy supporters from both sides prior to the game in getting caught in some serious traffic issues on the M6 causing the game to be delayed by 15 minutes wouldn't have helped their tension!

Boro came out strong, eager, playing well, looking hungry to win. In my eye's and through some of the fans commenting, that Boro played Torquay off the pitch in the first half. Boro had the most chances and play in the first half against a struggling Torquay who just didn't seem to have 'Turned up' at this point.

30 minutes in fans were commenting that the game looked promising for Boro but with some making noises that Boro may end up having a nightmare 0- 0 draw and further nervous moments to endure! Fortunately not when 'Mousinho' drove the first and only goal of the match home with imense style. What a play, strike, finish and fantastic goal to put Stevenage 1- 0 ahead just before the half time break. This was an extremely important goal at a time in this game that would have given the Torquay side, management and fans real cause for concern.

Half time clearly saw the Torquay side take a real 'ear bashing' from their manager! They came out in the second half totally switched on & committed leaving Stevenage for dust for some time! Boro really seemed to be struggling to control their advances and to be honest, and it pains me to say so, play Boro off the pitch for some time. Many chances had, many poor moments seen from Boro who seemed to have lost their flow. However, Boro's defence was strong but at some points the entire squad were back to defend, the results of which were good with Mark Roberts standing strong & making some fantastic team saves alongside a galant effort from Boro Keeper Chris Day.

Mark Roberts commented pre match that it was his dream to play and win at Old Trafford and has been ever since he was a lad, Mark certainly realised that dream today.

The rest of the second half was a bit messy although both sides came back into the game seeing them both have reasonable chances. Boro simply fought to stay ahead by 1 goal ensuring that their defence was as strong as it could be to defend from a fair amount of advancement by Torquay.

4 minutes of added time really seemed to hit fans that weren't at the game!, concern over some last minute runs towards Chris Day sent some Boro fan's over the edge but the boys returned with a couple of last minute breaks although amounting to very little, the last of which saw  the final whistle blow.

Relief, Joy, Excitment & Addrenalin are all words I can personally use to describe the sound of the final whistle being blown!

What else can a Boro fan say?.....What an un-believable first season in league 2. Of course waiving that league good bye now as we move into league 1. Sure, others have been as successful in the past & have done so but I can't help but think that this is our way of saying 'Ha Ha' after being refused entry to League 2 in 1996!

want to comment on this? email us at info@gbsportscoaches.co.uk 

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FRAN FOR THE FLAME! - Wiliiamson launches Campaign to be Olympic Torch Bearer for London 2012

Cambridge based Paralympic swimmer Fran Williamson today began a campaign secure nominations to be a bearer on the Olympic Torch Relay, which passes through Cambridge on Saturday 7th July 2012. Williamson is seeking to secure as many nominations as possible from the people of Cambridgeshire.

She seeks to represent the area a long serving athlete on the GB swimming team and medal hopeful in the London Paralympic games. Fran recalls the progress of the torch in the build up to the Paralympic games in Athens and Beijing as "iconic." She added:

"Everyone knows about the torch relay, and it would be an amazing thing to be a part of and represent Cambridgeshire. The progress of the torch is something that will capture the imagination of the nation"

Nominations for the torch relay open today, Wednesday 18th May at 11am, and can be made online at

http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay 

Fran is looking to enlist the support of the community as she strives to be a torch bearer - the ‘Fran for the Flame’ campaign. She hopes that support from the people of Cambridgeshire will mean that she is able to be a part of the relay, and would like people to vote for her. Fran said:

"I really hope people will nominate me - the support of people in Cambridge and elsewhere is vital in my quest to be part of the torch relay and I'd be so grateful for all the nomination that people make" so in short, Fran needs you! Nominations are open for a period of 42 days from today (May 18th 2011) so please do back Fran for the Flame!

You will need specific information on Fran to place your nomination, you can get all you need here: http://www.fran-williamson.co.uk/latest-news.html  or contact us at info@gbsportscoaches.co.uk 

 

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BELOW: Provided by Fran Williamson & Chris Whitaker. Fran Williamson - Current World 50 Metre Backstroke Champion, Paralympian 2012 and Team GB. Chris Whitaker is Fran's publicist, PR & spokes person.

