Sports News

Football fans prefer their old school Premier League football heroes than today’s current crop of names according to a poll. When asked who would be their ideal goalkeepers, defenders, wingers and strikers in their five-a-side team, football fans put the likes of Beckham, Henry, Ronaldo, Gerrard, Schmeichel, Ferdinand and Terry over today’s footballing names including Salah, Kane, Aguero and Cech.

The research, carried out by Cadbury for its new “Ultimate 5-A-Side Tournament” promotion, which gives the public the chance to play with and against five football legends, also revealed we love playing five-a-side football.  The average five-a-side player spends 68 minutes a week playing – with women playing 1 hour 10 minutes and men playing 1 hour 7 – that’s almost 2.5 days a year. The findings also revealed that football fans think the goalkeeper is the most important position (21 per cent), over strikers, midfielders and centre backs.

Despite legendary players topping the dream five-a-side lists, when asked to pick one season of Premier League that has boasted the best calibre of players, the current season came out top, with almost one in ten (9 per cent) of football fans voting for it.

Thierry Henry, Cadbury ambassador and one of the football legends in the five-a-side promotion, reveals his top tips for a successful five-a-side team:

“Five-a-side is a great way to bring people together, it’s easy to organise and play. The five-a-side game is all about quick movement, taking fewer touches and good decision-making. It’s also a really good exercise in encouraging people to adopt good positions on the pitch, anyone chasing the ball around will be found out! This is a fantastic competition from Cadbury and I’m looking forward to meeting the winners later in the summer and playing a few games with them!”

Jamie Redknapp's ultimate 5-a-side:

• David Seaman
• Tony Adams
• John Barnes
• Steven Gerrard
• Robbie Fowler

Alex Scott's ultimate 5-a-side:

• David de Gea
• Tony Adams
• Steven Gerrard
• Thierry Henry
• Cristiano Ronaldo

• Fans said playing football with their idols would inspire them to play more football (21 per cent) or up their game (23 per cent)
• 18 per cent would just be concerned about making sure someone filmed it!
• When asked how they would react if they met one of their football heroes, 29 per cent would take a selfie, followed by ask for an autograph (21 per cent) or post a picture to social media (20 per cent)
• If they could only pick one person to play against a Premier League five-a-side team, nearly one fifth (19 per cent) would be most likely to pick their best friend, whilst one in 10 (10 per cent) would opt for their brother
• Those who play five-a-side said they like the game because anyone can play (49 per cent) and it brings work colleagues together (43 per cent)
• Skill (41 per cent) and stamina (36 per cent) are cited as the most important attributes for a five-a-side player.

Raphael Capitani, Brand manager, Cadbury says: “As part of our ongoing partnership with Premier League, which offers fans a host of money-can’t-buy opportunities; we’re very excited to be giving Cadbury fans the chance to win this once in a lifetime experience. Meeting your football heroes is one thing, but the chance to play in a five-a-side game with five football legends is another. We can’t wait to see the reactions on the day”.

The Cadbury promotion gives lucky winners the chance to play five-a-side football with legends Thierry Henry, Shay Given, Jamie Redknapp, Jimmy Bullard and Alex Scott. Football fans can win the chance for themselves and five mates to play either with or against these legends by heading to the Cadbury5Aside.com website throughout May and registering any Cadbury chocolate single bar barcode to get a chance to win a spot in this ultimate tournament. Terms and conditions apply.

Whether you fancy yourself as the next Kyle Edmund or you’ve never picked up a racquet, you can play tennis for free at your local David Lloyd Club on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May. All UK David Lloyd Clubs will open to the public for a tennis-filled weekend between 2pm and 5pm each day. All you have to do is register to play at www.davidlloyd.co.uk/GBTW. Take a look at what sessions we're running and the day's schedule here.

Not only can you enjoy our amazing tennis facilities but you can make the most of the whole club, meaning you can try a group exercise class or take a dip in our outdoor pool or enjoy a spot of lunch in the sun after your tennis session.

The Grand Finals for the inaugural season of the Overwatch League, which will determine the champions of the world’s first global city-based esports league, will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, over July 27–28, 2018.

Following the end of the Overwatch League regular season on Sunday, June 17, the postseason will begin with a field of six teams on Wednesday, July 11, at Blizzard Arena Los Angeles in Burbank, California. After the playoffs conclude, two finalists will take center stage in the Big Apple—at the home arena of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets—to battle for a share of the $1.4 million USD prize pool, the Overwatch League trophy, and a place in the history books.

