Sports News

From 26th September to 5th October, the Portuguese seaside resort of Cascais will see pro-surfers from around the globe descend on its white sandy shores, as it plays host to the Cascais Billabong Pro and Cascais Women's Pro surf championships. The events will see the world's best male and female surfers competing to take top prize, as well as welcome the new autumn and winter surf season.

Cascais is only 30 minutes from Lisbon, making it an ideal day out for surf-lovers on a city break. With world class waves, plenty of sunshine, stunning views and great restaurants nearby, surfers of all abilities will find Cascais a surfing paradise. For advanced surfers, the waves are best during the autumn and winter season, as the slightly cooler weather conditions create bigger and more challenging waves, with some reaching as high as eight feet tall.

Other popular surfing areas in the Lisbon region include:

• The surrounding area of Cascais (coastline between Lisbon and Cascais) has a number of great surfing beaches, in particular the beaches of Carcavelos, S. Pedro do Estoril and Guincho, which are renowned for their reliable surfing conditions and picturesque views.
• The Costa da Caparica, to the south of the city, offers 15km of idyllic golden sandy beaches and consistent beach breaks all year round.
• Ericeira, dubbed as Portugal's surf capital, boasts high-density surf breaks and waves which are suitable for all levels of experience – from novices to professionals. Ericeira was the first “reserve” to be included in the World Surfing Reserve list back in 2011.

Two of Sandwell’s future sporting heroes have picked up Gifted & Talented grants from Sandwell Council to help them fulfil their dreams.

Christopher Gardner, aged 17 from Tividale and Leo Handy, aged 13 from Oldbury, were presented with £500 each by cabinet member for leisure Councillor Richard Marshall.

Chris aims to become a hockey international and Leo is working towards becoming a member of the GB Weightlifting squad.

Councillor Marshall said: “We know what sacrifices young people have to make to reach the top in any sport – and the sacrifices their families make too in terms of travelling, accommodation and dedicating their own time.

“So even though it’s Chris and Leo who we are supporting, I’m also very aware of the support they get from their families and we want to help through our Gifted & Talented grant scheme.

“Chris and Leo are fantastic role models for their peers and we hope will one day soon be putting Sandwell on the sporting map.”

Leo may be just 13-year-old but he is already a multiple champion having won the British Schools Olympic Weightlifting competition for the third time in succession.

He recently achieved two personal bests whilst competing at a competition in Derbyshire lifting 37kg in the snatch and 50kg in the clean and jerk.

Next year Leo will progress to compete in the open category and his aim is to become a member of the Great Britain squad.

Rising hockey star Chris Gardener has already been selected to play in the Great Britain Colleges hockey team. The 17-year-old has also played for the Ireland under 18 national team and hopes to continue developing and establish himself as an international player.

Chris recently competed in the West Midlands Men’s Hockey (Association of Colleges) team which won the gold medal at the AOC National Championships.

Sandwell Council’s Gifted & Talented programme is still open to applications having been specifically set up to provide financial support to elite young athletes living in the borough.

Three lucky golfers are set to go head-to-head in pursuit of Million Dollar Hole In One’s $1million in the stunning mountain setting of the Golf & Spa Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel, Austria next week (Tuesday, September 12).

Marissa L’Estrange, 55, from Brisbane, Australia, Merja Salminen, 54, from Sipoo, Finland and Jose Pinto Da Silva, 59, from Lisbon, Portugal will all be aiming to bag a hole-in-one and walk away with the bank-busting $1million prize.

Former England strike ace Alan Shearer is attending the potentially life-changing shootout on the par-three second hole at the 18-hole Championship course Eichenheim, which boasts spectacular views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, between Sunday, September 10 and Wednesday 13.

L’Estrange, a teaching assistant, who has a handicap of 24, qualified for the final after bagging an ace at the Vale Do Lobo Algarve Golf Club, which is one of MDHIO’s 40-plus associated courses across Europe.

She revealed: “We played the Ocean Course and came across the MDHIO competition on the seventh hole and only decided to enter because my husband was running out of balls, and by entering we received a sleeve of three. I hit a driver on the 149-metre (165-yards) par-three and was lucky enough to get a hole-in-one.”

Situated about an hour from Salzburg Airport, the Golf & Spa Resort Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel is a luxurious hotel, featuring an extensive range of facilities such as the Grand Alps SPA that includes an indoor/outdoor pool, six saunas and 13 treatment rooms.