GB Sports Coaches are assisting Fran and Chris to drive awareness of the paralympics and to increase Frans' visibility across the UK through jointly promoting Fran and swimming by arranging press appearances at local events for both sport and other relevant topics.

Please take a few moment to read up on Frans journey and background and her real need to find sponsorship to continue on her journey to the Paralympics.

If you can help in any way, please contact us directly and we'll arrange for you to discuss your requirements further with Chris Whitaker. Please contact here: info@gbsportscoaches.co.uk

Biography - Fran Williamson

Fran is 25 years old, and the current world champion at 50 Meters backstroke, having
represented Great Britain for more than ten years. She has won a total of
five world championship titles and six Paralympic medals, having competed
for her country at the Paralympic Games in Athens and Beijing.
Forthcoming major events include the European Championships in Berlin, and
the Paralympic Games in London next year. Fran also attends many
engagements connected to her sport, including school visits, “team 2012”
functions, and events such as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Outside of her swimming, Fran holds a first class honours degree in Social
Policy, which led to a Masters in Disability Studies at the University of
Leeds, which she is currently completing. Fran also has much involvement
with, and is well regarded by, local and national charities, including as
a patron and trustee. Recently she participated in a DVD about finance
and support arrangements for disabled people which is being distributed
nationally.

Sponsorship packages

The sponsorship packages are designed to give organisations the benefit of working with Fran and access to her, allowing them visibility and a close working relationship. Each package can also be customised to meet the needs of a sponsor as/if required.

Sponsorship Rationale and Options

Fran is seeking sponsorship funding in order to maximise her performance as an elite level athlete. Access to additional facilities and services such as sports hypnotherapy gives athletes a competitive edge (most recently, when Fran was able to access sports hypnotherapy, she won her latest World Championship title). Currently Fran receives National Lottery funding as a full-time athlete, which covers living costs. Whilst providing the essentials, this funding is not sufficient to provide for the specialist input and equipment necessary to ensure that Fran’s performance levels are maximised.

In recognition of their financial commitment, sponsors will benefit from working with an athlete who is well placed to enhance the firm’s standing and visibility, particularly at what is being billed as “the greatest show on earth” in London next year. Sponsors will play a key role in ensuring Fran performs at her peak and realises her dream of winning a gold medal in front of her home crowd - truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Sponsorship package options include:

(For actual costs, please contact us for details here:info@gbsportscoaches.co.uk)

Bronze

• Sponsorship launch event and press release to raise awareness of sponsor’s association with Fran and build sponsor profile

• Website sponsorship to provide a continuous link between sponsors and Fran with the sponsors logo and link displayed on Fran’s website

• 2 appearances / talks to be made by Fran to consolidate the link between Fran and the sponsor

• Scope to use Fran in promotional material to demonstrate a clear association between Fran and a sponsor

Silver

• All the features of Bronze Sponsorship

• A series of talks / appearances to be made by Fran to build an association between Fran and the sponsor

• A regular, dedicated blog and/or press releases ensuring continuous media coverage of the sponsorship and brand awareness

• Sponsorship of Fran’s car (e.g. with company logo affixed to vehicle doors) creating a highly visible link between a sponsor and Fran

Gold

• All features of Silver Sponsorship

• Direct reference made to sponsor during personal public duties demonstrating the close relationship between a Gold Sponsor and Fran

• Fran wearing clothing marked with sponsor’s name/brand during personal public duties to illustrate the close relationship between Fran and to raise awareness of sponsor’s brand

Costings

This information is intended as a summary to illustrate the costs sponsorship monies can fund; more detailed cost breakdowns can be provided on request. All costs have been negotiated at a subsidised rate to ensure maximum value from any investment made by sponsors.


Item Cost

Full-Time Coaching £12,000 per year

Fran currently works with a specialist coach on a part-time basis, which, with sponsorship, can be extended to a full-time position. This is a priority area for investment as many of Fran’s international competitors have full-time coaching to maximise their performance. In a sport where hundredths of seconds can make the difference between first and second place, the value of full-time coaching is almost beyond expression.

Swimming kit £2,000 per year

Swimming kit is a further essential part of Fran’s life as an athlete. Currently, Fran is unable to purchase the race suits she is required to wear at competitions when representing Great Britain, which cost £300 each. Imagine having to wear a new and unfamiliar pair of trainers, for the most important race of your life - this is the disadvantage Fran faces in competitions. Up to 6 such suits are needed by Fran, who trains up to 8 times a week in the water. The remainder of the money could be used to provide equipment such as goggles, caps and towels.