The Grand Finals will feature an immersive on-site fan experience at Barclays Center, and will culminate in the ultimate showdown for the Overwatch League championship: the first team to win two best-of-five matches will take home the trophy. Play begins Saturday, July 28, at 02:00 CEST with the first best-of-five match, and continues the same day at 22:00 CEST with the second and potential third series.

“The Overwatch League Grand Finals will be an epic experience for fans and viewers,” said Overwatch League commissioner Nate Nanzer. “We want this to be the pinnacle of esports, and holding it at a world-class venue like Barclays Center, in a global capital like New York, will help us celebrate not only the league’s two best teams, but the fans, partners, and players who have joined us on this incredible journey.”

“We are thrilled to host the inaugural Overwatch League Grand Finals, as we are quickly becoming a marquee destination for global esports leagues,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “This past year, the Overwatch League became the breakout league in the sports industry, and we anticipate drawing a dynamic international audience to experience the event live in July.”

University of Wolverhampton (UWR) Race Team engineering students have unveiled their 2018 MSVR Formula 3 Cup racing car at the £10 million Telford Innovation Campus.

The launch event saw team sponsors, students and staff gather together to see the new livery for the very first time ahead of the first race of the 2018 season.

For the past two years, UWR has taken second place in the national F3 Cup Driver’s Championship.

As the only University competing in the MSVR F3 Cup, UWR is taking part in all 17 rounds of the competition at world famous tracks including Brands Hatch, home of the British Grand Prix, Silverstone, and Donington Park.

An investment of £10 million in the University’s engineering facilities at its Telford Innovation Campus in Priorslee has created world class education facilities for engineering students including industry standard design, development and testing facilities. Students from across the School of Engineering and the wider University test, prepare and race the cars, learning all the skills required to be part of the highly competitive world of motorsport.

UWR takes part in the F3 Cup, the IMechE Formula Student competition, the British Hillclimb Championship (driven by University of Wolverhampton Honorary Graduate, Graham Wynn OBE) and also two Morgan development cars new for the 2018 season, the Plus 4 Club Sport, which the team are racing in this year’s AR Morgan Challenge on behalf of the Morgan Motor Company.

‌Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton and Chairman of the UWR race team said: “The significant investment we have made in engineering on the campus has provided us with facilities which are amongst the best in the country combined with a really attractive course offering for students who want to study engineering.

“With a competitive motor racing team and committed sponsors, our students have a real hands-on engineering experience which meets the needs of future employers.

“On behalf of UWR, we thank our sponsors for their contributions which make our success possible.”

Patrick Clarke, 21 from Stourbridge, a third year Engineering student, said:  “We’ve launched the new livery which reflects the University’s new brand.  We’re coming up to the start of the new F3 season and we’ve got big hopes for the competition this year.  We’ve come so close for the past two years and this year we’ll be pushing for first place.”

The first race event of the F3 Cup season takes place on 21^st and 22nd April at Donington Park National.

UWR Team sponsors include FBC Manby Bowdler, Santander, the Engineering Integrity Society, EOS/Additive Minds, Wynn Developments, Pro-Fix Access, Midland Scaffolding Services, Tungaloy UK, Sercal NDT, Quickgrind, Beta Tools, Morris Lubricants, Graphite Additive Manufacturing, MTD CNC, Bri-Stor/Hex Vinyl, Crosslink Solutions, Lenovo, Zuken and Airweld.

An 81-year-old man from Harborne in Birmingham, who has taken part in every London Marathon since it began in 1981, has announced that he will run again on Sunday, but this time using crutches.

Dale Lyons, who is running for the third year in a row for the disability charity Sense, has had ankle and knee replacements, but is adamant that this won’t stop him from losing his London Marathon ‘Ever Present’ title.

Dale said: “This year will be my third year supporting Sense. It was supposed to be my last race in 2017, but as an ‘Ever Present’ it’s hard to let go when you’ve got the running bug. My training has taken a hit due to sciatica, knee and ankle problems. I am not sure if I will be able to finish the marathon this year, but I will certainly not give up.”

Dale attributes his success to ‘clean living’ and is hoping to add to the sum of £50,000 he has raised for charity.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has opened sign-ups for its hugely successful Tennis for Kids programme. The grass roots initiative, now in its third year, is back offering children aged four-11 all over the country a value for money and fun introduction to tennis – which includes six sessions, their own kit including a racket, balls and personalised t-shirt all delivered directly to them for £25.