MDHIO, which has been running since 1990 in USA and since 2000 in Europe, has steadily grown in popularity over the years with more than 50,000 people each year trying their luck at the various par-three holes at the 40 associated courses across Portugal, mainland Spain, Majorca and the UK.

The final will be held in Las Vegas, USA every other year and hosted at other top venues across the world in alternative seasons.

MDHIO director Martin Tyrrell added: “We have our three finalists and they all now are just one shot away from winning $1million. We have a real range in handicaps, so it shows a hole in one is far from impossible.

“It is going to be a fantastic occasion. Alan Shearer is a very keen golfer and he will be there watching and supporting the finalists. He would love to try his luck and play the stunning course, but sadly he has injured his arm.

“This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a huge amount of cash. But even if a hole-in-one does not materialise, it will be an amazing couple of days in an absolutely beautiful setting.”

MDHIO, which is part of Million Dollar Holdings, is also offering golfers another chance to scoop $1m after teaming up with American Golf. The retailer is running a simulator challenge until August 20th at participating stores across the country with anyone who nets an ace or the 10 nearest the pin going through to a final shootout at the world-renowned Belfry on Thursday, September 7.

Acupuncture, yoga and deep tissue massages are just some of the traditional wellness activities and treatments that come to mind when dreaming of a relaxing holiday, and practices becoming ever more important in the fast paced, tech-filled lives we lead. Not a destination to stick to the norm however, Arizona, the birthplace of hot stone massages and home to the strongest healing energy on the planet, has a number of cutting edge and unusual wellness therapies to satisfy even the most serious shaman. From yoga with goats, exercises for the brain and a retreat dedicated totally to rejuvenation, Arizona is a haven for holiday health. Here are Arizona's most unique and unusual wellness experiences to rejuvenate the body and the soul…

For animal lovers…Goat Yoga

Yoga, an ancient practice aimed to improve flexibility, energy levels and muscle strength has been taken to whole new caprine heights with the introduction of Goat Yoga, which sees yogis and goats pose together to relax and de-stress. During the guided yoga classes, run by Mesa-based Sarah Williams, the gentle animals roam around as participants get into downward dog (or perhaps downward goat) with the goats then carefully placed on the guests whilst holding poses, to ease stress and reap the benefits of being around calming animals. Participants have reported that the unique yoga class clears the mind and offers a chance to release endorphins from exercise, whilst increasing oxytocin from pet therapy. In the summer months goat yoga raves and pyjama parties are also on offer.

For good vibrations…Sedona's Vortexes

Travellers come from all across the globe to experience the vortex energy centers of Sedona, an area which has become a spiritual mecca and haven for healers and spiritual guides owing to this powerful energy emitted by the famous red rocks. The vortex energy is said to connect with the inner self of any person within half a mile of each vortex, and depending on their sensitivity to the energy can heal past emotional wounds, bring positivity to the self and help people embrace a loving and open way of life.  There are four main spiritual vortexes in Sedona, at Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa and Cathedral Rock.

For golfers…Golf Ball Massage

Designed especially for those who need to limber up before or unwind after 18 holes, the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale offers the golfers massage, a therapeutic treatment which involves stretching techniques to knead tight muscles and ease golf related stiffness, and warm golf balls rolled along the neck muscles and either side of the spine to relieve tension and soothe the key muscles used in a golf swing.

The burgeoning European Amateur Golf Tour (EAGT), now established as the most popular amateur golf tour in Europe, will launch its 2018 season in spectacular fashion at the five-star La Manga Club resort in Spain.The burgeoning European Amateur Golf Tour (EAGT), now established as the most popular amateur golf tour in Europe, will launch its 2018 season in spectacular fashion at the five-star La Manga Club resort in Spain.

Taking place from November 17-20, the 'La Manga Club Murcia Open' offers golfers the chance to enjoy four rounds of golf at the world-famous resort and a range of other attractive benefits, with packages starting from just £595 per person.

The 2017 EAGT tournament schedule featured some of the most prestigious names in golf including top American venues Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, Sawgrass, Whistling Straits, as well as classic European courses such as Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Sunningdale, Les Bordes and PGA Catalunya.

Royal Birkdale and Erin Hills, hosts of this year's Open Championship and US Open, also featured and the 2018 tour promises to be just as strong – with La Manga Club leading the way.

