University extends partnership with game-changing sports analysis company

The University of Wolverhampton has extended its sports performance analysis provision and partnership with global company, Hudl, for another three years.

University hosts its first regional sports tournament

The University of Wolverhampton hosted its first West Midlands regional tournament in partnership with AoC Sport last week, with hundreds of students competing in a range of sports on campus.

AoC Sport is the membership organisation for colleges, leading the development of sport and physical activity in 16+ education.

University launches brand-new judo club

The University of Wolverhampton has launched a brand-new judo programme to encourage students to rediscover the sport at the state-of-the-art British Judo Centre of Excellence, based at its Walsall Campus.

Judo is an Olympic sport and has a broad competition base from social participation through to the elite. Since British Judo relocated its Head Office to the University’s Walsall Campus, their long-standing relationship has continued to thrive with the University hosting BUCS Judo Championships and students competing in worldwide competitions. 

University launches new programme for aspiring judokas

The University of Wolverhampton has launched a new Performance Pathway Training Programme to support the transition onto the British Judo World Class Performance Programme (WCPP).

The long-standing relationship between the University of Wolverhampton and British Judo continues to thrive, with British Judo relocating its Head Office to the Walsall Campus alongside its Performance Team.

University of Birmingham announces five new diabetes research studies

The University of Birmingham have launch five new major studies aimed at improving the prevention, treatment and management of type 1 diabetes – with a particular focus on children and young adults.

The new studies include:

·         The ELSA Study: Led by Professor Parth Narendran, the ELSA Study (EarLy Surveillance for Autoimmune diabetes) will see researchers interviewing families, doctors, nurses and schools, to determine if, and how, the UK should develop a testing and monitoring programme that will identify children at risk of type 1 diabetes.

University race team unveils striking new-look livery for Praga racing car

The University of Wolverhampton Race Team (UWR) is the only student race team in the UK competing in professional motorsport competitions – and the team is on track for the first race of the season in the Praga Cup 2022 after unveiling its new livery at a prestigious launch event recently. 

After a successful year of racing in 2021 that saw the team crowned Formula 3 Cup Class champions, they will now be the only University race team competing in the new Praga Cup 2022 following a substantial £200k investment in a new Praga R1 car and branded infrastructure from Midlands-based firm, Highclear Investments, led by local businessman and philanthropic entrepreneur, Walter Gleeson.  

University racing car steered into pole position at the Silverstone Experience

The University of Wolverhampton Race Team (UWR) unveiled its new Formula 3 racing car livery at one of the country’s most iconic racing venues – taking its place in motor sport history. The UWR Formula 3 racing car was steered into pole position and is on display for two weeks at the Silverstone Experience, the new £20M visitor attraction at Silverstone Circuit.

The University is a Founding Partner of the Experience and has a five-year sponsorship deal with the new attraction based in Northampton, working with the team to inspire the next generation of engineers with the hands-on family attraction.

The Silverstone Experience is an archive of the British Racing Drivers’ Club which is on display in a newly-restored Second World War RAF hangar, telling the story of Silverstone motor racing circuit. The project, which is supported by HRH Prince Harry and stars from across motor sport, including world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, Formula 1 engineer Ross

Brawn and commentator Murray Walker, was opened last year.

Sally Reynolds, CEO of Silverstone Heritage Ltd, says: “Creating a home to tell the historic story of Silverstone was first discussed by the BRDC as long ago as 1971, so I am immensely proud to see this seven-year long project come to fruition.

“We should have up to 40,000 school children coming through on formalised trips to do workshops, experience the tech labs, learn about tyres and how brakes work and really to understand why science, engineering, technology and maths are such important subjects.

“We’re really pleased to have the support of the University of Wolverhampton and we’re looking forward to working with the team to inspire the next generation of people to work in the engineering industry.”

UWR Racing Driver, Shane Kelly, said: “This is really a match made in heaven for the University because the Silverstone Experience really touches on the British legends, the winners but also the wider industry.

“To have our car here next to Hamilton’s and Mansell’s is a real honour. We’ve got a graduate who has been hand-picked by Hamilton’s team to work on his car which and it’s our aim to promote careers in the industry to young people who visit the Experience.”