To mark the launch, Tennis for Kids representatives Alfie Hewett, British Wheelchair Tennis legend, 2016 Wimbledon Champion and World No.1, along with doubles ace, Joss Rae and former British No.1, Annabel Croft, with the help of Britain’s biggest tennis balls, are out in Manchester and London in a bid to encourage children to pick up a racket.

Tennis for Kids has already inspired over 35,000 children to try tennis for the first time, with over 50% continuing to play on a follow-on course. This year, the LTA plans to further grow the number of young players across the nation and meet rising demand for the programme, with some key changes including; being an ‘always on’ programme, widening the age range to four – 11 year olds and broadening the locations with even more accredited coaches taking part than ever before.

The courses are aimed at children who have never played before, so focuses on fun and getting kids active, combining basic hand eye co-ordination with rudimentary tennis skills. Beyond the practical side of the sport, the sessions will be teaching children how to work with a partner, become a valuable member of a team -  all in a fun and relaxed environment. Parents are also encouraged to join in for the final session which has a ‘Family Time’ theme.

Alfie Hewett, World No. 1 Wheelchair Tennis Player said: “It’s brilliant to have the chance to inspire more children to pick up a racket and try tennis for the first time with Tennis for Kids. I fell in love with the sport at a young age and I’m fortunate that it’s led to my career and the friendships I’ve made along the way. Tennis has given me so much both on and off the court, and I would encourage any child to give Tennis for Kids a go – it’s the perfect place to start.”

Joss Rae, former British Tennis star said: “My parents introduced me to tennis when I was young, and I soon became hooked. I always looked forward to my coaching sessions and seeing my friends on court. Now as a coach myself, I’m passionate about getting more children excited for tennis and initiatives like Tennis for Kids mean more opportunities for children across the country to try it and hopefully continue playing for the rest of their lives.”

After Great Britain’s historic Davis Cup by BNP Paribas win in 2015, Tennis for Kids was launched in April 2016, to establish a genuine tennis participation legacy and develop a new generation of tennis loving children across the country.

Leon Smith, Davis Cup Captain and LTA Head Coach of Men’s Tennis said: “It’s incredible to see how many children have benefitted from Tennis for Kids since its inception in 2016. We wanted to make tennis more accessible to all and I am excited to see how the new changes this year will continue to inspire generations of tennis-loving kids. By training up coaches to deliver more courses than ever before, we’re hoping even more children who haven’t tried tennis will pick up a racket, give it a go and continue to play this great sport throughout their lives

The six session course is £25, averaging just over £4 per lesson and is available for children aged four – 11. Those who sign up will also receive a tennis racket, ball set and a Tennis for Kids personalised t-shirt to ensure they’re equipped for the on-court fun. Places are available all year round with dates pending on local coach course timings.

A scheme which encourages parents who have received help from children's services to "champion" the support available to other mums and dads has received another national award from the Family and Childcare Trust.

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Parent Champion coordinator Reeta Shemar was named Coordinator of the Year by the Trust last year – and now the scheme itself has been named Parent Champion Scheme of the Year 2018.

The scheme recruits local men and women to talk to other parents about their experiences of children's social care services.

The volunteers work to build trust among families, and inform parents about the various opportunities available to them – such as the free childcare offer to three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.

Parent Champions also offer one-to-one advice to encourage new and prospective mums and dads to get help and support from their local Strengthening Families Hub and elsewhere, and enable parents to have their say on the development of services.

The Parent Champions have been instrumental in shaping how the scheme moves forward, for example working from Job Centre Plus offices or setting up self-help groups for parents struggling with mental health problems.

And as well as helping others, Parent Champions reap benefits of their own. Becoming a Parent Champion strengthens participants’ employability by developing their skills and confidence, and a number have gone on to secure paid employment or join training programmes thanks to the support they receive in their voluntary role.

Emma Bennett, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services, said: “The Parent Champions scheme is a fantastic initiative which enables mums and dads who have had first-hand experience of children's services in Wolverhampton to share their knowledge with others.

"They give a few hours a week to talk to other local parents about the services which are available to them, and because they are parents themselves, they are able to share their own experiences in a relatable, trusted and informal way.

“I am delighted that the efforts of our Parent Champions, and the support of the City of Wolverhampton Council, has been recognised on a national stage by the Family and Childcare Trust.”

Reeta said: "We have trained 36 volunteers over the last two years or so, and are preparing to induct a new cohort who will soon be out and about sharing their knowledge with local families.

“The scheme is a fantastic example of the benefits that volunteering as a Parent Champion can bring, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in taking on this important role to contact me to find out more.”

