AO1-Describe four different types of sporting facilities available in your local area
The Celtic Manor
As venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup and home of The Celtic Manor Wales Open, a leading European Tour event, The Celtic Manor Resort offers some of the finest golf courses and facilities in the UK. These include The Twenty Ten Course, the Roman Road and The Montgomerie.
There is also a world-class golf academy featuring a floodlit driving range, practice range, indoor putting studio, golf shop and teaching bays and two luxurious golf clubhouses, The Twenty Ten Clubhouse and The Lodge with its own bar, restaurant, health club and spa.
The Twenty Ten Course
Built to stage The 2010 Ryder Cup, the first course to be built specifically for golf's greatest team tournament, it measures a robust 7493 yards off the back tees and has a par of 71.
With water hazards on half of its holes, the course has six signature holes and presents many more memorable tests and dilemmas. One of the features of the spectacular new course is its variety with many of the earlier holes having a links-like feel with some long rough and greenside swales, before the middle section of the course reveals the full extent of the lake-lined challenge. A tough finishing stretch culminates in a real sting in the tail at the 18th.
The Roman Road Course
Roman Road, the first of the resort's courses, opened in 1995 and was ranked 'the top inland course in Wales' by Golf Monthly Magazine. Overlooking the severn Estuary with the views across to Somerset and Devon, it was designed by Robert Trent Joner Senior and is named after the many Roman roads that criss-cross it, the designshaoed to avoid disrupting any remains.
The Montgomerie
Designed by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, the course measures 6371 yards and has a par of 69. The front nine takes as its framework the starting and closing holes of the old wentwood Hills championship course which were not part of the plans for the new course for The Ryder Cup. The back nine was created from scratch on land that previosuly housed the 18-hole Coldra Woods academy course.
Throughout the new course, Montgomerie has put his own stamp on the layout. A traditionalist in design terms, the eight-time European No 1 has added deep pot bunkers to give the course a linksy look.
Spectacular views abound with dramatic tee shots over valleys and breathtaking downhill shots. Two long par fives, a number of short par fours and several testing par threes all add up to an exciting and rewarding challenge.
The Academy Facilities
The Celtic Manor Resort boasts one of the finest equipped golf academies in Europe. A visit to The Academy is a must for beginners to the game and experienced players alike. PGA professionals provide help and guidance to improve ones game, whether that be showing one how to pick up a club for the first time, full analysis of ones swing using the latest digital technology, or a few helpful tips to solve that niggling problem.
Golfers of all standards can brush up their skills on a 28-bay two-tier driving range or take a lesson in one of the state-of-the-art swing studios. There are also a wide choice of tuition packages to choose from, for groups of friends, individual players and specially tailored options for juniors.
Facilities include:
- Practice Greens
- Short Game Practice Area
- Academy Pro Shop
- Custom Fit Centre
- V1 Coaching System Swing Studios
- Indoor Putting Studio featuring SAM Putt Lab Technology
New Short Game Practice Area
This fantastic facility features three pitching greens and three tees made from Huxley artificial turf, all with grass and artificial turf options meaning that the facility can be used for practice and tuition in all weathers throughout the year.
New Indoor Meeting
The Indoor Putting Studio gives every golfer the opportunity to have their most used club custom fitted to their own specification. The Studio uses cutting-edge technology designed by Science and Motion Sports to enhance ones putting stroke, custom fit the correct putter for ones game and help one to hole more putts!
The TaylorMade Performance Centre
The TaylorMade Performance Centre was created to provide members and customers with the complete TaylorMade custom fitting experience. The centre is run and operated by PGA qualified golf professionals using the Flightscope systems.
Golf Tuition
The Celtic Manor Resort boasts one of the finest equipped golf academies in Europe. Our PGA professionals will provide help and guidance to improve your game, whether that be showing you how to pick up a club for the first time, full analysis of your swing using the latest digital technology, or a few helpful tips to solve that niggling problem.
We offer a range of golf tuition packages on all three courses, and with our PGA Professionals on hand to provide expert support, the tuition packages will improve your skills and ability on the course.
Golf Membership
Membership brings playing privileges on the spectacular Twenty-Ten Course. From valet parking on arrival t having ones clubs and shoes cleaned in luxury, oak-paneled locker rooms, quality service underscores the experience in The Twenty Ten Clubhouse. A private members' lounge with leather chesterfields and high-backed chairs completes a club atmosphere.
Membership Privileges
- Full playing privileges on the Twenty-Ten Course, the first course in history constructed specifically to host the Ryder Cup.
- Two season tickets for The Celtic Manor Wales Open, the resorts annual European Tour event
- Access to the Twenty Ten Clubhouse with it's luxurious facilities and private members' lounge
- Use of the two other championship courses at the Celtic Manor - Roman Road and The Montgomerie and access to a second members' lounge at The Lodge
- Complimentary access to The Forum Health Club and Spa situated in the main Resort
- Monthly board competitions for Twenty Ten club members and additional competitions on the Roman Road and Montgomerie courses
- Preferential accommodation rates at the Resort Hotel and discounts on leisure member ship, food and beverages, spa treatments and retail.
The Joining Fee-£3000
The Annual Subscription -£3000
Leisure Membership
Leisure membership at The Celtic Manor is much more than just joining a gym. The Celtic Manor Resort provides two award winning health clubs; The Forum Health Club and Spa or Dylans Health and Fitness Club, each with their own luxurious spa and pool.
Leisure Membership costs £32.50 per month which includes:
- No long tie-ins, only 3 month minimum contract
- Exclusive welcome pack including complimentary guest passes
- New member gym induction and personal fitness assessments
- A wide selection of fitness classes with everything from boxercise to yoga
- Complimentary towels provided on each visit
- Childcare facilities available at The Hideaway Club
- Complimentary use of the tennis courts
- Woodland walking and running trails around the Resort
- A range of members' discounts available throughout the resort including; 15% off bars and restaurants. 15% off treatments at The Forum Spa. 15% off hair styling at the award winning Rhys Giles Salon. 10% off in the Golf Pro Shops
The Forum Health Club
The Forum Health Club is one of the most luxurious and largest hotel health clubs in the UK, offering an extensive range of luxurious facilities, including the award-winning Forum Spa. Facilities include a 42 station gymnasium, cardio-vascular area, free weights area and fixed resistance machines, dance studio, 20-meter swimming pool and children's pool, fitness testing suite, children's Hideaway Club and the Forum Cafe.
The award-winning Forum Spa has 16 beautifully appointed treatment roms offering a selection of the most innovative spa therapies from around the world and signature treatments including the exoctic Rasul Mud Ritual therapeutic hydrotherapy and blissful Hot Stones Massage.
The Forum Spa
The forum spa aims to help its customers to capture the therapeutic energy inherent in the treatments it offers. Whether the focus is on facial, body or sensory indulgence the spa will take its customer on a journey through their senses of well-being, offering them the finest spa treatments and the most contemporary therapies available. Many are universal to both men and women.
Features
The all-seater stadium has the capacity for 74,500 supporters and features a retractable roof, only the second stadium of its type in Europe, and the largest football stadium in the world with this feature, by capacity.Additional seating is sometimes added for special events such as a rugby Test against the New Zealand All Blacks, or for the FA Cup Final. The current record attendance is 74,576, recorded at Wales' 30–15 victory over Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations Championship on 9 February 2008.
The natural grass turf is a made up of a modular system installed by GreenTech ITM. It features built in irrigation and drainage. The pitch itself is laid on top of some 7,412 pallets which can be moved so the stadium can be used for concerts, exhibitions and other events.
The four ends of the ground are called the North Stand, the West Stand, the South Stand, and the BT Stand (east).The South Stand was previously known as the Hyder Stand, until Hyder plc was sold. The stadium has 3 tiers of seating with the exception of the North Stand, which has 2 tiers. The lower tier holds approximately 23,500 spectators, the middle tier holding 18,000 and the upper tier holding 33,000 spectators.
The stadium was slightly restricted in size due to its proximity to Cardiff Rugby Club's home in the adjacent smaller stadium within Cardiff Arms Park. The WRU were unable to secure enough funding to include the North Stand in the new stadium, and the Millenium Comission would not allow any of its funds to be used in any way for the construction of a new stadium for Cardiff RFC. The WRU held talks with CRFC Ltd to see if it would be possible for the club to either move or secure funding for the Cardiff Arms Park to be re-developed, but these were unsuccessful. The stadium thus had to be completed with a break in its bowl structure in the North Stand, known colloquially as Glanmor's Gap, after Glanmor Griffiths, then chairman of the WRU and now a former president.
The stadium was built from 56,000 tonnes of concrete and steel, and has 124 hospitality suites and 7 hospitality lounges, 22 bars, 7 restaurants, 17 first aid points, 12 escalators and 7 lifts.The stadium has 7 gates for access to the site; Gate 1 is from the River Walk via Castle Street (to the north), Gates 2 and 3 are via Westgate Street (to the east), Gate 4 is for Security only also via Westgate Street, Gate 5 is via Park Street (to the south) and Gates 6 and 7 are via the Millennium Plaza (also to the south).
Further stadium development is expected to commence before at least 2020. Any renovation will involve replacing the old North Stand of the former National Stadium with a new stand similar to the three existing stands of the new Millennium Stadium. This will make the stadium bowl shaped and will increase capacity to over 80,000. It will resolve the existing problems of deteriorating concrete quality on the old structure in the north stand.
In 2005 the stadium installed an "Arena Partition Drape System" — a 1,100 kg black curtain made up of 12 drapes measuring 9 meters (30 feet) x 35 m (115 ft) — to vary the audience from a capacity of over 73,000 down to between 12,000 and 46,000, depending on the four different positions that it can be hung. The curtains can be stored in the roof of the stadium when not in use. The £1m cost of the curtain was funded by the stadium, the Millenium Comission, its caterers Letherby and Christopher (Compass Group) and by the then Wales tourist board The curtain was supplied by Blackout Ltd.
Usage
The Forum Spa
The forum spa aims to help its customers to capture the therapeutic energy inherent in the treatments it offers. Whether the focus is on facial, body or sensory indulgence the spa will take its customer on a journey through their senses of well-being, offering them the finest spa treatments and the most contemporary therapies available. Many are universal to both men and women.