Visitors can learn about the science behind the modern-day sport as well as seeing historic cars and bikes including Barry Sheene’s 1979 Suzuki, leathers and helmet – modified with a hole to allow him to smoke whilst wearing it – and Nigel Mansell’s 1992 British Grand Prix-winning Williams.

Unseen items including programmes and trophies from the BRDC archives are also on display including a driver scrapbook from the 1940s, a valuable collection of BRDC gold stars won by Formula 1 champion James Hunt and a 1992 grand prix signing-on sheet featuring the signatures of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mansell and Damon Hill.

Up to 10,000 Japanese fans set to be permitted at Olympic venues

Up to 10,000 Japanese fans will be permitted at Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues, despite warnings from health bosses. Overseas spectators are already banned but organisers said domestic fans could attend providing crowds did not exceed 50% of a venue's capacity.

Fans will not be allowed to shout or speak loudly, and must wear face masks at all times while in venues. The Olympics are scheduled to begin on July 23, while the Paralympics follow a month later, from August 24.

Spectator numbers for the Paralympics will be confirmed by July 16, said a joint statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the government of Japan. The decision to allow spectators comes despite the release of a report last week by Japanese medical experts that said holding the Games without spectators was the least risky and most desirable option.

Tokyo 2020 organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto said: "There are so many cases, domestically and internationally of sports events with spectators."

"By exercising thorough measures and based on the government criteria, we believe we can hold the Games with spectators. The entire world is facing the same issues and we have to work together to overcome them."

Should there be a rapid increase in Covid-19 infections and impact on Japan's healthcare systems, the five parties will consider further restrictions. This could include further reducing spectator numbers at venues.

There are fears that the Games may trigger a surge in coronavirus infections in Japan. As a result, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga last week encouraged the Japanese public to watch the Games on television, rather than attending events in person.

A state of emergency in Tokyo has been lifted, five weeks before the start of the Olympics with emergency Covid-19 restrictions having been in place in Japan's capital and other prefectures since late April amid a surge in infections. However, some quasi-emergency measures will remain in some areas, including Tokyo, until July 11.

Update on alternative track and field facilities for Birchfield Harriers

As the redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium continues, Birmingham City Council and Birchfield Harriers can confirm alternative provision of a track and field facility has been secured for club members.

Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield will be the training venue for Birchfield athletes while the Alexander Stadium undergoes major construction work to make the venue the largest dedicated athletics facility in the UK.

Equipment from the stadium including hurdles, high jump and pole vault beds and the throws cage will be relocated to the eight lane 400m track at Wyndley, operated on behalf of the council by Birmingham Community Leisure Trust. Birchfield Harriers will have use of the track twice per week (the same frequency as at the Alexander Stadium) on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Sutton venue.

Following the completion of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Alexander Stadium and its facilities will become a long-term focal point for sport, leisure, health and well-being activities in Perry Barr and provide Birchfield Harriers with the best permanent facility of its type for athletics use in the country.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We understand the inconvenience the construction work has caused and the disappointment for those that had hope to use the facilities until later this year.

“The work programme meant no other option than to close the athletics track because the health and safety of all site visitors, including athletes, is of paramount importance.

“I’m delighted we have been able to work with trustees and officials to secure an excellent alternative training venue for Birchfield Harriers at Wyndley Leisure Centre.

“This is only a temporary measure before the club will go ‘home’ to a world-class facility at the Alexander Stadium once it is ready for re-occupation.”

Ainsley Bennett, Chair of Birchfield Harriers Trustees, added: “As Birchfield Harriers Trustees we have been working closely with the city council in what are very difficult and trying times for all.

“We are pleased with all the cooperation and consideration that has been extended to us in providing alternative training arrangements, whilst we all await the world-class facilities being built for the Commonwealth Games and the legacy this will give to athletics in the city and Birchfield Harriers for many years to come.”

The new arrangement commenced earlier this week on 10 August 2020.