Sport is set to play a starring role in Australia from next week, with a major Commonwealth ministerial conference taking place the day before the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

The Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, will chair the ministerial meeting before attending the opening of the Games.  She will also participate in Gold Coast’s Trade 2018 initiative and the Women of the World festival in Brisbane.

The 9th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting will be held in Gold Coast on 3 April.  Governments will focus on collective action to measure the contribution of sport to development objectives in areas such as health, education, economic improvement and community.

In addition, ministers are expected to discuss how to improve links between government and sporting organisations. They will also consider ways to embed a rights-based approach in government sport policy, for example ensuring sport is free from abuse and discrimination, and tackle sport integrity threats such as doping and match-fixing.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, “The Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting further demonstrates our work in harnessing the role of sport as a development tool, supported by strengthened governance, sport integrity and the protection of human rights in sport, towards more inclusive and sustainable development.

“Sport is a valuable asset, making an important contribution to strengthening the economic, social and cultural bonds of our growing Commonwealth family. The reach and impact of the Commonwealth Games exemplifies this.”

The launch of the Commonwealth Games will see athletes from 71 countries take part in 275 events during the course of the competition, which runs from 4 – 15 April.   For the first time, there will be an equal number of events for women as men.

In addition to the ministerial meeting and Games, the Commonwealth is also supporting a ‘pop up Commonwealth House’ initiative led by the governments of Queensland and Gold Coast. Commonwealth House will host business events to promote investment opportunities and establish international partnerships with the aim of developing new supply chains across the 53 member countries.

The venue will also play host to the third annual Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development on 6 April 2018. The debate will feature panellists including St Lucia’s Minister of Culture and Local Government Fortuna Belrose and two-time ju-jitsu world champion Shantelle Thompson.

The Commonwealth’s Head of Sport for Development and Peace, Oliver Dudfield, said, “The Commonwealth debate has become a leading global policy discussion on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

“This year, the debate topic is ‘Sport pays for itself in the Commonwealth” and will consider how the return from investing in sport can be enjoyed by more people and more communities across the Commonwealth.”

While in Gold Coast, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will also deliver the concluding speech at gold coast’s ‘Trade 2018’ initiative, which will include a preview of the trade research that will be presented at next month’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. The ‘2018 Commonwealth Trade Review’ magazine will also be launched at the event.

Following her visit to the Games, the Secretary-General will attend the ‘Women of the World’ (WOW) festival in Brisbane. The festival, which runs from 6 – 8 April, will focus on the achievements and challenges of women and girls in the Commonwealth.

Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean was delighted to welcome the final 14 yachts in the World ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Round the World race 2017-2018.

World ARC is a round-the-world adventure taking place over 15 months and covering 26,000 nautical miles. The event features a mix of cruising and exploring the world. Forty-five participants in this year’s event represented several countries including the US, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Latvia and Sweden.

The Grenada Tourism Authority worked closely with Camper & Nicholson Port Louis Marina, Westerhall Estate Ltd., Digicel, the Marine and Yachting Association of Grenada (MAYAG) and other private & public sector partners to host and provide a memorable experience for visiting families & crew members ending their 15-month journey.

MAYAG hosted a welcome reception at the Grenada Yacht Club on Friday, March 16 & the Awards Dinner was celebrated at Port Louis Marina on Tuesday, March 20th with great food, drink and live music by Treo Entertainment.

All the winning teams spoke glowingly about Grenada, impressed by the destination’s beauty, safety and the friendliness of the people. While on island they enjoyed island tours visiting historic forts, beaches, the Grand Etang Rain Forest, rum distilleries & chocolate factories.

GTA’s Manager of Nautical Development, Nikoyan Roberts was enthusiastic about World ARC 2018 and stated, “Great teamwork with the organizers from World Cruising Club made it a pleasure to host this global yachting event in Grenada.  We look forward to hosting next year’s World ARC with an estimated 26 yachts carded to arrive in 2019.”

Spurs star Dele Alli has helped launch a new Tottenham Hotspur Foundation programme which aims to boost youngsters’ confidence and help reduce levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in Haringey.

The Tottenham Hotspur Community Football League, which runs in partnership with Haringey Council and the Metropolitan Police, runs every Friday evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at the Duke’s Aldridge Academy. Local Under-14 teams play in the league and compete against each other each week.

As well as providing a space for youngsters to play football, the programme organises workshops for the teenagers to discuss the challenges they face in the community and gives them practical tips to overcome these issues. These sessions are designed to build the self-esteem and confidence of the youngsters, helping them to get back into education, training or employment and steering them away from potential unemployment or crime.

