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.

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.”

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!”  

When?                 Thursday 22^nd/ 29^th September, 6^th/ 13^th/ 20^th October

Where?                The brand new 3G pitch at Sutton Town Football Club, Coles Lane, B72 1NL

What time?           5:30pm – 7pm

Who?                   Children aged in Reception to Yr 7

Cost?                   FREE!

The Aspire Sports Football Centre has been designed by a team of FA and UEFA qualified coaches and has one sole purpose, to develop your child so that they can reach their full football potential.

Too often we hear from parents that their child’s skills are not being developed in the right way, there is too much focus on a team ‘win at all costs’ mentality, or that they are simply not enjoying their experience.

The Aspire Sports Football Centre is different!

How?

We focus on your child and are determined to improve them as a footballer so that they reach their full potential and have a greater impact on a team. Your child will be developed as an individual through an innovative skill development programme that incorporates fundamental movement dynamics and high tempo, small sided games that maximise time on the ball.

The Aspire Sports Football Centre programme has an effective progression model through the ‘Development School’ and ‘Elite Academy’.  It helps your child reach their full potential in 4 key ways:

-          A unique personalised development programme and progress reports

-          Positional specific coaching

-          Fundamental movement skills coaching

-          Exit routes into local teams

Staff

The Aspire Sports Football Centre is part of the Aspire Sports brand. Our priority is high delivery standards and safeguarding. With this in mind, you can be rest assured that our experienced staff are FA and UEFA qualified, fully insured and hold a enhanced CRB disclosure. 

Book now!

Places for the open evening sessions are limited.  You may attend as many free sessions as you wish but booking is essential. 

For further information and to book your child’s place email us or call the office on 08455 08 27 34.

The project fulfilled its aim to improve the lives of children, young people and local communities through sport and physical activity.  The were an inspiration to thousands of pupils and teaching staff in two primary schools based in the villages of Itete and Mang’ula.

Aspire to Africa benefits children and young people in the UK too!  Three teachers from local schools in the Midlands joined our team and as a result have created links with their schools and those we visited.

For further information, news, views, images and video footage on the Aspire to Africa project click here.

Aspire Sports Ambassador Chris Woakes and ex-Birmingham City legend Michael Johnson dropped in to show their support for the Active Camps Open Day. 

The Open Day was used to officially launch the new venue. It attracted over 150 children who took part in numerous sports and activities throughout the day including Frisbee, dance, football and volleyball to name a few.

Speaking about the event, England one day player Chris Woakes said “It was a great day and the amount of children attending was brilliant. The guys provide such a great service to parents and children during the school holidays. I’m just glad to be a part of something that promotes active lifestyles and keeps children entertained during the school holidays.”

Active Camps are located at Parkside Middle School until 12th August over the summer holidays and are open from 8am – 6pm each day.  Click here for further information. 

Well after losing 3 games we can think of plenty.  We had fun though!

On Friday 5th August a team from Aspire Sports took part in the Midlands launch of the ECB backed Last Man Stands initiative.

Held at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, the event was aimed at local businesses with the objective to get recreational cricket back on the map.

The Aspire Sports team included Ambassador Ian Taylor and special guest, ex-England international Paul Nixon.  Other stars taking part in the day included Graeme Hick, Neil Smith and Alex Tudor.

Although the main emphasis was on fun, the out right winner on the day were Lawrence Accountants.  Congratulations to them and to Morant Sports,  The Aspiration Group, the ECB and the Last Man Stands people for making the day such a fun occasion!

Perhaps several months too late for these comments to come but nevertheless, SSP’s will go out on a high knowing that their hard work has paid off. 

People may argue that SSP’s were a waste of money but the facts are there for all to see.  Participation is sport increased dramatically in the 10 years SSP’s were around. 

With the focus now on competition there are intersting times ahead for school sport.  And with the small matter of the Olympics  12 months away we think Mr Gove needs to start making an impact now before all of the great work is wasted.

To read the full report on the TES website click this link  http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6092131&s_cid=twtimes_paper_axedofsted