Boasting three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole academy course and outstanding practice facilities, the award-winning resort in Murcia, south-east Spain, is the perfect setting for any professional or amateur event and has established itself as a firm favourite with golfers across Europe since opening its doors in 1972.

Open to all male and female golf club members with an active CONGU handicap or overseas equivalent, the November event includes four rounds of golf – two each on La Manga Club's acclaimed North and South courses – and will be scored on an individual Stableford points basis with competitors playing off their full handicaps.

An array of prizes will be awarded to the players with the best scores after each round, while the overall tournament champion will win automatic qualification to the 2018 EAGT Final.

As well as golf, players will enjoy three nights' accommodation in either La Manga Club's four-star Las Lomas Village or five-star Hotel Principe Felipe. Non-golf packages are also available to book with all prices – which are based on two people sharing a room – including complimentary access to the facilities at the luxury Spa La Manga Club, plus the opportunity to experience La Manga Club's array of other sports and leisure amenities, including a choice of 20 bars and restaurants.

Launched in 1997, the EAGT provides amateurs with the opportunity to play competitive golf at some of the world's top courses. Following on from a successful 2017, next year's tour is again set to feature around 90 events at 30-plus world-class golfing venues, with each event contributing to an overall Order of Merit table.

As well as featuring many of the UK's top golfing venues, the Tour also offers gives amateurs the chance to experience some of the most exclusive courses in Europe and North America.

“Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are a major landmark event in China’s history. Air China will bring its own strengths into play and mobilize its resources to spread Olympic Values and increase the impact of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Song Zhiyong.

“Air China has the capacity and confidence to promote the Olympic spirit through innovative approaches, fulfill the promise as an Official Partner, and support the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with high quality services”, added Song Zhiyong.

Air China is the country’s largest airline and exclusive national flag carrier, as well as the Official Partner for Beijing 2008. “We congratulate Air China in again partnering its services with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in China for Beijing 2022″, said Zhang Jiandong. “Beijing 2022 will spare no effort to provide quality services to ensure Air China enjoy the widespread benefits of being an Official Partner of Beijing 2022″, added Zhang Jiandong.

Since the launch of the Beijing 2022 Marketing Programme earlier this year, the work has been progressing smoothly. According to Beijing 2022, the Official Dairy Products Partner and the Official Sports Apparel Partner will be announced to the public soon.

Abbie-Jane Mansell may only just qualify for the 14 to 17-year-olds category in her chosen sport of Karate, but that did not stop her from coming home from the European Championships in Belgium with three gold medals.

14-year-old Abbie-Jane, from Hill Top took part in the individual, pairs and team events, striking gold each time, so it is no surprise that Abbie-Jane has been awarded one of Sandwell Council’s ‘Gifted and Talented’ grant awards.

Councillor Richard Marshall, who chairs the Gifted and Talented grant awards panel, said ‘Abbie-Jane is obviously so committed to her sport and I have to say the control and discipline a sport like karate requires mean that Abbie-Jane works very hard and shows a great deal of determination to have already achieved so much.

We hope Abbie-Jane continues to excel at the top level and Sandwell council is pleased to support Abbie-Jane and her family.  This is what we are all about doing, helping our young people who are achieving at the highest level.’

As Karate is now a recognised Olympic sport Abbie-Jane, who goes to school at Sandwell Academy has set her sights on aiming for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  Abbie-Jane who trains twice a week at the Moose Martial Arts Academy, in West Bromwich under Sensi (or coach) Shannon Parsons, as well as training with the full England squad.  Shannon has also represented England at full international level, before turning to coaching along with a career in the police.

Abbie-Jane has just been selected to compete in the next European Championships in Sardinia in October and will be representing England again in December at a team tournament in Rotterdam.  Next year Abbie-Jane is targetting the 2018 World Championships in Leicester.

Sandwell Council’s ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme is still open to applications having been specifically set up to provide financial support to elite young athletes living in the Borough.  Anyone living in Sandwell and competing at top level can visit the webpage www.sandwell.gov.uk/giftedandtalented for more information about grants available to support Sandwell’s top young athletes.

One of the most respected coaches in British sport, Leon Smith has helped to mastermind the return of the nation as a major force in world tennis, and Great Britain's Davis Cup captain will be offering a detailed insight into his coaching philosophy at an exclusive academy taking place at La Manga Club this autumn.

