Welcome to the fourth edition of our e-newsletter.
Sport England’s ambition is to get two million people doing more sport and physical activity by 2012. This is a significant challenge given the facts that:
- over half the nation currently does no sport at all;
- almost 80% of us do less than the recommended level of 3 x 30 minutes at moderate intensity a week;
- 25,000 young people aged 16 drop out of sport every year.
For Gloucestershire that national ambition translates to introducing 4,660 new participants to sport and physical activity every year between now and 2012. That is a tough target and one that will only be achieved by everyone working together to make their contribution - no matter how small or large.
That is why we aim to include in our newsletter and our website not just news about the many projects and programmes being undertaken by partners across the county but also access to information and advice to help sport and community organisations in their work to increase and sustain participation in sport. I hope that you will find something in this edition that will be of help or interest.
We also need people if we are going to achieve this target. At the end of the day all the strategies, policies, plans and talk come down to a man or a woman prepared to take responsibility to organise, deliver or support something in their local community or club. We are very lucky in Gloucestershire to have some fantastic sports workers and volunteers. Elsewhere in this edition you will find information on the worthy recipients of the 2007 Gloucestershire Sports Awards and our thanks must go to them and the many others like them who, week in and week out, give their time and skills to enable people to participate in the sport and physical activity of their choice.
Thank you all for your time and effort and best wishes for your future work
John Stevens
Chief Executive Officer
Sporting Stars of Gloucestershire 2007 Announced
On Friday 9th November in a suite at Cheltenham Racecourse, a venue that has seen its fair share of winners, over 100 guests arrived to celebrate and recognise the tiresless, dedicated and inspirational coaches, clubs, volnteers and terachers that are the lifeblood of sport in the county.
Awards were made across 12 categories, with the winners decided by a panel of expert judges following nominations from the Gloucestershire public. The biggest cheer of the night went to Cheltenham Rugby Club’s Barrie Lewis who received the HSBC Outstanding Services to Sport in Gloucestershire Award, following a contribution spanning 67 years. Barrie first played for Cheltenham in 1940 and at 82 years of age is still actively involved with the club.
Barrie Lewis - HSBC Outstansding Services to Sport in Gloucestershire, with Paul Ewins and Diane Pitts of HSBC
The Willans Solicitors’ Performance Coach of the Year went to Christopher Frapwell from Stroud Athletic Club. Christopher has coached performers at National, International, Commonwealth and Olympic levels and was praised for providing ongoing expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to everyone at the club regardless of age or ability.
Christopher Frapwell - Performance Coach of the Year, sponsored by Willans Solicitors, with Nicholas Cox, Partner of Willans solicitors.
Another worthy winner was Oxstalls Tennis Centre’s Terry Parker who was awarded Disability Sports Coach of the Year. Terry’s recognition followed what Active Gloucestershire Chief Executive and the night’s compère John Stevens described as: “A ten year crusade to bring the sport to disabled people.”
Terry Parker - Disability Sports Coach of the Year
The Club Awards saw Mitcheldean FC take the honour of Junior Club of the Year and Longlevens FC picking up the Adult Club Award. Mitcheldean FC was commended for running 5 boys’ teams and 3 girls’ teams as well as creating vital school/club links, even though the club is only 5 years old. At the other end of the spectrum Longlevens FC has been in existence for 54 years and received the award for its success on the pitch as well as its vital place at the heart of the community.
The outstanding contribution to sport made by school teachers was recognised with awards sponsored by Gloucestershire County Council. Paul Shand of Belmont School was named Secondary PE Teacher of the Year while Alison Dixon of North Nibley School received the Primary Award.
The other winners were:
- Young Performance Coach of the Year: Janet Bishop (Ellwood Primary School)
- Rookie Coach of the Year: James Dent (Charlton Rovers)
- Club Performance of the Year: Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club
- Junior Volunteer of the Year: Tom Walter (After School Hockey Clubs)
- Senior Volunteer of the Year: Mike Sheppard (Lansdown Hockey Club)
Rebecca Pantaney who is currently ranked 4th in Women’s singles for Great Britain and won Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1998, provided the guests with an inspiring speech. She acknowledged her coaches, teachers, clubs and volunteers who all had a great influence on her career.
Rebecca said: ‘We often forget our first coaches but without that person we would not be where we are now. The Sports Awards is a great way of recognising their achievements.’ Rebecca also went on to acknowledge those other teachers that may not be PE specialists but provided her with extra time for homework, reducing the pressure that she faced from her training and playing career.