Dele said: "The opportunity to play football was so important to me as I was growing up and this new football league the club is running is a brilliant way of getting young people from this area together to play sport and meet friends within a safe environment."

Cllr Eugene Ayisi, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Having grown up in Tottenham, I’m thrilled that we, Spurs and the police are coming together to reduce anti-social behaviour and give young people opportunities on their doorstep through sport."

Richard Allicock, Community Development Manager, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: "We are really proud of the work we have achieved setting up this football league. This is a huge opportunity for young people who are passionate about sport to come down every week and play with their friends. We are delighted to have the support of both the Metropolitan Police and Haringey Council as we work together to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour in Tottenham."

One of English football's first ever Black players, Walter Tull went further in also being the British Army's first ever Black officer to command white troops. But 100 years after he died on the battlefields of World War One, his name means little to most people – especially those whose country he valiantly defended.

Despite having to overcome adversity all of his life, including being racially abused while a pioneering forward for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town, he enlisted with the Middlesex Regiment, part of a 'Footballers' Battalion' that drew professional players from a range of clubs.

Born in Folkestone, in Kent, he fought extensively in the war, at one stage being sent home suffering from ‘shell shock’ - what today would be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder, before returning to the conflict, where he was made an officer, and served on the Italian Front from November 1917 to early March 1918. During his service he was cited for his "gallantry and coolness" by Major-General Sydney Lawford, after leading 26 men on a night raid against an enemy position.

With the British Army fighting a fierce rearguard defensive action, at the age of 29, Tull, of Barbadian heritage, was shot and killed on the Western Front in France.

His death received little media attention at the time, and it is only in recent years that his powerful story has started to be fully recognized.

His life is now commemorated at the Arras Memorial, in France, meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves with his name engraved along with 34,785 other soldiers with no known grave.

It’s 100 years, today, since his death and a campaign for Walter Tull to be awarded the Military Cross is ongoing, with renewed calls for Prime Minister Theresa May to intervene.

Team England have announced their 18 strong men’s hockey squad who will compete For Team and Country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Half of the squad will bring with them the experience of winning the bronze medal four years ago in Glasgow whilst nine of the team will be making their Commonwealth Games debut in Australia next month. Team England stalwart Barry Middleton will be competing in his 4th Games having played in Melbourne 2006, Dehli 2010 and Glasgow 2014.

Team England have been drawn in Pool B for the 2018 Commonwealth Games against India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Wales.  The team will begin their campaign on 6 April against Malaysia aiming for a place in the medal matches on 14 April.

The men’s team completed their preparations for the Commonwealth Games this week finishing runners up to Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Head Coach Bobby Crutchley said ““We couldn’t be more excited for the Commonwealth Games in Australia where there is a lot of interest in the sport and to joining up with Team England. As a squad we have been training very hard and very well and we are very much looking forward to building on what we achieved in 2017.

"We start with a tough opening match against Malaysia and we are very much focused on that and making the semi-finals and ultimately looking to win a medal.”

Team England Chef de Mission Sarah Winckless said “I’d like to offer my congratulations to all the players and staff selected for Team England.  Hockey is one of the strongest sports at the Commonwealth Games and almost all of the top teams in the world will be on the Gold Coast next month.  Everyone at Team England has been hugely encouraged by the preparations of the men’s hockey team and we will be doing all we can to get them in the best possible place ahead of their first game against Malaysia on 6 April.”

Cricket-mad Syed Hassan Abbas, known as Hassan, met his hero Phil Tufnell and was shown around the Kia Oval as part of a special day organised by The Children’s Trust where he is undergoing intensive rehabilitation.

Of his son’s special outing, Dad said: “I’ve never seen him so smiley. He’s in his element. It has been a difficult few months, but Hassan has been very brave and tried to stay positive. Meeting Phil and going to the Kia Oval has been a fantastic boost to him.”

Prior to his injuries, Hassan was a keen cricketer and had been invited to trials for a County Cricket team. His ambition was to play for the England.

Phil explained how touched he was by Hassan’s story: “I’ve been involved with The Children’s Trust for 10 years, and I am humbled by the experiences of children and families I meet. One of Hassan’s therapists got in touch to say that he loved cricket, and wanted to arrange this visit to help motivate his rehab. He’s a fantastic lad. And thanks to Kia for pulling out all the stops to organise the tour.”