Smith has overseen one of the most successful periods in British tennis since being appointed as captain in 2010, taking his side from European minnows to Davis Cup champions in 2015, and will give an in-depth assessment of his reign at a 'Special La Manga Club Tennis Academy Week with Leon Smith' at the Spanish resort from October 16-20.

As part of the academy, which is limited to a maximum of 50 people, the British tennis supremo will be offering invaluable advice, tuition and tips to help players improve their techniques at La Manga Club – the official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association.

The training camp is taking place for the second year running and, in addition to receiving expert tuition, attendees will have the chance to enjoy a gala dinner hosted by Smith, where he will provide a personal insight into British tennis in a period that has seen home-grown players win eight Gram Slam titles.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive Q & A session with the GB captain before guests are treated to a lavish dinner at La Manga Club's Amapola Restaurant. Tickets for the evening are also available to hotel guests and resort residents and are priced at €65 for adults.

Smith said: “It is a real pleasure for me and everyone at the Lawn Tennis Association to work with La Manga Club. With first-class facilities and a training environment that is second to none, the resort deserves to be regarded as one of the world's premier destinations for tennis and caters for the needs of all types of players.

“I thoroughly enjoyed having the chance to work with players on the academy last year, and I'm looking forward to having another opportunity to share some of the ideas in our coaching philosophy that has helped bring about a resurgence in British tennis in recent years.”

Packages for the October camp feature six nights' accommodation in La Manga Club's five-star Hotel Principe Felipe including breakfast and access to the five-star Spa La Manga Club's fitness centre, indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms.

With an average of more than 300 days' sunshine a year, La Manga Club – recently named as one of the world's top tennis venues by leading website Tennis Resorts Online – offers the perfect destination for professional and amateur tennis players to work on all aspects of their technique under sunny skies at the venue's outstanding 28-court centre.

Tickets for the IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018 went on sale, with thousands expected to be snapped up in the next few days, following a superb summer of athletics.

Nearly 8,000 tickets for the Championships were bought on the first day of the pre-sale period at the end of May and organisers of the event, which will be held at Arena Birmingham from 1 to 4 March, have seen a huge increase in interest, following the IAAF World Championships in London, so demand is expected to be high for general sale too.

British Athletics Chief Executive Niels de Vos said: “The IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018 will be one of the biggest sporting events of the year and is not to be missed. After the amazing success of the IAAF World Championships in London this month, we are already looking forward to welcoming the world’s best athletes to Birmingham for what will be a fantastic global event. Indoor athletics is all about excitement and drama and the state of the art Arena Birmingham is the perfect venue, allowing spectators to get close to the action and offering the perfect view from any seat.”

Tickets prices have been set with families in mind as Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader for Birmingham City Council, who are jointly organising the Championships, said: “We wanted to ensure that this event would be fantastic value for families in Birmingham and beyond and with all children’s tickets costing £5 and prices starting at £20 for adults, a family of four can come to some sessions of the Championships for just £50.

“Staging this event in Birmingham, so soon after London’s hugely successful World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships, means that those people who missed out on tickets this summer now have another chance to experience the excitement of live athletics and to come and watch the world’s best athletes at a major championships and this time they’ll be competing in one of Birmingham’s world-class sporting venues.”

There are six different sessions for the Championships, one on Thursday 1 March, two on Friday 2 March, two on Saturday 3 March and one final session on Sunday 4 March. The price of tickets varies across these sessions, with three categories of ticket (pink, green and blue) offering great choice as well as great value.  Every single session has concession tickets available. The £5 tickets are available for children aged 2 to 16, students and people over 65 and no fees are charged on these tickets.

The Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport is gearing up for the 12th annual weekend celebration on 27 - 28 August, Bank Holiday weekend.

Perfect for auto enthusiasts and families, the Festival of Transport is a celebration of vintage, classic and modern classic cars, exhibitors, trade stands, competitions and motoring history.

For the first time in 2017, the Festival of Transport will also feature the Electric Automobile Association's (ElectrAA) Electric Vehicle Zone sponsored by OVO Energy, the UK's leading independent energy supplier. The Electric Vehicle Zone features an exciting new section of electric cars and motorcycles. Full electric, hybrid, bridging cars and classics converted to electric will be on display plus the latest production electric cars and bikes, most of which will be available for test drives.

Sunday 27 August will feature the Classic Car Show and Monday 28 August will include not only the Classic Cars but also motorcycles, Minis and VWs, Customs, Hot Rods and Americans, Kit and Sports Cars.

The Bank Holiday experience once again features a full vehicle concours lead by MC Les Clayton who brings over 19 years' experience as an MC and commentator at classic vehicle events. Les' interactive approach will get all the family excited about the vehicular spectacle. Expect plenty to see and do around the grounds.

Leading vehicle event organisers Classic Shows have been running specialist car shows for over 30 years and know exactly what gets the 'petrol head' in all of us hot under the bonnet.

From young to old the Festival of Transport is a true celebration of motoring history and achievement with plenty of exciting things to see, hear and do to keep all the family entertained.

Matthew J Harvey, Managing Director of Classic Shows, said: “Classic Shows is delighted to be working with ElectrAA and OVO Energy on this ground-breaking new event. The idea to combine classic and electric vehicle content is an innovative concept and the Electric Vehicle Zone will be the largest exhibition of electric vehicles and electric vehicle content seen in the UK to date. To this effect, Classic Shows, ElectrAA and OVO Energy are leading the way in promoting the electric vehicle movement.

Tom Pakenham, Head of Electric Vehicles, OVO Energy said: “We are excited to sponsor ElectrAA's Electric Vehicle Zone as part of the Festival of Transport. With the momentum for electric vehicles growing rapidly across the UK and the number expected to reach one million by 2022, we are helping to power the emerging electric vehicle revolution. We're thrilled to fuse the electric experience with a celebration of classic cars at Blenheim, ushering in a new age for motoring.”

World record ticket sales, historic firsts, entertaining presentation and a fun spectator experience have all combined to help make the IAAF World Championships London 2017 a hugely successful event.

Held in the UK for the first time ever, 2,200 athletes from 203 nations travelled to London while fans from across Britain and the globe poured into the London Stadium and onto the capital’s streets to make history.

The Championships will go down as the best ever for ticket sales after organisers were awarded an official Guinness World Record for the number of tickets sold for an IAAF World Championships in front of a packed London Stadium on the closing night.

The figure recorded on the official Guinness World Record certificate is 701,889 but with that taken two days before the end of the Championships, it will be updated to reflect the over 705,000 eventually sold. Session 12 on the morning of Saturday 12 August was the best ticketed session at 56,620.

The London Stadium was not the sole focus for the Championships with the men’s and women’s marathons, held on the same day of the Championships (Sunday 6 August) for the first time ever, and attracting 150,000 spectators around its landmark filled 10km loop course.

With a backdrop of Buckingham Palace, crowds also flocked to The Mall in their thousands to witness the first ever Festival of Race Walks (Sunday 13 August), which saw all four races held on a single day for the first time ever.

Arguably the unexpected star of the Championships was the official mascot Hero the Hedgehog, who brought laughter for those watching live in the stadium or at home during every appearance.

With over three times the amount of applications to places available, it took the help of 4,500 volunteers, known as Runners, to stage the Championships. The Runners brought with them fluency in more than 65 different languages, helping spectators enjoy an engaging experience.

Niels de Vos, Championship Director and CEO of UK Athletics, said: “As the organising committee of the IAAF World Championships London 2017, we are extremely proud to have delivered a Championships that has received such great support from the athletes and the public, whether watching in the stadium or at home.

“Over ten days of world-class athletics both in Stratford and across central London, we have witnessed the world’s top sportsmen and women perform at their very best. The response has truly shown the impact athletics continues to have on the UK and beyond.

“From our record-breaking ticket sales to the fantastic dedication of our Runners and even to our official mascot Hero, it has been a pleasure to stage these Championships for every single one of the 2,200 athletes from 203 nations involved.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The IAAF World Athletics Championships really captured the spirit of London and will live long in the memory as another chapter in an unforgettable summer of sport in our great city. We’ve seen medals won and personal bests smashed, and there’s no better honour for London than staging the final championship races of legends Mo Farah and Usain Bolt.

“More than 700,000 people filled the London Stadium, beating all previous attendance records, while millions around the globe have been watching what has been a truly memorable World Athletics Championships. I am so proud London was the first city to host both the World Para Athletics Championships and the IAAF World Athletics Championships in the same year, proving once again that London really is the sporting capital of the world.”