The Millenium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage of Wales rally Great Britain, boxing and many music concerts, including Tina Turner, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, Stereophonics, Paul McCartney, and the Tsunami Relief Concert. It was built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
The Millennium Stadium is owned by Millennium Stadium plc which is a subsidiary commission of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). The stadium was designed by a team led by architects Bligh Lobb Sport Architecture, who merged to become HOK Sport Venue Event, which would be renamed Populous in early 2009. WS Atkins were the structural engineers, and the building contractor was Laing. The total construction cost of the stadium was £121 million,of which the Millenium Comission funded £46 million.
The stadium opened in June 1999, and the first major event to be held was an international rugby union match on 26 June 1999, when Wales beat South Africa in a friendly by 29–19, before a test crowd of 29,000. With total seating capacity of 74,500, it is the third largest stadium in the Six Nations championship behind the Stade de France and Twickenham, which is the largest. It is also the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable rood and was only the second stadium in Europe to have this feature.
Project Funding
It was clear from the budget requirement for the Millennium Stadium (of over £100m) that Government Funding would be required. The only potential source of funding at the time was the National Lottery, set up in 1994, as one of eight major UK projects of the Millennium Commission.
Criteria that the Millennium Stadium had to meet in order to qualify for funding were:
- Public support
- To make a substantial contribution to the community
- To look back on the past Millennium and into the new one
- Mark a significant movement in history
- Be of a high architectural design and environmental quality
- Include partnership with the local community
- Would not be possible on most commission funds
The Millennium Commission were prepared to fund a maximum of £50m worth of the redevelopment. The Welsh Rugby Union decided to raise the remainder of the £114m budget from commercial sources.
After competition from the proposed Cardiff Bay Opera House in March 1996 the Millennium Commission agreed to support the redevelopment of the Cardiff Arms Park site by turning the Stadium through 90 degrees, developing over the existing TAVRA and BT sites, and demolishing the Empire Pool on the corner of Wood and Park streets to create an open plaza guaranteeing safe access and entrance for attending spectators.
Features
The all-seater stadium has the capacity for 74,500 supporters and features a retractable roof, only the second stadium of its type in Europe, and the largest football stadium in the world with this feature, by capacity.Additional seating is sometimes added for special events such as a rugby Test against the New Zealand All Blacks, or for the FA Cup Final. The current record attendance is 74,576, recorded at Wales' 30–15 victory over Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations Championship on 9 February 2008.
The natural grass turf is a made up of a modular system installed by GreenTech ITM. It features built in irrigation and drainage. The pitch itself is laid on top of some 7,412 pallets which can be moved so the stadium can be used for concerts, exhibitions and other events.
The four ends of the ground are called the North Stand, the West Stand, the South Stand, and the BT Stand (east).The South Stand was previously known as the Hyder Stand, until Hyder plc was sold. The stadium has 3 tiers of seating with the exception of the North Stand, which has 2 tiers. The lower tier holds approximately 23,500 spectators, the middle tier holding 18,000 and the upper tier holding 33,000 spectators.
The stadium was slightly restricted in size due to its proximity to Cardiff Rugby Club's home in the adjacent smaller stadium within Cardiff Arms Park. The WRU were unable to secure enough funding to include the North Stand in the new stadium, and the Millenium Comission would not allow any of its funds to be used in any way for the construction of a new stadium for Cardiff RFC. The WRU held talks with CRFC Ltd to see if it would be possible for the club to either move or secure funding for the Cardiff Arms Park to be re-developed, but these were unsuccessful. The stadium thus had to be completed with a break in its bowl structure in the North Stand, known colloquially as Glanmor's Gap, after Glanmor Griffiths, then chairman of the WRU and now a former president.
The stadium was built from 56,000 tonnes of concrete and steel, and has 124 hospitality suites and 7 hospitality lounges, 22 bars, 7 restaurants, 17 first aid points, 12 escalators and 7 lifts.The stadium has 7 gates for access to the site; Gate 1 is from the River Walk via Castle Street (to the north), Gates 2 and 3 are via Westgate Street (to the east), Gate 4 is for Security only also via Westgate Street, Gate 5 is via Park Street (to the south) and Gates 6 and 7 are via the Millennium Plaza (also to the south).
Further stadium development is expected to commence before at least 2020. Any renovation will involve replacing the old North Stand of the former National Stadium with a new stand similar to the three existing stands of the new Millennium Stadium. This will make the stadium bowl shaped and will increase capacity to over 80,000. It will resolve the existing problems of deteriorating concrete quality on the old structure in the north stand.
In 2005 the stadium installed an "Arena Partition Drape System" — a 1,100 kg black curtain made up of 12 drapes measuring 9 meters (30 feet) x 35 m (115 ft) — to vary the audience from a capacity of over 73,000 down to between 12,000 and 46,000, depending on the four different positions that it can be hung. The curtains can be stored in the roof of the stadium when not in use. The £1m cost of the curtain was funded by the stadium, the Millenium Comission, its caterers Letherby and Christopher (Compass Group) and by the then Wales tourist board The curtain was supplied by Blackout Ltd.
Usage
As well as international rugby union and association football, the Millennium Stadium has hosted a variety of sports, including, rugby league (including the Challenge Cup final on 3 occasions between 2003 and 2005, and Welsh Rugby League internationals), speedway, boxing, the Wales Rally Great Britain stage of the World Rally Championship, Monster Jam and indoor cricket. The indoor cricket match between The Brits and a Rest of the World team for the Pertemps Power Cricket Cup, which took place on 4 and 5 October 2002.
The Stadium
Capacity
| Overall (Seated) | 74,500 Spectators |
| Upper Tier | 33,000 Spectators Level 6 |
| Middle Tier | 18,000 Spectators Levels 4 & 5 |
| Lower Tier | 23,500 Spectators |
Volume
| Footprint | 40,000 m2 |
| Bowl Volume | 1,500,000 m3 |
Facilities
| Tiers | 3 |
| Levels | 7 |
| Stands | 4 |
| Hospitality Suites | 124 |
| Hospitality Lounges | 7 |
| Liquor Outlets | 27 |
| Food & Beverage Outlets | 15 |
| Catering Staff | 900 (approx) |
Construction
| Concrete | 40,000 tonnes | |
| Structural Steel | 12,000 tonnes | |
| Steel Reinforcement | 4,000 tonnes | |
| Blockwork | 34,000 m2 | |
| Wall Cladding | 24,000 m2 | |
| Masts | 4 (90m high) | |
| Foundation Piles | 1,350 |
http://www.millenniumstadium.com/home.php
Aqua School
The Programme follows the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) and the Royal Lifesaving Society’s (RLSS) Qualification Scheme.
This qualification establishes proficiency in pool lifeguarding skills for personnel employed in the leisure industry as a swimming pool lifeguard. The syllabus includes water rescue and life support in line with criteria laid down in the Health and Safety Commission publication ‘Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools’. Please contact WNPS for detailed breakdown of course content and dates.
Adult Courses
A range of adult swimming courses are available at the Welsh National Pool Swansea ranging from beginner courses where the initial emphasis is to gain water confidence and a solid foundation to swimming to advancent course which acts as an introduction to the early stages of training in competitive swimming; provides a basis for swimming as a part of a healthy lifestyle; and continues with more advanced activities in the other disciplines. Aquacise is also available which is an exciting form of exercise combining the format of land aerobics with the low-impact advantage of water exercise. Benefits of this activity include: stress reduction, minimum muscle strain and cardiovascular improvement and reduced injuries.
Public Swimming
Aquanatal
Aquanatal is a wonderful form of safe exercise during and after pregnancy which the pool provides, and a great way to make new friends! It’s not only enjoyable, but also advantageous for woman both during and after pregnancy. This gentle exercise class is ideal to keep you active. Our Aquanatal classes are taken by a midwife who is on hand for advice and support.
UWIC Sport and Recreation
AO2 - Describefour different national sporting facilities
Sports Development Centre-Loughborough University
The PEC Rubber Crumb pitch
The Badminton Centre
The Badminton Centre forms part of a sport-specific joint facility catering specifically for Badminton and Netball.
The centre is a dedicated facility providing four Badminton courts with Taroflex floor and sunken posts with viewing from the enclosed gallery overlooking the hall. The courts are not marked for any other sport due to the high level of performance required by the teams using them.
The centre is home to the England High Performance Badminton Squad and is regularly used by Olympic medallists Nathan Robertson and their coaches including Andy Wood. The centre was jointly opened by Olympic Medalist Donna Kellogg who used to be a regular user before retiring
The centre is available for booking to everyone from the casual user, clubs and high performance users to the corporate user that needs a facility for an event.
Maintained to the highest standard, all Loughborough's pitches are located on the campus or immediately adjacent. Loughborough provide top quality grass playing surfaces to accommodate their Rugby, Football, Cricket, Lacrosse and American Football teams.
The Gymnastics Centre
The Gymnastics Centre is a world class facility which boasts first class equipment including:
There are changing rooms within the Gymnastics Centre with Disabled users being able to access the Gymnastics Centre and there is equipment specifically fitted for disabled use as well as disabled changing rooms.
The athletics facility at Loughborough University is a prestigious indoor & outdoor centre, which caters for training and competitions. The purpose built centre supports the needs of athletes from school level through to elite international level. Loughborough University is confident that facilities and service offered will impress all users. Membership is available on a monthly, 6 month, annual or a casual basis.
The National Cricket Centre was opened in 2003 by Her Majesty the Queen. It accommodates the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), primarily for the National Academy squad, but is also used by the England Test & ODI squads, national age groups, England women and disabled teams.
Below, is a video of Guy Jackson NCPC manager describe the centre.
Based at two sites on campus (the LTA Academy Centre outdoor Courts and the Hazlerigg Courts, situated near the University main entrance adjacent to the Rubber Crumb and Rugby 1st XV pitches), there are 6 top quality acrylic hard Courts for all-weather play in daytime, available for hire by individuals, clubs, for competitions and within broader sporting events on campus.
Opened in 1996 by the Duke Of Edinburgh, this superb multi-purpose facility offers a wide variety of activities as well as excellent viewing facilities. Built to international standards the complex is designed for comfort and flexibility. The hall is comprised of 3 zones all of which are 36mx18m.
The pool is open to all Loughborough University staff, students and to the local community. The pool hosts a variety activities, lessons and courses including:
- Lane Swimming
- Recreational Swimming
- Family Splash
- Aquajogging
- Adult Swimming Lessons
- Adult Coaching Sessions
- Childrens Swimming Lessons
- Aqua Aerobics Class
- Recovery Sessions
- Swimming Courses
- Rising Stars Clinics
- Coaches Clinics
The pool is fully accessible to disabled users. A hoist system is available for customers who are unable to use the steps, as well as a waterproof wheelchair and full disabled changing facilities and toilets.
The Taekwondo Centre
Bisham Abbey offers tremendous racquet facilities and the tennis club provides access to 12 courts, both indoors and out, including four American Clay courts. The club caters both for juniors and adults. Our sociable tennis club is very popular and currently battling its way ferociously through the local leagues.
The club provides three club sessions per week for the more tentative player, enabling you to build up your confidence and ability. For the more competent player there is also the opportunity to then introduce yourself to the 'Match' nights on a Wednesday night where you can test your competitive streak… and ability!
Whether you are looking for a team building venue to host corporate hospitality or team building activities, Bisham Abbey can help you provide a fantastic venue and an event to be remembered.
Bisham Abbey provides the ideal team building venue offering hundreds of different types of team building activities in one location. Located in the idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside on the banks of the River Thames, we encourage our guests to make use of this unique setting with the possibility of taking part in Dragon Boat Racing on the river, Raft-building or a series of motivational team building games and exercises.
Old Trafford is an all-seater football stadium in the Trafford borough of Greater Manchester, England, and the home of Premier League club Manchester United. With space for 76,212 spectators. Old Trafford has the second-largest capacity of any English football stadium after Wembley Stadium, the third-largest of any stadium in the United Kingdom, and the eleventh-largest in Europe. The stadium is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the adjacent Manchester Metrolink tram station.
Lord's Cricket Ground (generally known as Lord's) is a cricket venue in St John's Wood, London. Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, it is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the European Cricket Council (ECC) and, until August 2005, the International Cricket Council (ICC). Lord's is widely referred to as the "home of cricket" and is home to the world's oldest sporting museum.
Lord's today is not on its original site, being the third of three grounds that Lord established between 1787 and 1814. His first ground, now referred to as Lord's Old Ground, was where Dorset Square now stands. His second ground, Lord's Middle Ground, was used from 1811 to 1813 before being abandoned to make way for the construction through its outfield of the Regent's Canal. The present Lord's ground is about 250 yards (230 m) north-west of the site of the Middle Ground. A major redevelopment has been proposed for Lord's which would increase capacity by another 10,000 as well as adding apartments and an ice rink.
The current stands at Lord's are as follows (in a clockwise direction):
The Pavilion
The Welsh National Swimming Pool Swansea
The Wales National Pool in the Sketty area of Swansea, Wales is a 50 metre swimming pool built to FINA standards. The facility, which also has a 25m x 9.5m training pool and 1,200 spectator seats, is used to train Wales' world class aquatic sports athletes and houses the headquarters of the Wales Amateur Swimming Association. While the pool is of Olympic length, its width of 21m is not sufficient to qualify as an Olympic standard pool.
The pool is one of five of British Swimming's Intensive Training Centres (ITC), used to train swimmers for the London 2012 Olympics.The facility was built with funding from Sport Wales, Swansea Council and Swansea University and is built on the site of the university's sports centre.
Wales National Pool Swansea has something for everyone! Whether you're a serious swimmer or complete novice. You can tone up at an aqua school class, improve your technique, or simply relax and wind down.
For young families, the Splash and Play sessions in the 23m split on a Sunday are an ideal way to get your kids used to swimming whilst having fun in the water!
Aqua School
Wales National Pool Swansea recognises that learning to swim is very important and this is reflected in our comprehensive Aqua School Swimming Programme. They offer a comprehensive range of swimming classes that cater for people of all ages and abilities.
The Aqua School staff are highly qualified, experienced teachers and instructors who are continuously trained and updated with recognised theories and practices regarding the teaching of aquatic skills.
The Aqua School Programme follows the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) and the Royal Lifesaving Society’s (RLSS) Qualification Scheme.
NPTS and RLSS are comprehensive, integrated, progressive teaching programmes based upon sound technical and educational principles.
Childrens' courses
The Aqua School staff are highly qualified, experienced teachers and instructors. The school offers a comprehensive range of swimming classes that cater for children of all ages and abilities.
The Aqua School staff are highly qualified, experienced teachers and instructors who are continuously trained and updated with recognised theories and practices regarding the teaching of aquatic skills.
The Aqua School Programme follows the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) and the Royal Lifesaving Society’s (RLSS) Qualification Scheme.
NPTS and RLSS are comprehensive, integrated, progressive teaching programmes based upon sound technical and educational principles.
Childrens' courses
The Aqua School staff are highly qualified, experienced teachers and instructors. The school offers a comprehensive range of swimming classes that cater for children of all ages and abilities.
- Foundation course - Adult & Baby / Child
The main emphasis is placed on developing water confidence whilst working with the parent or accompanying adult. The course takes babies from the initial introduction to water through to achieving independence. Children who complete this stage will then be advised to progress onto the Aqua School level 2/Beginners’ stage. - Course 1 and 2 - This category covers the initial process of introducing those with no experience of swimming to the water environment, developing confidence and being at ease in the water. This is achieved through informal play. Informal play involves moving freely, submerging, opening the eyes under water, using the arms and legs to achieve a simple form of travelling through the water and floating.
- Course 3,4 and 4B - In this course, the emphasis moves from initial confidence to building a sound foundation in those aspects of “watermanship” which later on will underpin the performance of sound swimming technique. As well as becoming completely “at home” on and under water, including skills developing control in water breathing and beginning to experiment with the different methods of using the limbs for propulsion.
- Course 5 -The focus is now on building competence in the basic elements of propulsion, using the main swimming strokes with a continuing emphasis on the importance of good streamlining and breathing control. This is accompanied by the introduction of a range of aquatic skills such as sculling, treading water and swimming underwater.
- Course 6 - The aim here is to consolidate the aquatic skills with controlled breathing, so that swimmers can swim competently, using correct basic technique on 3 of the main strokes, over the standard distance of 25m, and on butterfly over 10m. In addition, turns and essential safe foundation practices for diving are introduced.
- Course 7 - Once an acceptable degree of basic competence is achieved in the fundamental skills at Improvers 2, it is time to progress to the development of more efficient swimming. This Module also consolidates the wider range of associated aquatic disciplines, synchronised swimming, water polo and diving, as well as providing for the development of a greater awareness and expertise in personal water safety and survival swimming. From this stage, pupils with the interest and enthusiasm will be ready to move on to participation across the range of swimming and aquatic sports with a solid foundation.
- Course 8,9 and 10 - As well as further developing of the main swimming strokes, this category acts as an introduction to the early stages of training in competitive swimming; provides a basis for swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle and continues with some more advanced activities in the other disciplines. The development of both basic aerobic swimming endurance and swimming speed are integrated within the Programme.
This level leads logically on from Advanced 2 and has been designed specifically to lay the foundation required to prepare young swimmers to participate in the developmental coaching and training programmes run by swimming clubs, in preparation for taking part in competitive swimming. This stage focuses on the consolidation of effective technique, the racing skills associated with them and a suitable range of drills and practices. The final stages introduce more demanding aspects of training development.
Coach Education and Teaching Courses
RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
Adult Courses
A range of adult swimming courses are available at the Welsh National Pool Swansea ranging from beginner courses where the initial emphasis is to gain water confidence and a solid foundation to swimming to advancent course which acts as an introduction to the early stages of training in competitive swimming; provides a basis for swimming as a part of a healthy lifestyle; and continues with more advanced activities in the other disciplines. Aquacise is also available which is an exciting form of exercise combining the format of land aerobics with the low-impact advantage of water exercise. Benefits of this activity include: stress reduction, minimum muscle strain and cardiovascular improvement and reduced injuries.
Public Swimming
The Pool caters for different sports, ages and abilities, ranging from absolute beginners to those at international standard. The state of the art 50m Pool can be divided into 2 pools by means of a moveable boom. It also has a unique, moveable floor allowing various floor depths and angles.
This impressive facility includes a changing village, café and meeting facilities, plus a wide range of sports services.
In addition to the 50m 8 lane competition pool, which has a uniform depth of 2m and seating for over 1000 spectators, there is also a 25m, 4 lane Training Pool with a constant depth of 1.2m. The facility hosts a range of events and welcomes several governing bodies in a range of sporting disciplines.
Concession* - £2.60
Passport to Leisure - £1.80
This impressive facility includes a changing village, café and meeting facilities, plus a wide range of sports services.
In addition to the 50m 8 lane competition pool, which has a uniform depth of 2m and seating for over 1000 spectators, there is also a 25m, 4 lane Training Pool with a constant depth of 1.2m. The facility hosts a range of events and welcomes several governing bodies in a range of sporting disciplines.
Prices
Standard Price - £3.85Concession* - £2.60
Passport to Leisure - £1.80
Aquanatal
Aquanatal is a wonderful form of safe exercise during and after pregnancy which the pool provides, and a great way to make new friends! It’s not only enjoyable, but also advantageous for woman both during and after pregnancy. This gentle exercise class is ideal to keep you active. Our Aquanatal classes are taken by a midwife who is on hand for advice and support.
UWIC Sport and Recreation
UWIC is one of the leading centres for student sport in the UK. UWIC offers excellent sports facilities and an extensive range of activities to cater for everyone form elite athletes to students, staff and the wider community.
Sports Facilities
UWIC's sports and leisure facilities are open to all. UWIC offers a range of recreational and development activities and courses to meet all the ages and abilities of our customers. The university aims to develop the stars of the future through their junior development programme and children’s sport activities.
Athletic Union
The Students’ Athletic Union provides club structure, membership and administrates the competition programmes, including the BUCS competitions, for the sports clubs. UWIC supports all its students who have achieved national and international honours, and those who are good performers across a number of sporting disciplines.
Cardiff School of Sport
The Cardiff School of Sport has an international reputation for the quality of its academic, professional, research and extra-curricular work. The Cardiff School of Sport provides some of the most popular undergraduate and postgraduate sports-related degree courses in the UK. A number of vocational courses, including sport massage and coaching awards, are also provided.
UWIC's sports and leisure facilities are open to all. UWIC offers a range of recreational and development activities and courses to meet all the ages and abilities of our customers. The university aims to develop the stars of the future through their junior development programme and children’s sport activities.
Athletic Union
The Students’ Athletic Union provides club structure, membership and administrates the competition programmes, including the BUCS competitions, for the sports clubs. UWIC supports all its students who have achieved national and international honours, and those who are good performers across a number of sporting disciplines.
Cardiff School of Sport
The Cardiff School of Sport has an international reputation for the quality of its academic, professional, research and extra-curricular work. The Cardiff School of Sport provides some of the most popular undergraduate and postgraduate sports-related degree courses in the UK. A number of vocational courses, including sport massage and coaching awards, are also provided.
UWIC's sport facilities are open to all; whether you are an elite athlete, a casual player or you have never taken part before.
National Indoor Athletics Centre
NIAC (National Indoor Athletics Centre) at UWIC was the first purpose built indoor athletics track anywhere in the UK.
NIAC has
NIAC has
- a full competition 200m banked track
- a 9 lane 60m straight
- a separate 6 lane 140m straight
- competition and training Long and Triple Jump pits
- competition and training Pole Vault pits
- a competition and training High Jump pit
- training nets for all the throwing events
- a fully equipped biomechanics laboratory
- a Sports Medicine/Physiotherapy treatment area
- an athletics only weight training area
NIAC can also accommodate other sports including netball, basketball and volleyball.
The facility is fully equipped to international standard and has a seating capacity for 690 spectators.
NIAC is utilised fully by students on sports courses, student clubs and the general public. Governing bodies of sport also use this facility on a regular basis such as Welsh Athletics and the Welsh Netball Association (WNA).
High levels of sports science support are available.
The Sports Injuries Clinic is located within NIAC offering physiotherapy and podiatry services.
The Sports Injuries Clinic is located within NIAC offering physiotherapy and podiatry services.
NIAC is used to host major events and outside the sporting calendar it has the flexibility to be transformed into a Conference Centre.
Russell Rees Gymnasium
A multi-purpose hall is primarily used to teach educational gymnastics, and trampolining. The wooden floor also makes it a suitable location for the teaching of volleyball.
The main users of the facility include students on sports courses especially PGCE students, Athletic Union Clubs (trampolining and volleyball) and the local community for recreational basketball and table tennis.
Outdoor Athletics Track
The Outdoor athletics track was completed in September 1999 and consists of an International standard 8 lane mondo track, throws cage and 4 sand pits. The track is fully equipped for athletics events which are held on an annual basis.
Llandaff Fitness Centre
Situated on the first floor of the Student Centre in Llandaff, this fitness facility houses the latest cardio vascular and weight training equipment.
The facility is accessible to all students, staff and the local community.
Users of the fitness centre also have easy access to hospitality services, the student union shop and the bar.
Outdoor Pitches
The outdoor pitches are located at the Cyncoed and Llandaff Campuses.
There are four pitches at Cyncoed used for football and rugby league as well as the all weather astroturf which primarily accommodates hockey training and fixtures.
The pitches are used for lectures, BUCS competitions and for our UWIC teams who play in leagues outside BUCS competitions. Apart from the cricket pitch in Llandaff the pitches are rarely hired to the local community as there is a need to maintain the pitches to a high standard.
The Cricket and rugby union pitches are on the Llandaff site.
Squash Courts
The 2 Squash Courts are located in the sports block and have a viewing gallery.
The courts are used primarily by the UWIC squash team for training purposes, home league fixtures and BUCS matches. Secondary to this the courts are used by students and the local community on a recreational basis.
Sports Hall
The Sports Hall is a multi-purpose 5 court badminton hall catering for all sports including badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball, cricket, football and general training.
The facility although capable of accommodating a number of sports is primarily the UWIC indoor cricket centre. The hall has 4 indoor cricket nets and is a training venue for the Glamorgan Cricket Coaches Association and the UWIC, UWCC and Glamorgan University Cricket Centre of Excellence for scholars.
The hall is primarily used for lectures from the School of Sport/Education and Athletic Union Clubs.
Dance Studio
The dance studio has a sprung wooden floor and is partially mirrored which makes it ideal for the teaching of dance.
Syd Aaron Gymnasium
This is a specialist gymnasium designed to Olympic standard. The facility has a sunken pit area, sprung floor and tumble run. It is fully equipped to cater for all Olympic gymnastics events including assymetric bars, vaulting equipment, pommel horse, rings and beam.
The Gymnasium is fully equipped to meet the needs of gymnasts especially those training and competing at the elite end of the continuum.
The main users of this facility are the Director of Gymnastics for UWIC who teaches our sports students and coaches the UWIC Gymnastics Squad. UWIC also runs a junior academy for gymnasts.
Swimming Pool
A 4 lane 25metre indoor swimming pool with a 1m shallow end and a 3m deep end
The swimming pool is used by students on sports courses, the UWIC swimming, water polo and canoe clubs, students for recreational use and the general public
The swimming pool is hired out to various Clubs and Schools in the locality for swimming lessons, sub aqua and water polo.
Regional Tennis Centre
This facility has been developed in Partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and is Wales' Regional Tennis facility. The Centre comprises of
Children's Sport Activities
4 indoor courts and 4 outdoor floodlit courts.
The Centre is used by students on sports courses, the UWIC tennis club, students on the tennis scholars programme, students/staff for recreational use and the general public.
During term time UWIC Sports Facilities has over 1700 children per week (4-16 years) attending a variety of sport’s courses on the Cyncoed campus. We also run courses during the school holidays, and during both Easter and summer holidays we operate Dragon Camps, a multi activity camp for children 4-14 years which operates daily throughout the holiday period.
Making full use of our extensive facilities we encourage children to remain active, develop their skills and interact with friends, giving them a healthy and active approach to life.
We also have strong links with the primary and secondary schools in our area and welcome many of these schools and others from outside the area for their school sports days. We also provide local schools with their school swimming programme and offer all secondary schools the opportunity to supplement their ‘A Level’ and ‘GCSE’ Sport and PE courses with a view to giving practical experience of both field and lab based fitness testing.
Those who wish to participate for recreation or leisure can do so by joining the UWIC Sports & Leisure Club, or by using the facilities on a pay as you go basis. A dedicated team organises various activities for all levels including the complete beginner who just wants to keep fit and have some fun. Activities include lane/recreational swimming, tennis, badminton, squash, athletics and table tennis.
Additionally, The Sports & Leisure Club runs a number of courses and annual events.
Additionally, The Sports & Leisure Club runs a number of courses and annual events.
UWIC's sports and leisure facilities are open to students, staff and members of the public all year round. We offer a range of activities and courses on the recreational programme to meet the various ages and abilities of our customers.
Sports Membership
Sports Membership
UWIC Sports degrees are physically demanding and students are encouraged to join the Sport and Leisure Club for the duration of their course. Membership gives you access to the excellent sports facilities and programmes. UWIC provides support to students who have achieved national and international honours, and those who are good performers across a number of sporting disciplines.
Sports Injury Clinic
The sports injuries clinic at NIAC (National Indoor Athletics Centre) offers treatment for sports injuries to elite athletes, sports organisations and to recreational sports enthusiasts.
Treatments range from the hands-on approach of manipulation, mobilisation, massage and exercise; often aided by the use of sophisticated electronic equipment. Time will also be spent teaching the patient how to avoid recurrence of sports injury problems.
Sport Performance Assessment
Sports performance assessments can be organised for teams or clubs in our sports labs and sports facilities.
Tailor-made packages can be produced to meet individual or team needs. Tests include speed / agility, strength / power, endurance and body composition.
http://www3.uwic.ac.uk/english/aboutus/facilities/sport/pages/home.aspxAO2 - Describefour different national sporting facilities
Sports Development Centre-Loughborough University
A £36 million capital investment in world class sports facilities at Loughborough over recent years has created the facility and support services infrastructure for the University and our own students and staff; for the English Institute of Sport and elite athletes; for many sports governing bodies based on campus; and for our local and regional community.
Loughborough University now boasts one of the highest concentrations of top class sports training facilities found anywhere in the world. This means that whether you're an elite athlete, a student looking for the best sports environment, a recreational trainer, or group looking to host an event, you'll find state-of-the-art facilities for the widest choice of sports - all easily accessible and located on one campus.
Loughborough University now boasts one of the highest concentrations of top class sports training facilities found anywhere in the world. This means that whether you're an elite athlete, a student looking for the best sports environment, a recreational trainer, or group looking to host an event, you'll find state-of-the-art facilities for the widest choice of sports - all easily accessible and located on one campus.
Artificial Pitches
There are 3 different types of high standard Artificial Surface training pitch on the Loughborough University campus, catering for a full range of sports and ability levels from elite squad training to kick-about sessions.
The PEC Rubber Crumb pitch
This is a 99m x 63.5m full pitch area with an advanced Rubber Crumb stud-taking surface used primarily for Football matches and training (11-a-side and 7-a-side) Rugby training, and American Football training. It can also be used as a multi-purpose training & play area. The Rubber Crumb pitch is situated between the University Main Entrance and the Performance Centre, is fully Floodlit, and has adjacent Changing facilities.
The EHB Rubber Crumb pitch
This is a 107m x 62.5m multi-pitch area with a 3G rubber crumb surface, ideal for Hockey, Football, and training for a range of sports. It is also a popular kick-about area. This fully Floodlit area, situated adjacent to the National Cricket Academy, is one of the most heavily used training and recreational facilities on campus.
The Water-Based Hockey pitch
An International standard Water-based Hockey pitch primarily designed for high level Hockey matches and training, but can also be used as a training area for other sports. The Water-based pitch has the adjacent Hockey Academy Pavilion with 6 Changing Rooms, a Function Room with Bar, a Meeting Room and Referees Changing Rooms. The pitch hosts England Women's Hockey, Loughborough Students National League sides, other students teams and community clubs.
The Badminton Centre
The Badminton Centre forms part of a sport-specific joint facility catering specifically for Badminton and Netball.
The centre is a dedicated facility providing four Badminton courts with Taroflex floor and sunken posts with viewing from the enclosed gallery overlooking the hall. The courts are not marked for any other sport due to the high level of performance required by the teams using them.
The centre is home to the England High Performance Badminton Squad and is regularly used by Olympic medallists Nathan Robertson and their coaches including Andy Wood. The centre was jointly opened by Olympic Medalist Donna Kellogg who used to be a regular user before retiring
The centre is available for booking to everyone from the casual user, clubs and high performance users to the corporate user that needs a facility for an event.
The Grass Pitches
The Gymnastics Centre
The Gymnastics Centre is a world class facility which boasts first class equipment including:
- Foam Filled Dismount Pit
- International Competition Sprung Floor - FIG Approved
- Vaulting Horse
- Competition Springboards
- Competition Tumble track
- Competition Trampoline - Floor Mounted
- Somersault Training System
- Competition Asymmetric Bars
- Competition Beams
- Retractable Coaching Platforms
- Competition Ringframes
- Competition Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bars
- International Competition Sprung Floor - FIG Approved
- Vaulting Horse
- Competition Springboards
- Competition Tumble track
- Competition Trampoline - Floor Mounted
- Somersault Training System
- Competition Asymmetric Bars
- Competition Beams
- Retractable Coaching Platforms
- Competition Ringframes
- Competition Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bars
There are changing rooms within the Gymnastics Centre with Disabled users being able to access the Gymnastics Centre and there is equipment specifically fitted for disabled use as well as disabled changing rooms.
The High Performance Athletic Centre
The athletics facility at Loughborough University is a prestigious indoor & outdoor centre, which caters for training and competitions. The purpose built centre supports the needs of athletes from school level through to elite international level. Loughborough University is confident that facilities and service offered will impress all users. Membership is available on a monthly, 6 month, annual or a casual basis.
The National Cricket Centre
The National Cricket Centre was opened in 2003 by Her Majesty the Queen. It accommodates the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), primarily for the National Academy squad, but is also used by the England Test & ODI squads, national age groups, England women and disabled teams. The National Academy squad shares the facility with Loughborough's University Centre of Excellence (MCCU) squad, who play at First Class level and are coached by former England Test star Graham Dilley.
Loughborough's other 5 student teams also use the Centre, as do 20 local clubs for evening training, particularly in the winter. Many other ECB technical specialists utilise the Centre, covering all forms of player development. This is the biggest and most advanced indoor cricket facility in the world.
The National Cricket Centre measures approximately 70m x 25m. This includes 6 full-length indoor cricket lanes and a fielding area. Each lane is also supported by the hawk-eye tracking system and video cameras which are used for technical analysis. There are 3 different surfaces: 2 spin nets, 2 medium pace English wicket nets and 2 fast test match level surfaces.Below, is a video of Guy Jackson NCPC manager describe the centre.
The Outdoor Courts
Based at two sites on campus (the LTA Academy Centre outdoor Courts and the Hazlerigg Courts, situated near the University main entrance adjacent to the Rubber Crumb and Rugby 1st XV pitches), there are 6 top quality acrylic hard Courts for all-weather play in daytime, available for hire by individuals, clubs, for competitions and within broader sporting events on campus.
The Performance Centre
The Performance Centre is a premier one stop environment for supporting high level athletes across a wide range of sports. It is central to the high performance environment for sport development on the Loughborough campus, and houses much of our provision for sports science, strength and conditioning and sports medicine services to athletes. The Performance Centre services both high level Loughborough University sports students and elite athletes from the region under the English Institute of Sport East Midlands region.
Situated at the heart of the Performance Centre is one of the Country's largest and most advanced strength & conditioning facilities for athletes - Powerbase. This facility offers exceptional equipment and expertise for World Class and other high level sports performers, and for others seeking to develop or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Situated at the heart of the Performance Centre is one of the Country's largest and most advanced strength & conditioning facilities for athletes - Powerbase. This facility offers exceptional equipment and expertise for World Class and other high level sports performers, and for others seeking to develop or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Powerbase is open to all Loughborough University staff, students and the local community, and provides an environment where training, recovery and rehabilitation are all accessed under one roof. With over 1000 m2 of training area Powerbase is more than just a gym - its where strength, power, speed and agility all come together to give the ideal environment for bespoke, integrated and complex training programmes.
Powerbase is staffed by well qualified and specialist conditioning coaches, who can instruct users in safe and effective techniques for achieving their training goals. Our staff are available for consultation on design and implementation of training programmes and strategies for developing sport specific strength and power. As part of a integrated approach the Performance Support Service work alongside Loughborough University's School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, a department with an international reputation for excellence in the fields of Exercise Physiology, Sports Biomechanics, Nutrition and Psychology, staff are fully supported by and have full access to academic research and expert resources within the department.
The Sports Hall
The sports hall can accomodate:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Netball
- 5-a-side football
- Volleyball
- Trampolining
- Indoor hockey
- Basketball
- Netball
- 5-a-side football
- Volleyball
- Trampolining
- Indoor hockey
The Swimming Pool
The pool is open to all Loughborough University staff, students and to the local community. The pool hosts a variety activities, lessons and courses including: - Lane Swimming
- Recreational Swimming
- Family Splash
- Aquajogging
- Adult Swimming Lessons
- Adult Coaching Sessions
- Childrens Swimming Lessons
- Aqua Aerobics Class
- Recovery Sessions
- Swimming Courses
- Rising Stars Clinics
- Coaches Clinics
The pool is fully accessible to disabled users. A hoist system is available for customers who are unable to use the steps, as well as a waterproof wheelchair and full disabled changing facilities and toilets.
The Taekwondo Centre
Situated in the Performance Centre above the Powerbase Gym, the Taekwondo Centre is another high class facility. This purpose designed Martial Arts centre is suitable for Kung Fu, Karate, Kickboxing and Taekwondo.
Bisham Abbey
In quite spectacular and secluded surroundings, Bisham Abbey is one of the UK's National Sports Centres - training grounds and centres of excellence for the country's leading sportsmen and women. Sports facilities are open to the local community and the elite. The Abbey continues to provide a spectacular venue for weddings and celebrations, conferences and unique corporate activities.
World Leading Sports Training Camps
Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre offers some of the leading sporting facilities in the UK, ideal for sports training camps. Servicing the training camps of many renowned sporting teams and organisations, Barcelona FC, Manchester United, England Rugby Sevens. Bisham Abbey is used regularly by the England RFU and England FA, and have also hosted for numerous overseas teams in multiple sports. We offer amenities of the highest caliber for sports camps. Our private facilities and dedicated staff ensure that you get the optimum performance from your athletes during your training camps and enabling them to achieve their goals.
The following Sporting facilities are provided for each sport -
For Football - Three grass FA standard pitches with pitch side filming platform
For Rugby - Three RFU standard pitches with pitch side filming platform
For Hockey - 1.2 million International, water-based Astro turf pitch and D’s corresponding with 2012 Olympic stadium surface
For Hockey - 1.2 million International, water-based Astro turf pitch and D’s corresponding with 2012 Olympic stadium surface
For Tennis - Four High performance Centre standard outdoor acrylic
Four High performance Centre standard outdoor Clay courts
For Weightlifting - 34.5m x 19.5 m Strength and Conditioning gym, bars, weights and benches.
For Weightlifting - 34.5m x 19.5 m Strength and Conditioning gym, bars, weights and benches.
England Rugby and England football use Bisham Abbey for training, several football teams have also trained at Bisham Abbey, most recently Barcelona FC. Tennis players Tim Henman and Andy Murray also train at Bisham Abbey. Some professional rugby players also use the gym facilities including Josh Lewsey.
The manor house is now run by Leisure Connection Ltd on behalf of Sport England, and is one of five National Sports Centres
The facilities include:
A £1.2 million international hockey pitch
An indoor tennis centre featuring four tennis courts
Four outdoor clay tennis courts and four acrylic tennis courts
Climatisation chamber
Hydrotherapy pool
A fully-equipped elite strength and conditioning facility
90 Station community gym, including two squash courts
A remodelled nine-hole par three golf course
A sports therapy performance centre which enables elite level sports science and medicine services to be provided on site.
Harpers Fitness
Harpers Fitness is all about helping you to achieve your health and fitness goals. Whether you’re training for a half marathon or you just want to shed a couple of pounds, Harpers Fitness caters for every gym-goer. There are a variety of membership packages and payment options to suit all lifestyles and budgets.
Bisham Abbey has an impressive 90 station cardio gym, a large free weights and resistance section so you are never short of equipment!! A full class timetable including spinning classes, aerobics, body pump, pilates and yoga ensure that those who need that extra bit of motivation have the opportunity to get involved!
Still need a kickstart in the right direction? Don’t waste time with the wrong training plan. You can speak to a Harpers Personal Trainer at Bisham Abbey and get more out of your exercise. All our trainers are of the highest standard and go through our very own personal training PT business course and movement analysis training with NASM. You really will get the very best in 1-1 training.
Bisham Abbey has an impressive 90 station cardio gym, a large free weights and resistance section so you are never short of equipment!! A full class timetable including spinning classes, aerobics, body pump, pilates and yoga ensure that those who need that extra bit of motivation have the opportunity to get involved!
Still need a kickstart in the right direction? Don’t waste time with the wrong training plan. You can speak to a Harpers Personal Trainer at Bisham Abbey and get more out of your exercise. All our trainers are of the highest standard and go through our very own personal training PT business course and movement analysis training with NASM. You really will get the very best in 1-1 training.
Bisham Abbey Golf Club
The challenging 9 Hole Par 3 course is situated by a beautiful riverside setting within the grounds of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. The course isn't long (2,518 yds for 18 holes) which means it is well suited to beginners, junior players, veterans and people with busy work or family lives.
Coaching and lessons are available from Bisham Abbey's Golf Pro Stuart Wall, featured above, who is currently supporting the club towards achieving Golf Mark. The Golf School at Bisham Abbey ran by Stuart Wall is ideal for anyone who wants to learn to play golf or wants to improve their game. We know that the most important thing about golf lessons, especially for the total beginner, is that you feel completely relaxed while learning. At The Golf School you can learn to play golf in a friendly,
no-pressure environment.
The Golf School offers golf tuition to all, irrespective of age, experience or ability, in a way that suits your own particular circumstances. Golf lessons are available on a One-to-One basis or in groups and can be booked as a single lesson or in a series of 3, 6, 9 or 12 lessons. The emphasis is on fun, personal attention and customer satisfaction.
Coaching and lessons are available from Bisham Abbey's Golf Pro Stuart Wall, featured above, who is currently supporting the club towards achieving Golf Mark. The Golf School at Bisham Abbey ran by Stuart Wall is ideal for anyone who wants to learn to play golf or wants to improve their game. We know that the most important thing about golf lessons, especially for the total beginner, is that you feel completely relaxed while learning. At The Golf School you can learn to play golf in a friendly,
no-pressure environment.
The Golf School offers golf tuition to all, irrespective of age, experience or ability, in a way that suits your own particular circumstances. Golf lessons are available on a One-to-One basis or in groups and can be booked as a single lesson or in a series of 3, 6, 9 or 12 lessons. The emphasis is on fun, personal attention and customer satisfaction.
The Tennis Club
Bisham Abbey offers tremendous racquet facilities and the tennis club provides access to 12 courts, both indoors and out, including four American Clay courts. The club caters both for juniors and adults. Our sociable tennis club is very popular and currently battling its way ferociously through the local leagues. The club provides three club sessions per week for the more tentative player, enabling you to build up your confidence and ability. For the more competent player there is also the opportunity to then introduce yourself to the 'Match' nights on a Wednesday night where you can test your competitive streak… and ability!
The Squash Club
Bisham Abbey Squash Club provides squash facilities for juniors and adults, whether beginners, improvers or experienced players, seeking friendly games or competitive league and team opportunities. What better location to make and meet friends, play squash, get fit and enjoy a relaxing drink at the bar afterwards.
With Club nights, matches and a competitive squash league, the club provides something for everyone. If you need some extra help with your technique, Bisham Abbey's Squash coach offers group and individual lessons for juniors and adults. A former number 7 squash champion in the world, our Squash pro is an SRA qualified coach levels 1-4 and was also a national coach for Egypt for 11 years, including aid the talented Ramy Ashour to be crowned with the world squash Championship title.
With Club nights, matches and a competitive squash league, the club provides something for everyone. If you need some extra help with your technique, Bisham Abbey's Squash coach offers group and individual lessons for juniors and adults. A former number 7 squash champion in the world, our Squash pro is an SRA qualified coach levels 1-4 and was also a national coach for Egypt for 11 years, including aid the talented Ramy Ashour to be crowned with the world squash Championship title.
Team Building Events at Bisham Abbey
Whether you are looking for a team building venue to host corporate hospitality or team building activities, Bisham Abbey can help you provide a fantastic venue and an event to be remembered.
Bisham Abbey provides the ideal team building venue offering hundreds of different types of team building activities in one location. Located in the idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside on the banks of the River Thames, we encourage our guests to make use of this unique setting with the possibility of taking part in Dragon Boat Racing on the river, Raft-building or a series of motivational team building games and exercises.
Bisham Abbey provide team building activities which invlove...
- Archery
- Raft Building
- Laser Pigeon Shooting
- Volleyball
- Football Competitions
- Tennis Tournaments
- Golf Tournaments
- ...and Inflateable sumo wrestling!
Old Trafford 'The Theatre of Dreams'
The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Dreams by Bobby Charlton, has been United's permanent residence since 1910, with the exception of an eight-year absence from 1941 to 1949, following the bombing of the stadium in the Second World War. During this period, the club shared Maine Road with local rivals, Manchester City. The ground underwent several expansions in the 1990s and 2000s, most notably the addition of extra tiers to the North, West and East stands which served to return the ground almost to its original capacity of 80,000. Future expansion is likely to involve the addition of a second tier to the South Stand, which would raise the capacity to over 90,000.[3] The stadium's current record attendance was recorded in 1939, when 76,962 spectators watched the FA Cup semi-final between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Grimsby Town.
The ground has frequently hosted FA Cup semi-final matches as a neutral venue and several England international fixtures while the new Wembley Stadium was under construction. It also hosted matches at the 1966 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1996, as well as the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final. Aside from football-related uses, Old Trafford has hosted rugby league's Super League Grand Final since the league's adoption of playoffs in 1998 and the final of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
Before 1902, Manchester United were known as Newton Heath, during which time they first played their football matches at North Road and then Bank Street in Clayton. Due, to terrible conditions the clubs chairman John Davies in 1909 decided to find a new ground for the team that recently won the FA cup.
Designed by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, who designed several other stadia, the ground was originally designed with a capacity of 100,000 spectators and featured seating in the south stand under cover, while the remaining three stands were left as terraces and uncovered but because of vast amount of money this would cost it was decided to cap the capacity at 80,000 saving the club from near bankrupacy.
The stadium hosted its inaugural game on 19 February 1910, with United playing host to Liverpool. However, the home side were unable to provide their fans with a win to mark the occasion, as Liverpool won 4–3. A journalist at the game reported the stadium as "the most handsome, the most spacious and the most remarkable arena I have ever seen. As a football ground it is unrivalled in the world, it is an honour to Manchester and the home of a team who can do wonders when they are so disposed".
In 1936, as part of a £35,000 refurbishment, an 80-yard-long roof was added to the United Road stand (now the North Stand) for the first time, while roofs were added to the south corners in 1938.[24] Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Old Trafford was requisitioned by the military to be used as a depot. Football continued to be played at the stadium, but a German bombing raid on Trafford Park on 22 December 1940 damaged the stadiumto the extent that no games could be played there. Due to the reconstruction it put the club in £15,000 in debt, not helped by the rental of Maine Road, the home rivals Manchester City’s ground. United's first game back at Old Trafford was played on 24 August 1949, as 41,748 spectators witnessed a 3–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
A roof was restored to the Main Stand by 1951 and, soon after, the three remaining stands were covered. The club also invested £40,000 in the installation of proper floodlighting, so that they would be able to use the stadium for the European games that were played in the late evenings of weekdays, instead of having to play at Maine Road. The first match to be played under floodlights at Old Trafford was a First Division match between Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers on 25 March 1957.
Some spectators suffered the problem that they could not watch the game due the pillars which held the roof, with the 1966 World Cup fast approaching, old roof pillars were replaced in 1965 with modern-style cantilevering on top of the roof, allowing every spectator a completely unobstructed view. The first private boxes were also introduced at the British football ground which were the first of their kind.
The conversation to an all-seater stadium
With every subsequent improvement made to the ground since the Second World War, the capacity steadily declined. By the 1980s, the capacity had dropped from the original 80,000 to approximately 60,000. The capacity dropped still further in 1990, when the Taylor Report recommended, and the government demanded that all First and Second Division stadia be converted to all-seaters
Old Trafford is scheduled to be used as a venue for several matches in the football competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The Old Trafford pitch is surrounded by four covered all-seater stands, officially known as the North, East, South and West Stands. Each stand has at least two tiers, with the exception of the South Stand, which only has one tier due to construction restrictions. The lower tier of each stand is split into Lower and Upper sections, the Lower sections having been converted from terracing in the early 1990s.
Formerly known as the United Road stand, the North Stand runs over the top of United Road. The stand is three tiers tall, and can hold about 26,000 spectators, the most of the four stands. The North Stand can also accommodate a few fans in executive boxes. The North Stand opened in its current state in 1996, having previously been a single-tiered stand. As the ground's main stand, the North Stand houses many of the ground's more popular facilities, including the Red Café (a Manchester United theme restaurant/bar) and the Manchester United museum and trophy room. Originally opened in 1986 as the first of its kind in the world, the Manchester United museum was in the south-east corner of the ground until it moved to the redeveloped North Stand in 1998. The museum was opened by Pelé on 11 April 1998, since when numbers of visitors have jumped from 192,000 in 1998 to more than 300,000 visitors in 2009.
Opposite the North Stand is the South Stand, formerly Old Trafford's main stand. Although only a single-tiered stand, the South Stand contains most of the ground's executive suites, and also plays host to any VIPs who may come to watch the match. Members of the media are seated in the middle of the Upper South Stand to give them the best view of the match. The television gantry is also in the South Stand, so the South Stand is the one that gets shown on television least often. Television studios are located at either end of the South Stand, with the club's in-house television station, MUTV, in the East studio and other television stations, such as the BBC and Sky, in the West studio.
The dugout is in the centre of the South Stand, raised above pitch level to give the manager and his coaches an elevated view of the game. Each team's dugout flanks the old players' tunnel, which was used until 1993. The old tunnel is the only remaining part of the original 1910 stadium, having survived the bombing that destroyed much of the stadium during the Second World War. On 6 February 2008, the tunnel was renamed the Munich Tunnel, as a memorial for the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Munich air disaster. The current tunnel is in the South-West corner of the ground, and doubles as an entrance for the emergency services. In the event that large vehicles require access, the seating above the tunnel can be raised by up to 25 feet (7.6 m). The tunnel leads up to the players' dressing room, via the television interview area, and the players' lounge.
Perhaps the best-known stand at Old Trafford is the West Stand, also known as the Stretford End. Traditionally, the stand is where the hard-core United fans are located, and also the ones who make the most noise. Originally designed to hold 20,000 fans, the Stretford End was the last stand to be covered and also the last remaining all-terraced stand at the ground before the forced upgrade to seating in the early 1990s. The reconstruction of the Stretford End, which took place during the 1992–93 season, was carried out by Alfred McAlpine. When the second tier was added to the Stretford End in 2000, many fans from the old "K Stand" moved there, and decided to hang banners and flags from the barrier at the front of the tier. So ingrained in Manchester United culture is the Stretford End, that Denis Law was given the nickname "King of the Stretford End", and there is now a statue of Law on the concourse of the stand's upper tier.
The Manchester United club shop has had six different locations since it was first opened. Originally, the shop was a small hut near to the railway line that runs alongside the ground. The shop was then moved along the length of the South Stand, stopping first opposite where away fans enter the ground, and then residing in the building that would later become the club's merchandising office. A surge in the club's popularity in the early 1990s led to another move, this time to the forecourt of the West Stand. With this move came a great expansion and the conversion from a small shop to a "megastore". Alex Ferguson opened the new megastore on 3 December 1994. The most recent moves came in the late 1990s, as the West Stand required room to expand to a second tier, and that meant the demolition of the megastore. The store was moved to a temporary site opposite the East Stand, before taking up a 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) permanent residence in the ground floor of the expanded East Stand in 2000. The floor space of the current megastore is actually owned by United's kit sponsors, Nike, who operate the store.
The East Stand at Old Trafford was the second to be converted to a cantilever roof, following the North Stand. It is also commonly referred to as the Scoreboard End, as it was the location of the scoreboard. The East Stand can currently hold nearly 12,000 fans and is the location of both the disabled fans section and the away section. The disabled section provides for up to 170 fans, with free seats for carers. Old Trafford was formerly divided into sections, with each section sequentially assigned a letter of the alphabet. Although every section had a letter, it is the K Stand that is the most commonly referred to today. The K Stand fans were renowned for their vocal support for the club, and a large array of chants and songs, though many of them have relocated to the second tier of the West Stand. The East Stand has a tinted glass façade, behind which the club's administrative centre is located. These offices are the home to the staff of Inside United, the official Manchester United magazine, the club's official website, and it’s other administrative departments. Images and advertisements are often emblazoned on the front of the East Stand, most often advertising Nike products, though a tribute to the Busby Babes was displayed in February 2008 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster. Above the megastore is a statue of Sir Matt Busby, Manchester United's longest-serving manager to date. There is also a plaque dedicated to the victims of the Munich air disaster on the south end of the East Stand, while the Munich Clock is at the junction of the East and South Stands.On 29 May 2008, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Manchester United's first European Cup title, a statue of the club's "holy trinity" of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, entitled "The United Trinity", was unveiled across Sir Matt Busby Way from the East Stand, directly opposite the statue of Busby.
The pitch at the ground measures approximately 105 metres long by 68 metres (74 yd) wide,with a few metres of run-off space on each side. The centre of the pitch is about nine inches higher than the edges, allowing surface water to run off more easily. As at many modern grounds, 10 inches under the pitch is an underground heating system, composed of 23 miles (37 km) of plastic pipes. Club manager Alex Ferguson often requests that the pitch be relaid, most notably half way through the 1998–99 season, when the team won the Treble, at a cost of about £250,000 each time. The grass at Old Trafford is watered regularly, though less on wet days, and mowed three times a week between April and November, and once a week from November to March.
In the mid-1980s, when Manchester United Football Club owned the Manchester Giants, Manchester's basketball franchise, there were plans to build a 9,000-seater indoor arena on the site of what is now Car Park E1. However, the chairman at the time, Martin Edwards, did not have the funds to take on such a project, and the basketball franchise was eventually sold. In August 2009, the car park became home to the Hublot clock tower, a 10-metre (32 ft 10 in)-tall tower in the shape of the Hublot logo, which houses four 2-metre (6 ft 7 in)-diameter clock faces, the largest ever made by the company.
Other Uses
Old Trafford has also been used for purposes other than football. Before the Old Trafford football stadium was built, the site was used for games of shinty, the traditional game of the Scottish Highlands. During the First World War, the stadium was used by American soldiers for games of baseball and, in 1981, matches of cricket's Lambert & Butler Cup were held there.
Old Trafford has played host to both codes of rugby football, although league is played there with greater regularity than union. The Super League grand final has been played at Old Trafford every year since the introduction of the playoff system in 1998; the first rugby league match to be played at Old Trafford was held during the 1924–25 season, when a Lancashire representative side hosted the New Zealand national team, with Manchester United receiving 20% of the gate receipts. The first league match to be held at Old Trafford came in November 1958, with Salford playing against Leeds under floodlights in front of 8,000 spectators. The first rugby league Test match played at Old Trafford came in 1986, when Australia beat Great Britain 38–16 in front of 50,583 spectators. The 1989 World Club Challenge was played at Old Trafford on 4 October 1989, with 30,768 spectators watching Widnes beat the Canberra Raiders 30–18, and when the Rugby League World Cup was hosted by Great Britain, Ireland and France in 2000, Old Trafford was chosen as the venue for the final; the match was contested by Australia and New Zealand and resulted in a 40–12 win for Australia, watched by 44,329 spectators.
Old Trafford hosted its first rugby union international in 1997, when New Zealand defeated England 25–8. A second match was played at Old Trafford on 6 June 2009, when England beat Argentina 37–15. The stadium is one of 12 confirmed venues set to host matches of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In October 1993, a WBC–WBO Super-Middleweight unification fight was held at the ground, with around 42,000 people paying to watch WBO champion Chris Eubank fight WBC champion Nigel Benn.
Aside from sporting uses, several concerts have been played at Old Trafford, with such big names as Bon Jovi, Genesis, Bruce Springsteen, Status Quo, Rod Stewart and Simply Red playing. An edition of Songs of Praise was recorded there in September 1994. Old Trafford is also regularly used for private functions, particularly weddings, Christmas parties and business conferences. The first wedding at the ground was held in the Premier Suite in February 1996.
http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford.aspx
http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford.aspx
Lord's Cricket Ground
Lord's today is not on its original site, being the third of three grounds that Lord established between 1787 and 1814. His first ground, now referred to as Lord's Old Ground, was where Dorset Square now stands. His second ground, Lord's Middle Ground, was used from 1811 to 1813 before being abandoned to make way for the construction through its outfield of the Regent's Canal. The present Lord's ground is about 250 yards (230 m) north-west of the site of the Middle Ground. A major redevelopment has been proposed for Lord's which would increase capacity by another 10,000 as well as adding apartments and an ice rink.
The Stands
The current stands at Lord's are as follows (in a clockwise direction):
- The Pavilion
- Warner Stand
- Grand Stand
- Compton Stand
- Media Centre
- Edrich Stand
- Mound Stand
- Tavern Stand
- Allen Stand
The Pavilion
The main survivor of the Victorian era is The Pavilion with its famous Long Room; this was built in 1889-90 to the designs of architect Thomas Verity. Recently, this historic landmark — a Grade II*-listed building — underwent an £8 million refurbishment programme in 2004-05. The pavilion is primarily for members of MCC who may use its amenities including seats for viewing the cricket, the Long Room and other facilities such as the Long Room Bar, the Bowlers Bar, a members shop etc. For Middlesex matches the Pavilion is open to members of the Middlesex County Club. The Pavilion also contains the dressing rooms where players change, each of which has a small balcony for players to watch the play. In each of the two main dressing rooms are honours boards which commemorate all the centuries scored in Test matches on the Lord’s ground and all instances of a bowler's taking five wickets in a Test innings and ten wickets in a Test match.
The Media Centre
The Media Centre was commissioned in time for the 1999 Cricket World Cup and was the first all aluminium, semi-monocoque building in the world. It was built and fitted-out in two boatyards and uses boat-building technology. The centre stands 15 metres (49 ft) above the ground and its sole support comes from the structure around its two lift shafts — it is approximately the same height as the Pavilion directly opposite it on the other side of the ground. The lower tier of the centre provides accommodation for over 100 journalists and the top tier has radio and television commentary boxes. The centre’s only opening window is in the broadcasting box used by Test Match Special. The Building was awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture in 1999.
Lord's Field
One of the most distinctive and famous features of the Lord's ground is the significant slope across the field. The north-west side of the playing surface is some eight feet higher than the south-east side. This slope causes appreciable deviation in bounce of the ball on the pitch, making it easier to move the ball in to right-handed batsmen when bowling from the Pavilion End, and easier to move it away when bowling from the Nursery End. The outfield was notorious for becoming waterlogged and under the chairmanship of the Estates Committee by Maurice de Rohan the whole outfield was relaid over the winter of 2002-2003. The investment (some £2m) was almost immediately repaid by reducing the need to make ticket refunds in rain-affected matches.
The Floodlights
Temporary floodlights were installed at the ground in 2007 but were eventually taken down in 2008 due to complaints of light pollution from residents of St. John's Wood. In January 2009, the Westminster Council gave permission to use the newly installed floodlights. These new lights were especially designed for the ground in order to prevent as much light spillage in people's homes as possible. Westminster Council's permission was not without condition. The lights will be allowed for a five year trial period during which up to 12 matches and 4 practice matches can be played under the lights from April to September. The lights must be dimmed to half-strength at 9.50pm and be switched off by 11pm. The floodlights were first used successfully on 27 May 2009 during the Twenty20 Cup match between Middlesex and Kent.
Cricket Usage
Lord's hosts Test matches, one-day Internationals, some Middlesex home matches, MCC matches and (starting with a fixture between Middlesex and Surrey in July 2004) some of Middlesex's home Twenty20 games.
Lord's typically hosts two Tests every summer - including the first Test of the summer - plus two One Day Internationals. Lord's also plays host to the finals of the National Village Cricket Competition, the MCC Universities Challenge tournament and The Friends Provident Trophy. Furthermore, two matches in the Twenty20 Cup, but not the competition's finals day, are played at Lord's each season.
The oldest permanent fixture at Lord's is the annual Eton versus Harrow match which began in 1805 (Lord Byron played in the 1805 Harrow XI) and celebrated its bicentennial in 2005. The match is always fiercely contested. Since 2000 it has been 55 overs per side, but before that it was declaration and before that it was two innings per side over two days. Eton has the balance of wins, but the victor in the bicentenary year was Harrow.
MCC Museum
Lord's is the home of the MCC Museum, which is the oldest sports museum in the world, and contains the world's most celebrated collection of cricket memorabilia, including The Ashes. MCC has been collecting memorabilia since 1864. The items on display include cricket kit used by the likes of Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs, Don Bradman and Shane Warne, many items related to the career of W.G. Grace; and curiosities such as the stuffed sparrow that was 'bowled out' by Jahangir Khan of Cambridge University in delivering a ball to T.N. Pearce batting for M.C.C on July 3, 1936. It also contains the battered copy of Wisden that helped to sustain E.W. Swanton through his captivity in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. The Museum continues to collect historic artefacts and also commissions new paintings, and work from the "MCC Young Cricket Photographer". A recently opened exhibition, which celebrates the life and career of Brian Lara, is especially suitable for children. It contains the Brian Johnston Memorial Theatre, a cinema which screens historical cricket footage for visitors. A visit to the MCC Museum is included in the guided tours of the ground which take place daily. Alternatively, it can be visited on match-days by ticket-holding spectators for a separate charge.
Lord's Test Matches
Over one hundred Test matches have been played at Lord's, the first in 1884 when England defeated Australia by an innings and 5 runs. Australia's first win was in 1888 by 61 runs. South Africa played their first Test match at Lord's in 1907 and the ground was the host to an Australia v South Africa Test match in 1912. The West Indies appeared in a Test match at Lord's for the first time in 1928, to be followed by New Zealand (1931), India (1932), Pakistan (1954), Sri Lanka (1984), Zimbabwe (2000) and Bangladesh (2005). The hundredth Lord's Test match was in 2000 v West Indies. As of August 25, 2010 England have played 119 Test matches at Lord's winning 45, losing 28 and drawing 46. Personal achievements by cricketers in Test matches at the ground are recognised with the names of century makers and of bowlers taking five wickets in an innings, or ten wickets in a match, being inscribed on the honours boards in the home and away dressing rooms. England beat Australia at Lord's for the first time since 1934 in the second game of the 2009 Ashes Series.
Lord's hosts two Test matches each summer, one match for each visiting team. However the ECB may impose a limit of one Test per ground for the summer, the MCC have looked into talking to the ECB over the proposal. In 2010, the stadium hosted three Test matches. As well as England's matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, a Test match between Australia and Pakistan was held at the stadium in July.
Lords would be the venue of the 2000th test match when England hosts India from 21 July to 25 July 2011.
Other Sports Played at Lord's
A baseball game was held at Lord's during the Great War to raise funds for the Canadian Widows and Orphans Fund. A Canadian team played an American team in a match watched by 10,000 people. Bowls, tennis, archery and several other sports have been played at Lord's in the past, but never rugby or football. Recently, there has been talk about staging Major League Baseball games at Lord's in the near future.
Lord's is also one of the planned venues for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The archery competition will take place in front of the Pavilion, with the archers positioned in front of the Allen Stand and the targets placed in front of the Grand Stand. Lord's also houses a real tennis court.
AO3 - Describe the role of private, public and voluntary sectors in providing local sporting oppurtunities and facilities
This AO was done as a powerpoint and has been uploaded and can be viewed below.
AO3. Sorted.[1]
AO4 - Describe the aims of three national organizations involved in sport
AO5 Unit 1
AO 6 and AO7 - List the specific needs of four different user groups which may affect their participation in sport and For each of the four different user groups identified suggest ways to increase their participation.
People from ethnic backgrounds often have customs or traditions that differ from the population as a whole. These include such things as eating at only certain times of the day, having a different language, rituals or routines associated with their religion and customs concerning dress and clothing. The opportunities for these people to take part in sport may be limited if such things are not taken into consoderation. Stereotyping is also another barrier for ethnic minorities, holding a fixed impression over a group of people based on poor information leads to, sports facilities not providing an appropriate provision for certain people. (Caplan and Smith, 2005). A lower proportion of people from ethnic minorities take part in sport, compared with the national average. A study by the English Sports Council, Sport England, revealed that many people from ethnic minorities were keen to give sport it a go - but said they did not have access to facilities. Some also cited racist incidents which had put them off - one in ten men of African or Caribbean origin said they had had a negative experience in sport because of their ethnicity. Sport England is trying to increase the profile of sport and its health and social benefits in ethnic minority communities around Britain. The council awards grants of up to £5,000 to organisations which encourage ethnic minority participation in sport. Local athletics groups and organisations like Sheffield's Pitsmoor Somali Club are among those who have already benefited from extra cash. Myths still prevail about the suitability of particular sports to people from particular ethnic backgrounds. Notions that Black people cannot swim and Asians are weak and easily injured should be dispelled, as there is no statistically significant research or information to support this view. Unfortunately, many direct, indirect and institutionalised racism are still, unfortunately, important factors influencing the participation and progress of people from ethnic minorities in sport. All sporting organisations can employ a number of measures to ensure that people from various ethnic backgrounds feel welcome and secure whilst participating in sporting activities. These include a public commitment to outlaw racism, transparent, simple and publicised complaints procedures, images showing multi-cultural participation, and initiatives to encourage people from ethnic communities into roles in administration, decision-making and coaching. http://www.vagacms.co.uk/content/showcontent.aspx?contentid=1187 Programmes such as Sporting Equals exist to actively promote greater involvement by all communities that are disengaged especially the black and minority ethnic population in sport and physical activity. http://www.sportingequals.org.uk/
With the percentage of retired people increasing in the UK, the governing bodies for sporting activities must focus on encouraging elderly and retired people to take part in sports which will improve both quality and longevity of life. Some elderly people, after paying their bills have enough money to pay for sporting activities in the private sector, however, may can not afford such prices for gyms and sports centres so the price of allowing elderly people to become involved in sport is a key issue. With going to gyms, many can lower the risk of a lot of diseases such as diabetes. However, with these health issues, they prevent many from attending gyms and becoming apart of sports so the degree of the intensity of their physical activity has to be adhered to. According to studies from Oxford University, participation with sport declines with age, the study showed that participation in atleast one activity in 60-69 year olds was half that of 30-34 year olds. The objective of these studies were to identify how much help the retired needed in making them active in sport and how Sport England could help them.
Children may be dependent on their parents to transport to sports facilities, and cost may also be a factor which prevents some children form participating in sport. Children need smaller or specifically adapted sports equipment, depending on their size, physique and ability. At a young age teams sports are most popular as they encourage children to stay healthy with their friends and this maximises fun which in turn maximises participation. With the modern generation of children influenced to play computer games and not participate in sport, the government must provide a great deal of activites which allows a broad range of children to participate. The increasing percentage of obesity amongst children due to lack of fitness is a serious concernm this is why children often need to be persuaded to participate. With such schemes as CrossFit Kids, run within the private sector, they are reducing the rate of obese children and encouraging children to participate in fitness schemes by making them fun and universally scalable to fit the needs of all children. Schemes like this also encourage children to have a great knowledge of fitness and what they should eat to stay fit. More schemes like this should be set up within the public sector to encourage broad participation and lower the concern of not being able to particiapte in sport due to financial reasons. Many sporting clubs are run voluntarily during their spare time by fathers or mothers of the children who are playing for that particular club, many rugby, football, hockey and netball teams are run in this manner throughout the country. According to BBC News, only one in eight young people in this country are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day. The reports are based on the findings of a survey published today by the British Heart Foundation. The study stated that only one in eight children replied that they did 60 minutes of physical activity a day. One in three did less than an hour a week, while 30% said that they 'couldn’t be bothered' and 20% said they thought they did not need to exercise because they were not overweight. More than 55% of the children said that they spent 60 minutes or more a day texting, talking on the phone or using instant messaging and social networking sites. A reported 78% of the children were apparently unaware of the recommended daily amount of exercise. http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/09September/Pages/kids-must-get-more-active.aspx
People with disabilities find it difficult to participate in sport for a variety of reasons. Those with restricted mobility will need help getting in and out of sports facilities. Visually impaired people will need specifically adapted equipment, for example, in cricket a larger ball is used with a bell withing to tell the batsman how close and where the ball is in relation to the pitch. Hearing impaired people need to be given infomation of their sport they are particapting in in writing so they can play to the best of their abilities. Disabled people must be treated in a manner that is not condescending, patronising or dismissive. Sometimes it is the fear of being treated differently that prevents such people from participating in the first place. The wrong treatment of disabled people leads to the lack of confidence in the playing ability. There are now a wide range of sports which a modified to fit the needs of those people who are disabled. These include, basketball, cycling, swimming and cricket which are run by the public sector. (Caplan and Smith, 2005) Increased staff, training, more appropriate oppurtunities, better infomation on the opportunities, improvement to equipment and facilities, specific support, transport and concession prices would all improve acces to sports and recreation opportunities. The majority of youn disabled people express a preference in a 'sporting environment' especially if within a disability sports club with other people with similar impairments or an after school club with friends. http://www.efds.net/content/research/pdf/HTA%20research%20-%20final%20draft.pdf
://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/uk/2002/race/participation_in_sport.stm
These different user groups have different needs that must be addressed if they are to participate in sport on a regular basis. Some of have been identified with the user groups above, however, some can also be seen below.
One of the reasons why people do not participate in sport is that they are often unaware that particular sessions exist which meet their needs. For example, teenagers may be aware there is a local swimming pool but not that it operates a session involving a swim and social activities afterwards. Places such as these need to advertise so that the group(s) which arn't aware of the activities they provide or even their existence are targeted.
The timings of sessions for sports activities is also a major factor in determining whether people can take part. Sessions for children and teenagers have to be during the evening and at the weekend so that they don't clash with school times, which is different to programmes run for the retired which may be run throughout the day as they have the most free time generally.
Some user groups will require additional facilities if they are to take part in sport. Some ethnic minorities will need extra support, for example, support in overcoming the language barrier. This can be achieved by posting infomation in leaflets which express a whole range of different languages, or using maps and symbols can be used in place of written words to show the location of various different sports areas which are available. Some people may be put off by the fact that they are beginners. Facillities could provide sessions for different or specialist coaching to help break down this certain barrier. However, this specialist coaching comes with its own problems of being more expensive than the regular training.
For the disabled, improving physical access is very important. Ramps and lifts will help the physically disabled by enabling them to move freely around the building without hesitation, providing them with more freedom and confidence. Wider car parking spaces near the entrance will improve access to the building from the outside, allowing greater ease of getting to the facilitie. A lack of suitable transport to and from the building or a lack off staff specifically trained to deal with particular user groups will also affect access to the facility.