Update on Birmingham 2022 preparations in three Cabinet reports

In a series of reports to Cabinet on February 11, Birmingham City Council members will be asked to note overall strong progress in preparing for and delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Cabinet will also be asked to endorse an Outline Business Case (OBC) to realise the legacy of redeveloping the Alexander Stadium.

The OBC places the stadium at the heart of an improved Perry Park, transforming the much-loved open space into a hub of community, leisure, health and wellbeing activity – as part of the effort to improve the quality of life for those already living in the area and to make Perry Barr a place that people from far and wide want to visit and call home.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Having just secured planning permission to redevelop the Alexander Stadium, a scheme that is on budget and schedule, the publication of the OBC is yet more encouraging news as we continue to work with our Games Partners to prepare for the biggest event in the city’s history.

“Things are now starting to progress at pace ahead of the summer of 2022 when we welcome 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories to Birmingham.

“Post-Games, the rebuilt Stadium will become the focal point of all community, leisure and wellbeing activity in a regenerated Perry Barr. This OBC details the way forward as we seek to improve the quality of life for those already living in this part of north-west Birmingham.”

In addition, a £9million council investment is being proposed as part of an initial £15m package into services to ensure the wider city is truly “Games ready” and in the best position possible to reap the full long-term benefits of staging the event.

Cllr Ward added: “We are a proud host city, so this funding will enable the council to get things in place so the city is ready to maximise the potential of hosting the games and the benefits the event will bring in the years beyond 2022.

“The need for these resources was always anticipated. Its use will not be directly related to the actual delivery of the Games. It will be used to improve the city for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Birmingham, with full details in the months ahead.

“Given we have funding available at this time, it is right to allocate it now because with more than two years to go until the Games, it gives the council as much time as possible to maximise the benefits from this increased investment.”

Finally, with land assembly largely complete and a number of plots already let for construction works, approval will be sought at the February 11 meeting to enter into contract on the largest plot on the site (1,354 bedspaces) as the regeneration of Perry Barr continues at pace and the requirements for the Games Village are met.

In addition, the reports to Cabinet also detail how the council is continuing to work with partners locally and nationally to address previously-identified cost pressures between now and Games-time that relate to the Village, with a Revised Full Business Case for the scheme due before councillors in due course.

Update on city planning for Birmingham 2022 given during Ambassador visit

A briefing on preparations being made by the Proud Host City for the 2022 Commonwealth Games was given by the council during a visit to Birmingham by the US Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim Philip T. Reeker.

After a presentation at the Library of Birmingham, he then joined council representatives to inspect the Birmingham 2022 countdown clock in Centenary Square.

Update on the return of Wasps RFC

Wasps Rugby Football Club is continuing its substantial efforts to return the men's and women's teams to the highest level possible of performance rugby.

Updates to the GB & NI team for the European Championships

UK Athletics can confirm that Anna Purchase has been added to the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for the European Championships, while there have been some further changes to the squad for Munich. 

Purchase moved to second on the UK all-time standings in the women’s hammer earlier this year when she threw 70.63m in California in April. She joins Jessica Mayho and Charlotte Payne in the competition.

Upgrade at Birmingham 2022 hockey training venue now complete

The upgrade to the hockey facilities at Wyndley Leisure Centre has been successfully completed, with the venue now boasting an international standard pitch.

The leisure centre, located in Sutton Coldfield, to the north of Birmingham city centre, was announced as the official training venue for hockey, triathlon and Para triathlon back in November and since then has undergone a transformation, with the existing pitch upgraded to a Federation International Hockey (FIH) standard pitch.

US Women’s footballer’s equal pay dismissed

The United States Women’s football team’s bid for equal pay has been dismissed by a court, with the judge rejecting the players’ claims that they were underpaid compared to the men.

The lawsuit was filed by 28 women’s national team players last year against the USSF (US Soccer Federation).

They had been seeking $66 million (£52.6m) in damages under the Equal Pay Act.

Molly Levinson, the spokesperson for the players, said that they planned to appeal against the decision.

The players filed the law suit against the USSF alleging that they were underpaid compered to men in the same sport last year.