Simon Morton, COO of UK Sport and London 2017 Board member, said: “The World Athletics Championships has broken records and brought back the spirit of London 2012 to London and the UK.

“From our enthusiastic crowds, dedicated volunteers and of course this spectacular venue, we have once again shown why the UK is the best place in the world to host major sporting events.

“This wouldn’t be possible without National Lottery players’ support for our major events programme at UK Sport, and we look forward to continuing to bring events like this one to the UK for many years to come to inspire the nation.”

Britain’s World 4x400m relay heroes will be among a stellar line up of 19 London 2017 world champions and 40 medallists, competing at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham this Sunday.

Silver medallists Eilidh Doyle and Zoey Clark will line up in the 400m hurdles and 400m respectively at the Alexander Stadium.

Doyle, Clark, Laviai Nielsen, and Emily Diamond ran a brilliant race in the London Stadium, clocking 3:25.00, to finish in second behind an outstanding USA team and hold off Poland down the home straight.

Eilidh said: “After seeing the incredible performances from both the sprint relay teams, we were really fired up to do well and it paid off. To win a world silver medal on home soil is amazing and it’s given me a real boost going into the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham next Sunday, where I’ll be looking to end my UK season with a good result in the 400m hurdles.”

She added: “Lots of the GB team will be competing in Birmingham and it’s always a great meet, so we can go to the Alexander Stadium and enjoy ourselves and celebrate a fantastic summer.”

All four of the bronze medal winning men’s quartet of Matthew Hudson-Smith, Dwayne Cowan, Rabah Yousif and Martyn Rooney, will race over 400m at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham.

The men produced a superb performance in the world final, recording a season’s best of 2:59.00 seconds to finish behind Trinidad and Tobago and the USA, taking the British medal tally to six.

Hudson-Smith said: “Winning a world bronze medal in the 4x400m was brilliant and I can’t wait to go back to race at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham on my home track, as a London 2017 medallist.”

All four gold medallists from Britain’s World Championship winning men’s 4x100m relay team, and the silver medal winning women’s sprint quartet, will also be celebrating in style at the Alexander Stadium. That includes mens 4x100m gold medallists; CJ Ujah, Adam Gemili, Danny Talbot and anchor Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, whilst the women’s 4x100 silver medallists of Asha Philip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita.

Philip said: “To win a world silver medal as part of this amazing relay team was incredible, and we’re all going to be racing at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, so we’ll get another chance to celebrate together. We’ll be lining up against each other as well as the some of the world’s best sprinters and it’ll be a great opportunity to thank the British fans for their awesome support this year.”

All the Brits and many of the international athletes know from experience that the fans in Birmingham really love their athletics and they are some of the best spectators in the world. So, everyone can expect a fantastic atmosphere at the Alexander Stadium this weekend,” he added.

The IAAF Diamond League meeting will be the culmination of an outstanding summer of global athletics events in the UK and include Mo Farah’s last ever track race on home soil.

The Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, supported by Birmingham City Council, takes place this Sunday, August 20.

The Genting Arena will stage international netball this November as England face Malawi.

After the roaring success of Super Ten, Tracey Neville’s side will come to the Midlands for the third and final match of the Vitality Netball International Series.

It will be a brilliant opportunity to see the Roses in action in their last International Series of 2017 as preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and England’s hunt for gold intensifies.

Malawi are currently ranked sixth in the official INF world rankings and are always real crowd pleasers with their flair, energy and passion.

The first two matches of the 2017 series will take place at in London on 24 and 26 November.

The teams then move to Birmingham for the last – and potential deciding – match of the series, which will take place on Wednesday 29^th November at 7:45pm.

It promises to be a thrilling battle between two dynamic, world class teams and tickets are expected to go fast so don’t miss out on your chance to be courtside!

Rugby 7s is a fantastic showcase of sport, demonstrating energy, skill and passion, with both players and fans actively engaging in the game.

As one of the Midlands’ premier sports stadiums that successfully hosted Rugby World Cup fixtures for the 2015 Championship, Villa Park Stadium, with 42,700 seats and home to English Football League club Aston Villa, was the obvious choice for hosting Rugby 7s, as part of Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid.