Sports Hypnotherapy £300 per session (approx £5,000 per year)

Success in swimming at elite level is as much about the mind as the body. Hypnotherapy is a clinically proven way for Fran to reach an optimum mental state in her day to day training and preparation. The last time Fran was able to afford access to sport hypnotherapy was prior to the World Championships in Eindhoven last year, where she won the world title.

If you'd like further infomation about sponsorship or to seek whether Fran could attend an event that you have planned in please contact us here: info@gbsportscoaches.co.uk 
 

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BELOW: Provided by Run Fun Starz Group from London, How they look upon Maximising your employability as a sports coach & an article from them about Disability Sport.

All articles are written by Amie Samba - Managing Director of RFSG

Run Fun Starz Group website link: http://www.runfunstarzgroup.blogspot.com 

Why is the standard of Disability Sports activities still lagging behind?

Disabled people have some of the lowest participation rates in the UK. According to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2007) only 8.8-9.5% of disabled adults are involved in regular moderate activity compared to the popular average of 21%. The barriers in challenging the standard of disability sports provision is really not that much different to other groups. It is perhaps the perception and approach people have to improving the quality of activities for people with disabilities that requires more drive. Like girls and women in sport the low standards of activities is often linked to access to facilities/equipment and funding (sponsorships). Furthermore, activities failing to accommodate physical capabilities, supervision and inadequate expertise and knowledge in delivering Adapted Sports are also barriers which influence standards. Visit the Run Fun Starz Group page to find out more about Adapted Sports. This post will outline these issues with regards to disability sports at community level.

One of the major reasons the standard of Disability Sports is lagging is due to little or no understanding of which activities are available and suitable by those responsible for providing the activities. This is possibly because they are not even aware that sports and activities geared towards people with disabilities at a local level even exist. So an attempt to integrate the person with a disability into a mainstream activity is made. This is good when the integration is successful. However, the success of this integration is dependent on the type of disability. For instance it is easier for someone with hearing impairment to me included in a Table Tennis compared to involving someone in the same session who has an upper limb disability. This increases the chances of not taking part at all as their needs are not being met. In the latter example Polybat may be a more suitable choice of activity. Thus to develop the standard those directly involved in providing the activities should have the necessary Coach Education and Training relating to Disability Sports (Adapted Sports) such as Boccia, New Age Kurling and Table Cricket this will build knowledge and experience.

People supervising activities may not be practically involved in raising standards. It is important to allow people to play the sport but if the activity is not explained or demonstrated then the risk is the person is not learning or gaining the skills that they should do. Consequently, they get into a bad habit like everyone else. It could be due to the perception that because someone is disabled it is okay for them to learn or practice incorrectly. With an outlook like this of course the quality of the activity will not be up to standard and hence the level of learning and acquiring skills is lower than it could be. It is according to the context in which the activity is being taught, the type of disability and capabilities of the person which must influence the decision to make the correction required. To enhance the experience for disabled people supervisors should use their observations and experiences to get involved more in the activities.

In relation to access to facilities and equipment for activities this plays a vital part to the standards. Some facilities still have poor accommodation for those with disabilities often linking to spacing. If you could not manoeuvre around a Sports Hall properly it is certain to take away from your experience in the activity as you are being restricted. Thus poor facilities impact the setting of activities. For example the Wheel Chair Slalom Event in Athletics requires adequate space for the wheelchair to move freely. In addition, if the suitable racket for playing Polybat is not available to someone with a upper limb disability and they are forced to use a Table Tennis racket they are not able to grip properly it means standards of the activity provided is lower than it should be.

The above issue like most challenges in accessing sports is funding and perhaps sponsorship. The good news is that governing bodies like Sport England continue increase funding. In March 2010 they provided a further £10m to disability sports. Despite some standards still lagging behind in communities things have come a long way and many organisations are providing schemes and activities to improve access.

Visit our blog for more stories, discussions and tips.
We would like to thank GB Sports Coaches for adding our blogs on their website. GB Sports Coaches' website is a great way for sports related organisations to promote themselves. We recommend it.
 

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How To Maximise Your Employability As A Community Sports Coach