The Phoenix Newspaper UK | Latest news in UK | Positive news | Inspiring The Next Generationhttps://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/news/sport/feed/atom/2026-03-15T14:50:04+00:00Phoenix NewspaperThe Phoenix Newspaper UK | Latest news in UK | Positive news | Inspiring The Next GenerationStudy shows more Indian women playing cricket now than in 20202026-03-14T21:48:09+00:002026-03-14T21:48:09+00:00https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/study-shows-more-indian-women-playing-cricket-now-than-in-2020Super User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT_-_Study_shows_more_Indian_women_playing_cricket_now_than_in_2020.png" /></p><p>One in 10 women who participated in a new study conducted across 14 Indian states say they play cricket, a significant increase on the last survey six years ago.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT_-_Study_shows_more_Indian_women_playing_cricket_now_than_in_2020.png" /></p><p>One in 10 women who participated in a new study conducted across 14 Indian states say they play cricket, a significant increase on the last survey six years ago.</p>
Birmingham crowned West Midland’s Mother’s Day Capital2026-03-14T21:44:26+00:002026-03-14T21:44:26+00:00https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/birmingham-crowned-west-midlands-mothers-day-capitalSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT-COM_-_Birmingham_crowned_West_Midlands_Mothers_Day_Capital.png" /></p><p>Mother’s Day in the UK saw the public spend approximately £1.4 Billion in 2025 on gifts and ways to celebrate the day.</p>
<p>With spending projected to increase further this year, Geraldo’s of Largs have analysed Google search data to see which parts of the UK celebrate the day the most. In total, March 2025 saw 42,567,430 searches for Mother’s Day across the UK as a whole, indicating that around 60% of the UK public could take part in the day itself.</p>
<p>Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s shared her thoughts: “Family runs through the core of our business.</p>
<p>“It’s named in honour of my father, and my mother has been here with me every step of the way as it’s grown, so we know how important days like Mother’s Day are to millions of others up and down the country.” <a href="https://74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fwww.geraldos.co.uk%2F/1/0102019ce672c38e-c9325d55-bcb0-4dae-adb6-c8cdbcfe8c9e-000000/NFPIMZvomf5qPLYL_upehHPuHTs=469">Geraldo’s</a> broke the search numbers down to find the areas which had the highest results, comparing them to their population to generate a per capita figure.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>Location</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Combined Searches</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Population</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Searches per 1,000 People</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>England</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>37,308,440</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>57,672,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>646.91</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Scotland</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>2,823,830</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>5,500,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>513.42</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wales</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,598,730</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>3,187,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>501.64</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Northern Ireland</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>836,430</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,914,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>437.01</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>England had the highest per capita result of the UK nations, with 646.91 searches per 1000 people. Northern Ireland was the only country where the results sat lower than 1 in every 2 people searching.</p>
<p>When Geraldo’s broke the numbers down further, Birmingham emerged as the West Midland’s Mother’s Day capital, with the highest number of searches per 1000 people in the region.</p>
<p>Coventry and Shropshire came second and third respectively. </p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>Location</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Combined Searches</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Population</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Searches per 1,000 People</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Birmingham</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,225,130</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,154,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,061.64</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Coventry</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>247,560</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>374,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>661.93</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Shropshire</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>217,850</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>330,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>660.15</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wolverhampton</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>170,350</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>261,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>652.68</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Staffordshire</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>572,830</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>891,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>642.91</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>“Over 60% of the population looking to celebrate Mother’s Day is a really strong indicator of the relationships we can have with parents, and that we all want to recognise that when it’s there”</p>
<p>“Whether it’s flowers, chocolate, a favourite tipple or something else altogether, there are a million ways to show how much you appreciate them, but the main thing is to let them know that their care, advice, guidance and love has been important to you”</p>
<p>“I know how much my mother has helped me on my journey, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without her, but I also know not everyone is that lucky, so for those who might be missing their mother, or don’t have the relationship you might have hoped for the day can be difficult”</p>
<p>“That’s why in those cases, it’s important to recognise the memories you have of those who aren’t with you, and celebrate them, as well as recognising the many ‘mothers’ that may have helped guide you to where you are today”</p><p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT-COM_-_Birmingham_crowned_West_Midlands_Mothers_Day_Capital.png" /></p><p>Mother’s Day in the UK saw the public spend approximately £1.4 Billion in 2025 on gifts and ways to celebrate the day.</p>
<p>With spending projected to increase further this year, Geraldo’s of Largs have analysed Google search data to see which parts of the UK celebrate the day the most. In total, March 2025 saw 42,567,430 searches for Mother’s Day across the UK as a whole, indicating that around 60% of the UK public could take part in the day itself.</p>
<p>Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s shared her thoughts: “Family runs through the core of our business.</p>