John Stevens, Chief Executive Officer for Active Gloucestershire, summed up the awards evening saying: “The contribution made by coaches, volunteers and teachers is often overlooked when it comes to making awards to sports people. It is really important that the efforts made by these people are recognised and rewarded, which is why we hold these annual awards. I am delighted that a number of sponsors have a similar view and have joined us this year to support the event”
To view all photos from the Gloucestershire Sports Awards click here.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the event especially our event and award sponsors:
Also without the people who sent in nominations the event would not have been a success so thank you to all those who nominated someone for a award.
Plans for next years event will start in the New Year and your comments and thoughts on this year's event will help in making sure next year is even more successful. If you have a spare five minutes we would appreciate it if you could fill out the evaluation web form by clicking here. Alternatively you can email Kelly Farr, Marketing and Events Officer at kfarr@glos.ac.uk
Active Gloucestershire Launches Equality Action Plan
At Active Gloucestershire we understand that sport and physical activity help to bring people and communities together, as well as acting as an instrument for change and inclusion. We recognise the power of sport and physical activity to change lives for the better. Everyone should have access to their potential benefits, which is why equality, inclusion and widening access are crucial to everything we do. Following a consultation process during 2007, and approval by the Active Gloucestershire Board, Active Gloucestershire has now released its Equality Action Plan. Click here to view a copy of the plan.
The Plan is a key element of the Preliminary Level of the “Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport”. The standard has been drawn up to help organisations such as County Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies develop their structures and processes, assess their performance and make improvements in relation to sports equality. By working through the standard we examine how we currently operate and consider through consultation what improvements can be made. This process should ensure an increase in the number of people from all community groups taking part, as well as enjoying sport and physical activity.
The Equality Standard has 4 levels: Foundation, Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced. Active Gloucestershire was awarded the Foundation Level back in May, and is now working towards achieving the Preliminary Level by the end of 2007.
If you require further information please contact Stuart McQuaid, Equality Standard Lead Officer on 01242 715244 or email to smcquaid@glos.ac.uk
South West County Sports Partnership Network Day
At Tortworth Court Hotel on Tuesday 9th October the 'core staff' teams of all 7 County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) and Sport England South West met for a regional event. The event was set up as a way of ‘getting to know our region better’ and to look at ways of working together effectively. With all our equivalent counterparts in the same room it gave us all a chance to share good practice and experience, develop new insights and understand the wider regional perspective. A key message that came out was to make better use of data to inform planning, and decisions aimed at increasing and sustaining participation.
The Active Start Programme So Far
The Active Start project a partnership between Gloucestershire County Council, Sports Leaders UK and Active Gloucestershire is developing and expanding at quite an incredible rate. In the first six months over 1900 people (1252 under 16s and 687 over 16s) have experienced coaching, mentoring and training across the nine Children’s Centres. Those involved are children, parents/carers, Nursery staff, Family Services staff, volunteers, childminders and Children’s Centre management. Through our delivery clear training pathways have been identified that will lead to an increase in the number of Sports Leaders across the nine Children’s Centres and their communities. Parents and staff have already begun participating in and leading activities, and further training opportunities will ensure sustainability and a lasting impact within each community. We are working closely with partners in each of the districts to identify ways to further the opportunities of families involved in the Active Start scheme to increase their participation in physical activities.
Working with children, families and staff:
The Active Start programme during the October-December period will be delivered in both curriculum (Nursery, Pre-school) and community settings (Drop-ins), and through staff meetings and training sessions.
The Active Start coaches are using each coaching session as a training platform to up-skill staff. The sessions develop Fundamental movement and the programme in September/October used the “Top Start”, “Let’s Move” and “Take Ten: Fit to Succeed” resources to support delivery . In November/December the focus will be on “Wake and Shake” type aerobic activities to increase fitness and use the “Big” Badminton resources and Yoga to support delivery.
To read a case study from the Active Start Progrtamme please click here.
Two Gloucestershire Girls aim for England Hockey
Two Gloucestershire U17 County Girls have been selected for England trials which took place at Bisham Abbey on the 17th and 18th November. Both these girls have developed through the County hockey system attending Development Centres and Satellite Academies.
Georgia Rawlinson, Cheltenham College and Firebrands Hockey club, played last year for the England U16’s and captained the side in Edinburgh in July at the European Championships where they won, beating Holland in the final.