Aston Villa Chief Executive, Keith Wyness, is fully backing Birmingham’s bid and believes the venue will host a spectacular Rugby 7s tournament:

“Villa Park is a great sporting venue and an iconic Midlands sports institute. It has an amazing sporting history dating back to the 1900s and, as well as our regular football fixtures and the two Rugby World Cup 2015 matches, we have hosted many major events over the years, from boxing matches to concerts for music legends such as Springsteen and Take That.

“Rugby 7s is a fantastic event, providing a great day out for sports fans. I am sure that many Villa fans would want to be there and will be thrilled that Villa Park is playing a role.

“Our players and coaching staff would also welcome the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There will be great opportunities to share information in the pursuit of sporting excellence and it would just be fantastic to be part of the event.

“Everybody at Villa Park said that hosting the Rugby World Cup was one of the most fulfilling things we have done for our community. We are a great community based club and it is important that we play our part in delivering the best ever Games in 2022.

“Being part of Team Birmingham and helping to bring the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham is something we are proud to be doing. This will be another first for Villa and we look forward to playing our role.

“I spent five years managing The Olympic Club for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and then seven years on the board of the SECC Hydro Arena, which was a focal point for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. I have seen multi-sport events close up and know the amazing effect they can have and the positive impact they can bring to a host city.

“It is fantastic to be part of Birmingham’s Bid and with the role of the Commonwealth likely to become more important for Britain going forward, we will do all we can to bring the Games here.

“Bring it on!”

Villa players agree and cannot wait to see the Games come to Birmingham. Aston Villa FC and Wales national team player, James Chester said:

“Villa Park is one of the most inspiring stadiums a sportsperson could wish to compete in. It is both a traditional and iconic arena.

“Emerging from the tunnel and walking out into a wall of noise from all four stands is an uplifting experience. The Rugby 7s teams will have an incredible experience playing at Villa Park during Birmingham 2022 so let’s back the bid. ”

James Rodwell is England’s most capped Rugby 7s player of all time. He won a Silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the sport’s inaugural Games and is a two-times Commonwealth Games player (Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014). Having studied at University of Birmingham and played for Moseley Rugby Club, Rodwell is championing Birmingham’s bid:

“Rugby 7s is one of the most popular events at the Commonwealth Games. The atmosphere is electric and the fans get passionately involved so, as a player, it is an amazing experience to be part of. I have great memories of competing at the Commonwealth Games and would love to be representing England at Villa Park in 2022. Rugby fans who watched the Rugby World Cup fixtures at Villa Park will agree it was sensational. Let’s back Birmingham 2022 so we can recreate that again.”

A student footballer has hit the big time after signing a one-year contract with Birmingham City Football Club as a defender.

Remeao Hutton scored his big break while playing for Hednesford Town FC’s Academy, a training programme delivered by Sutton Coldfield College.

“I want to keep getting better as a player,” said the 18-year-old, also from Sutton Coldfield.  “12 months from now I want to have made it on to the first team’s bench and shown everyone what I can do.”

Remeao completed a sports performance and excellence course at the college and was part of Hednesford Town FC Academy’s First Team.  He also played for the college’s men’s football team where he helped to win the Association of Colleges (AoC) national knockout cup.

“I first came across Remeao when he was four-years-old,” said his college coach, Nick Heath.  “Even then his determination to be a successful footballer shone through.  It’s rare to come across someone so driven and focused.  He constantly asks questions about training methods and how he can improve his performance.

“Everyone at the college wishes him well.  His success is all the more special to us as he came through an Academy programme we had developed.”

It was during a FA Youth Cup game involving Hednesford Town Academy and Tamworth Football Club Academy that Remeao was first talent spotted by the club.

“I completed a trial for them in March and haven’t been away from the club since,” continued Remeao.  “In April I came on as a sub in an under-23s game against Bristol City and felt really comfortable playing at this level.  Signing a contract is an amazing step up and so is the time I’ve spent at the training ground.

“The college has fully backed me through all this.  They set up flexible lessons so I could commit to training sessions and keep up with coursework.

“There’s so much more I still want to do,” he added.  “Fitness is a big part of my plans.  I go to the gym every day on top of going to training.  It’s my way of making sure I achieve all my ambitions.”

Richard Beale, Blues’ Senior Professional Development Coach commented: “Remeao came in on trial and impressed us in the games he played and in training.  We like his attitude and determination to improve and be the best he can be.

“His contract was deserved and we look forward to helping him to continue to develop.”