Two Sandwell sisters are making huge strides in their bid to become top international athletes -  after being backed by the borough’s Gifted and Talented scheme.

The sisters Josie and Iris Oliarnyk have been backed by the Sandwell Council programme and have made huge improvements to get to national and international standards.

Josie is currently second in the UK for her age group at long jump and recently competed for England in Bratislava. She completed in the British Championship in Birmingham against the likes of Olympic athletes Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Iris is Midland Champion for the shot and ranked second in the UK for triple jump. She took part in the Midland Championships recently where she achieved two personal bests, in the shot and the triple jump.

And there was more success last weekend (24/25 February) at the England Athletics Age Group nationals in Sheffield.

Josie came fourth overall with an amazing long jump of 6.02 metres, achieving a new personal best, with Iris coming second in the triple jump, also achieving a personal best of 11.99 metres making her second in the UK.

They have been supported by the Gifted and Talented scheme and cabinet member Councillor Paul Moore said: “It is very pleasing to hear that these very talented  sisters are making such a mark in their chosen events.

“It is also very satisfying to hear that the sisters’ parents have said that without the support of the Sandwell programme the girls may not have been able to achieve these excellent achievements.”

“We set out to support talented young athletes in the borough and I hope that the efforts of Josie and Iris will inspire others – and encourage them to seek support funding.”

Young people – able-bodied and disabled - seeking support can apply for assistance on application forms on the council’s website in a bid to get funding.

Youngsters backed by the scheme can get grants of up to £500 a year to support the costs of competing in events under the scheme which was launched in March 2016.

So far 18 people have been supported  giving them help to compete in a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, hockey, tennis, gymnastics and karate. The girls’ father John said: “The grants my daughters have received from the Gifted and Talented scheme have been hugely helpful to help with the costs of travelling to events around the country.

“The girls are very pleased to get the financial help that Sandwell Council has provided for them to cover some of these costs and will always be grateful for the support at this important stage of their development.”

Nearly £50,000 has been handed out as part of Cash for Sports Clubs with around 60 sports clubs benefiting. Grants have been used by clubs to help fund new kits and equipment as well as coaching courses and improving the quality of sessions.

Clubs can apply for funding of up to £500 to help with kits and equipment and up to £1,500 to help grow membership and increase the number of Sandwell residents being active. There's also funding available for specialist coaching.

The scheme was officially launched by cabinet member Councillor Paul Moore with Baggies player Jay Rodriguez and The Albion Foundation.

Councillor Moore said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer these grants again this year to help out Sandwell sports clubs. These grants can make all the difference for local clubs and this scheme encourage people to get active and enjoy taking part in sport.”

The scheme is open from 26 February 2018 until 27 April 2018.

To apply, go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/cashforsportsclubs

Alongside World Rugby, Gilbert have launched the official ball for the 2018 men's and women's Rugby World Cups Sevens in San Francisco.

The industry-leading rugby ball manufacturer, Gilbert are a prominent supporter of global rugby development and innovation. The launch of this latest major tournament ball range further underlines Gilbert's technical expertise to the elite game, and rugby fans globally.

The match ball used in San Francisco will be the Synergie XV-6, the only dedicated Sevens match ball produced in World Rugby; and used throughout the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series for the past two series'. Developed exclusively for Sevens rugby, the patented Synergie XV-6 grip offers an enhanced grip ideally suited to the fast paced nature and handling of Sevens rugby.

The RWC 7s 2018 tournament look and feel has inspired the design of the official match ball and its replica. Reflecting the official RWC 7s brand bible these balls showcase the star visual along with the official blue, white and orange colours. At the centre of the design is the official tournament mark, showcasing the globally recognised Golden Gate Bridge. The star visual signifies the many world-class male and female players coming together in California's Bay Area.

On July 20th San Francisco will become a brand new venue for the excitement and exhilaration that rugby 7s brings. Being hosted at the iconic AT & T Park in the San Francisco Bay Area, excitement for the Rugby World Cup 7s 2018 - this year's showpiece event - continues to build as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series heads to Las Vegas 7 on 2nd March.

Richard Gray, Sales and Marketing Director, Gilbert Rugby, said: “For many years Gilbert have supported the growth of the game in the US and, as Rugby Football grows in popularity from East to West coast, we are delighted to continue the journey with our American friends. The hosting of the RWC 7's 2018 in San Francisco is a major step forward for the game in the US and we are proud to have been selected as the Official Ball supplier.”

Gilbert, who are also official suppliers to a number of national member unions, have been suppliers for five of the six Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments.