Ian Taylor and Charlie Adams at the Football Centre

Aston Villa Ambassador Ian Taylor and Sky television cameras made an appearance at the Aspire Sports Football Centre last week.

Ian was giving his views on the racism storm brewed up by FIFA President Sepp Blatter and was interveiwed live by Sky News and Sky Sports News (watch the video below).

And to further the excitement Ian spent the time with the budding soccer stars and passed on his advice.

‘Tayls’, as he was affectionately known to the Aston Villa fans, was at the brand new football centre which is staged on the brand new 3G pitch at Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club.

Acting in his Ambassadorial role that he has with local sports education providers Aspire Sports Health & Fitness Ian said “Having the opportunity to give something back to these children is great. The Football Centre is a new initiative but judging by the numbers the guys have got it right again. “

“The ability of some of these children is amazing. Who knows, we may have a future Villa player in our midst!”

After running a free 5 week taster programme in September, the second term has seen numbers hit50, something that has really pleased Football Centre Co-ordinator Alistair Heath.

 “The focus of the Aspire Sports Football Centre is allowing each player to reach their full football potential.  Our approach is all about enjoyment whilst maximising each child’s time on the ball and improving their fundamental movement dynamics.”

Company Director James Trowman said about the facility “Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club’s brand new state of the art 3G pitch means that the Aspire Sports Football Centre is never effected by bad weather or dark nights.  It is a fantastic facility and we’re grateful to the club for letting a local organisation such as Aspire Sports run a programme for the local community.”

The Aspire Sports Football Centre helps children reach their full football potential. It runs every Thursday from 5:30pm – 7pm.  For further information visit www.aspire-sports.co.uk/footballcentre and for enquiries and bookings email suttonfootballcentre@aspire-sports.co.uk or call 08455 08 27 34.

Last week we announced that we have had a brand new ambassador join our team.  Commonwealth gold medailst Louise Hazel becomes our third ambassador alongside Ian Taylor and Chris Woakes.

As part of the deal Aspire Sports are supporting Louise through ‘Team Hazel’ in her bid towards London 2012.

Here is a message from Louise

Pupils of Whitehouse Common Primary School pictured with Ian Taylor and Head Teacher Debbie Allen

PE and school sport is on the top of the agenda for one local Sutton Coldfield Primary School.

Last week, Whitehouse Common Primary School was recognised as being a school with outstanding and inspiring practice in Physical Education and Physical Activity. 

Head Teacher Debbie Allen was awarded the ‘Leading Aspect Award in Physical Education and Physical Activity’ by Wilson Stuart Active Society Director Steve Ellis and Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor.

Commenting on the award, Debbie Allen said “The Whitehouse Common team have worked extremely hard to gain this award.  It has had a positive impact on the school and has developed the self-esteem of individuals and enhanced team morale.”

“To have someone like Ian Taylor come and present the award helped make our day very special indeed”.

Whitehouse Common Primary School is part of the Wilson Stuart Active Society.  The Community Interest Company works collaboratively with schools in the local area to promote PE, school sport and community sport.

Director Steve Ellis explained “This award is in recognition of the outstanding physical education and out of hours delivery that Whitehouse Common offer their pupils.  The staff work tremendously hard to offer a broad and varied programme to their pupils and I am pleased to see this recognised by the award”.

Ian Taylor, who was present in his role as Aspire Sports Ambassador talked to children about his 15 year football career and the importance of respect, enjoying sport and working hard.  He said “I enjoy visiting schools and giving something back. If I can say or do something that inspires children into leading a healthy active lifestyle then I’m happy.”

Aspire Sports are pleased to announce that they will be supporting heptathlon star and 2012 Olympic medal hope Louise Hazel. 

The Erdington based company have become part of the Birchfield Harriers exclusive ‘Team Hazel’.

Louise Hazel with members of the Aspire Sports team

Talking about Aspire Sports’ commitment to ‘Team Hazel’, Louise explained “I am pleased that Aspire Sports have joined ”Team Hazel” in my bid for success at the London 2012 Olympic Games. With seven events to train for in the heptathlon, my event is one which requires a lot of time, commitment and expense.

“With their support I am able to focus 100% on improving my performance for major championship competitions and, more importantly, for my Olympic Dream!”

And to further add to the good news, Louise has joined the Aspire Sports team as their latest Company Ambassador.

The current Commonwealth gold medallist becomes the sport education company’s third ambassador and in doing so joins Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor and England cricketer Chris Woakes in her new role.

Speaking of her role, the popular Birchfield Harrier said “It is a pleasure to be working with Aspire Sports in the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. As a passionate sportswoman I feel that the way in which Aspire Sports delivers to schools is not only innovative but, more importantly, fun and enjoyable for youngsters.”

“Their work with inactive children, with support of the NHS, reaches children who are most in need of a healthy and active lifestyle and it is great to see the effect that they have on the wider community and overseas with the Aspire to Africa campaign” Louise continued.

 In between her busy training schedule Louise will promote Aspire Sports and attend numerous events throughout the year, including visits to local schools.

“Our current ambassadors do a fantastic job in promoting the company and our values but we felt that we were missing a female role model” commented Aspire Sports Director Paul Griffiths.

“And that is the reason we approached Louise.  She is an adopted Brummie who has a glowing reputation on the athletics circuit and shares our passion for sport and physical activity.  We really are delighted to have Louise on board and we’ll be backing her all the way in her quest to compete and win at London 2012!”