<p>“It’s named in honour of my father, and my mother has been here with me every step of the way as it’s grown, so we know how important days like Mother’s Day are to millions of others up and down the country.” <a href="https://74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fwww.geraldos.co.uk%2F/1/0102019ce672c38e-c9325d55-bcb0-4dae-adb6-c8cdbcfe8c9e-000000/NFPIMZvomf5qPLYL_upehHPuHTs=469">Geraldo’s</a> broke the search numbers down to find the areas which had the highest results, comparing them to their population to generate a per capita figure.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>Location</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Combined Searches</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Population</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Searches per 1,000 People</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>England</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>37,308,440</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>57,672,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>646.91</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Scotland</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>2,823,830</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>5,500,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>513.42</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wales</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,598,730</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>3,187,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>501.64</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Northern Ireland</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>836,430</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,914,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>437.01</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>England had the highest per capita result of the UK nations, with 646.91 searches per 1000 people. Northern Ireland was the only country where the results sat lower than 1 in every 2 people searching.</p>
<p>When Geraldo’s broke the numbers down further, Birmingham emerged as the West Midland’s Mother’s Day capital, with the highest number of searches per 1000 people in the region.</p>
<p>Coventry and Shropshire came second and third respectively. </p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>Location</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Combined Searches</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Population</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Searches per 1,000 People</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Birmingham</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,225,130</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,154,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1,061.64</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Coventry</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>247,560</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>374,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>661.93</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Shropshire</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>217,850</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>330,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>660.15</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wolverhampton</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>170,350</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>261,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>652.68</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Staffordshire</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>572,830</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>891,000</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>642.91</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>“Over 60% of the population looking to celebrate Mother’s Day is a really strong indicator of the relationships we can have with parents, and that we all want to recognise that when it’s there”</p>
<p>“Whether it’s flowers, chocolate, a favourite tipple or something else altogether, there are a million ways to show how much you appreciate them, but the main thing is to let them know that their care, advice, guidance and love has been important to you”</p>
<p>“I know how much my mother has helped me on my journey, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without her, but I also know not everyone is that lucky, so for those who might be missing their mother, or don’t have the relationship you might have hoped for the day can be difficult”</p>
<p>“That’s why in those cases, it’s important to recognise the memories you have of those who aren’t with you, and celebrate them, as well as recognising the many ‘mothers’ that may have helped guide you to where you are today”</p>Birmingham 2026 Unity Challenge routes revealed2026-03-13T10:33:51+00:002026-03-13T10:33:51+00:00https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/birmingham-2026-unity-challenge-routes-revealedSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT_-_Birmingham_2026_Unity_Challenge_routes_revealed.png" /></p><p>The 5k and 1k routes for this summer’s Unity Challenge mass-participation event on the final day of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships have been revealed.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT_-_Birmingham_2026_Unity_Challenge_routes_revealed.png" /></p><p>The 5k and 1k routes for this summer’s Unity Challenge mass-participation event on the final day of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships have been revealed.</p>
Zimbabwe President welcomes Rugby Africa president to discuss country’s preparation for Rugby World Cup 20272026-03-13T10:31:20+00:002026-03-13T10:31:20+00:00https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/zimbabwe-president-welcomes-rugby-africa-president-to-discuss-countrys-preparation-for-rugby-world-cup-2027Super User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT11_-_Zimbabwe_President_welcomes_Rugby_Africa_president_to_discuss_countrys_preparation_for_Rugby_World_Cup_2027.jpg" /></p><p>Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, met with His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, at State House to discuss the need for Rugby Africa and Zimbabwe to support the nation’s preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2027, one of the largest sporting events in the world.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT11_-_Zimbabwe_President_welcomes_Rugby_Africa_president_to_discuss_countrys_preparation_for_Rugby_World_Cup_2027.jpg" /></p><p>Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, met with His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, at State House to discuss the need for Rugby Africa and Zimbabwe to support the nation’s preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2027, one of the largest sporting events in the world.</p>
Duplantis breaks pole vault record for a further 15th time2026-03-12T21:12:27+00:002026-03-12T21:12:27+00:00https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/duplantis-breaks-pole-vault-record-for-a-further-15th-timeSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT1_-_Duplantis_breaks_pole_vault_record_for_a_further_15th_time.jpg" /></p><p>Sweden's Armand Duplantis broke his own pole vault world record for the 15th time with a jump of 6.31 metres.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT1_-_Duplantis_breaks_pole_vault_record_for_a_further_15th_time.jpg" /></p><p>Sweden's Armand Duplantis broke his own pole vault world record for the 15th time with a jump of 6.31 metres.</p>
Kia and Surrey announce biggest partnership in domestic women’s cricket2026-03-11T20:28:21+00:002026-03-11T20:28:21+00:00https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/kia-and-surrey-announce-biggest-partnership-in-domestic-womens-cricketSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT_-_Kia_and_Surrey_announce_biggest_partnership_in_domestic_womens_cricket1.jpg" /></p><p>Kia has renewed its commitment as the headline partner of the women’s team of Surrey County Cricket Club for a further three years, running until the end of 2029.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/SPORT_-_Kia_and_Surrey_announce_biggest_partnership_in_domestic_womens_cricket1.jpg" /></p><p>Kia has renewed its commitment as the headline partner of the women’s team of Surrey County Cricket Club for a further three years, running until the end of 2029.</p>