Holly Chipman (Cheltenham College and East Glos HC) also played in the England U16 squad last year. Both girls have been selected from the recent Regional Hockey Tournament at Millfield, where they were chosen to represent the West girls squads at U17 and U15 age groups. The West U17’s came third at the tournament, coached by another Gloucestershire coach Carolyn Rolleston. The U15’s came 5th. Both girls are delighted with their selection and are now in training ready for the trials.
Two other players from Gloucestershire are also training with England U21’s Hockey. Will Pearce who coaches at Cheltenham Junior Hockey Club and plays for Stourport HC and his sister Harriet Pearce who is now at Bath University and plays for Clifton Hockey Club are both making regular trips to Bisham Abbey and Loughborough University to train with the England U21 squads.
Ben Marsden who originally started his playing career at Cheltenham Junior Hockey Club and now plays at Surbiton, also continues to play for the Senior Men’s GB Squad who have just been out to play in Holland and will soon be travelling to Kuala Lumpur to play in the Champions Challenge Trophy.
2008 is nearly on us and the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an undoubted highlight of the sporting year. And when the flame goes out in China and the torch is passed to London there will be just four years to go. Preparations for London 2012 are gaining momentum not just in terms of constructing the 2012 venues but also in laying plans to create the national and local legacy.
2012 provides South West education inspiration
Once-in-a-generation opportunities provided by the London 2012 Games were the underlying theme during a major education and skills conference in Exeter on October 23, organised by the Learning and Skills Council in partnership with Team South West. Click here for more information.
Rock solid start to £21m Portland Marina
Thousands of tonnes of rock are being placed in Portland Harbour as work gathers pace on the new £21 million Portland Marina. Click here for more information.
2012 South West Creative Programmer officially unveiled
Richard Crowe has been appointed by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge to be 'Creative Programmer' for the South West. Click here for more information.
76% of people are pleased London is staging the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012
A new nationwide survey suggests 76 per cent of people are pleased London is staging the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012 – with even higher backing among younger people and in London, southern England and Northern Ireland.
The poll, with more than 2,000 people questioned by the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB), also shows widespread optimism that the Games will have a positive effect on London and the whole country and high levels of confidence that the UK will stage successful Games in 2012.
Strongest support for the Games came from 25 to 34 year olds, with 90% saying they were pleased London is staging the Games, in Northern Ireland (88%), in London (82%), among 35 to 44 year olds (82%), among 15 to 24 year olds (81%) and in southern England, where backing was 80%.
Even where support was lowest, more than six out of ten were pleased about London hosting the Games. Among those aged 65 and older backing was put at 66%, with 67% of 55 to 64 year olds pleased, 69% in Scotland and 70% in the Midlands.
Among other findings, the polling suggests:
- 81% think 2012 will have a positive effect on London and 70% on the country as a whole.
- 76% are confident the UK will host successful Games.
- 63% think the legacy from 2012 should be wider than just sport.
But only 39% know “a lot” or “a little” about plans for the 2012 Games, with 41%knowing “not very much” and the remaining one fifth nothing. However in London the figure rises to 64%.
Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell welcomed the poll’s findings:
“More than two years after we won the Games, over three-quarters of those questioned remain enthusiastic about the world’s top event coming to London – a real sign of a positive attitude which will inspire us all to deliver the maximum benefits for the whole country, as well as staging a terrific festival of sport.”
But she added: “We must not get complacent. We don’t have a day to waste and it is up to all of us – not just Government – to act to maximise the benefits. The polling shows that many people still have to switch on to 2012. When they do, I am confident support will reach even higher levels.”
The survey was carried out to aid work developing the Government’s ‘Our Promise for 2012’ before the publication of its Legacy Action Plan in the next few months.
More than two-thirds of those surveyed rated 'inspiring young people to take part in local volunteering, cultural and physical activity' as the most important of the five promises. The second most popular, backed by just over 50%, was demonstrating that the UK is a creative, inclusive and welcoming place to live in, visit or do business in.
Tessa Jowell said: “We wanted to know what the people’s priorities were for 2012 to make sure that the Games and our ambitions for an enduring legacy were in accord – and they are. There is wide awareness – and even greater support – for our drive to create jobs, increase participation in sport, provide new facilities and promote the UK as a great place to visit – with a special focus on young people.
“We will now use this research to make sure we focus our energies and attention on the things that people think matter most, and the activities that we know they will respond to and get involved with from now to 2012 and beyond.”
Creative Dance Club Launched in Stroud
On Thursday 1st November children and young people with disabilities took over Thomas Keble Dance Studio as a new creative dance club was launched. The new club is open to children and young people between the ages of 10-16 years old from the Stroud District and beyond with physical, sensory and learning disabilities.
It is a partnership project between Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire Dance, and the Stroud and District School Sport Partnership.
The club sessions will provide a safe, fun and inclusive environment for children and young people to become creative with dance.
Hannah Drew, Community Disability Development Officer for Stroud District Council said:
” A club like this has never existed in the district before. This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people with disabilities to participate in dance. It will allow them to develop their creative potential in an enjoyable way!”
Sessions cost £3 per person, and run from 4.30pm-6.00pm every Thursday until 13th December 2007. It is anticipated that the sessions will continue in the New Year but this will be down to the success of the trail period. It is advised that participants wear suitable loose and comfortable clothing.
To avoid disappointment and to book a place, please contact Hannah Drew on 07921 250092 or email hannah.drew@stroud.gov.uk prior to the first club session.
Sports Hall Launch at Thomas Keble School
An impressive £900,000 Sports Hall at Thomas Keble School officially opened its doors to the community on Thursday 11th October.
A number of local guests were invited to witness Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist Dan Robinson perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the fantastic new hall for public use.
As a joint use facility the Sports Hall has already had a great impact on sporting opportunities for the pupils and now serve the needs of the local community during evenings and weekends.
The new hall can host a range of activities including five-a-side football, badminton, netball, basketball, cricket, sports hall athletics and others. Sports clubs, community groups and individuals are now able to book regular slots in the hall.
Nicola Beattie, Sport Development Officer at Stroud District Council added “We are excited by this new facility development. There has been a great deal of interest in the sports hall already the facility is a great asset to Eastcombe and the surrounding communities.”
The centre also boasts a fitness suite, gym and dance studio and to coincide with the opening of the new Sports hall, Stroud District Council have launched a programme of fitness classes including aerobics, conditioning classes, circuits, Pilates and Spin with state of the art Keiser Spin bikes.
For more information about Thomas Keble Sports Centre please call 01452 770617 or email leisure@stroud.gov.uk
Hello and Goodbye
We are pleased to welcome some new Community Sports Coaches to Active Gloucestershire, Andrew Herbert and Nathan Clarke.
Andrew Herbert, Multi Skills and women's and Girls Football Community Sports Coach
Nathan Clarke, Paddle Sports Community Sports Coach
Andrew Herbert has just arrived to take on the role as Girls Football and Multi Skills Community Sports Coach (CSC). Andy (as he prefers to be known) first became involved in coaching in his second year at University where he worked for Cardiff City Football Club’s, Football in the Community Department. During this period of time, as well as gaining a degree in Sports Coaching, he managed to complete his UEFA C license for Wales as well as several Sports Coach UK workshops. Over the last year Andy has been completing a Masters in Sports Development and Coaching as well as working for a private sports coaching company operating in Gloucestershire. This experience has enabled him to coach other sports such as tag rugby, cricket, basketball and multi skills.
Another recent appointment is Nathan Clarke. Nathan will be working as the Paddlesport CSC, and is based at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre where he has worked for the past four years. Nathan first found his passion for paddling when he was at Hartpury College. After leaving college he worked for PGL as an instructor on the mighty Ardeche River where he worked as a river leader. After three years of singing songs and telling jokes Nathan felt he needed to be challenge more so went to America to deliver canoeing expeditions down the Delaware River to under privileged young people from New York and the surrounding districts.
Club Coach Officer for the Rugby Football Union for Women Appointed
Vicky Buck has been appointed as the new Club Coach Officer for the Rugby Football Union for Women for South West Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Her focus is on club development and coach education and she is keen to get in touch with any one in this field. Should you wish to get in touch with Vicky please contact her on:
Mobile: 07912 540950
Email: victoriabuck@rfu.com
Visit: www.rfu.com
We say goodbye to... ...
One of our valued CSC’s is leaving. Patrizio De Rossi has only been with the partnership for a short while working on the Active Start Programme. Over the last 6 months Patrizio has had a massive impact on the programme delivering to over 800 young people, parents/carers and staff. Patrizio will be leaving on 7th December to take on a role in a Secondary School, closer to where he lives in Bristol.
We wish you the best of luck in your new role.
This role will be advertised as soon as possible. If you know of anyone who may be interested please contact Kerry Dexter, Sport Development Team Leader (Coaching) at kdexter@glos.ac.uk or on 01242 715193.