The Judge, R. Gary Klausner, said that the players haven’t ‘demonstrated a triable issue’ that they’re paid less than their male peers.

The Women’s national soccer team once openly protested against the USSF when, in a game against Japan Women’s team, when they took to the field wearing their warm-up vests turned inside out so that the U.S badge could not be seen.- although the 4 stars, which represent the US Women’s team’s four World Cup victories were left visible.

They left their jersey inside-out during the U.S. national anthem, before turning them the right way round just before the start of the game.

In a statement, issued by Levinson, she said: “We wanted to stand together as a team and make a statement on behalf of all women and girls that the federation’s comments are unacceptable.

“We love this sport and this country and we cannot stand for this misogynistic treatment”.

At the request of supporters, USWNT (United States Women’s National Team) has begun selling officially licenced T-shirts and hoodies emulating the inside-out jersey.

Uzbekistan and South Korea march to AFC Cup QFs

Uzbekistan beat Thailand 2-1 in their Asian Cup last-16 tie with a second-half winner from Abbosbek Fayzullayev at Al Janoub Stadium to set up a quarter-final clash with hosts and defending champions Qatar, whilst it was South Korea who turn their match on its head with a late leveller in normal time before winning on penalties against a Saudi Arabia side who dominated so much from the start, and who were so close to wrapping up the win themselves.

Venues confirmed for national championships in 2024 and 2025

UK Athletics can confirm the 2024 UK Athletics Championships will take place in Manchester at the Manchester Regional Arena on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June 2024, with Birmingham hosting the 2025 UK Athletics Indoor and Outdoor Championships in 2025.

Verstappen takes title after last-lap drama - as Mercedes protests are rejected

Red Bull's Max Verstappen snatched his first Formula 1 world title by beating Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of a thrilling season finale in Abu Dhabi - then had to wait while the Briton's Mercedes team had two protests against the result rejected by stewards.

Hamilton had appeared in control of the race and on course for the title himself, despite controversy on the first lap, until a late safety car. The race was restarted with one lap to go with Verstappen on fresh tyres and Hamilton on old ones and the Dutchman swept by to win.

Vertu Motors acquires Eagles Arena naming rights

Vertu Motors plc, the Gateshead-based motor retail group, has acquired the naming rights to the Eagles Community Arena in Newcastle in a five-year deal.

The purpose-built community, events and sports arena, which is home to the Newcastle Eagles basketball club, the most successful British Basketball team of all time, and the award-winning Eagles Community Foundation, will now be known as the Vertu Motors Arena.

The deal will see signage featuring the Vertu Motors name added to the Scotswood Road venue’s exterior, as well as new branding throughout the popular destination, which will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people visiting the city and watching British Basketball League games live on Sky Sports.

In addition to being the state-of-the-art venue for top-flight men’s and women’s basketball, the venue, which is owned and operated by the charity foundation, is a community and education hub with flexible spaces to host a wide range of business, entertainment and sporting events – ranging from meetings, conferences and weddings across its hospitality spaces up to large scale exhibitions and events in its multi-purpose arena with capacity crowds of up to 3,000 people.

As part of the arena’s firmly rooted commitment to its local area, since the start of the pandemic it has also been utilised as a COVID-19 testing centre, a base for food and sporting activity pack distribution and most recently it became the region’s biggest vaccination centre with up to 5,000 jabs being administered on site over a weekend.

Vertu Motors has a long-standing relationship with both the club and the charity. The region’s most successful sports team’s staff and players drive an iconic fleet of cars from the arena’s neighbouring Vertu Motors Honda dealership, which extended its support further into developing future generations of basketball players by sponsoring teams of young players participating in one of the foundation’s outreach programmes.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “We are delighted to have our name above the door on this important events, sporting and community venue.

“The Vertu Motors Arena is a standout landmark in the city, which is visited not only by sports fans but businesses and local people and to have our name associated with it is an excellent opportunity for the business.

“The Arena is a hub for the local area, and we are proud to have the chance to support the valuable work the Foundation does and the many community initiatives that make the Arena a genuine community asset.

“Newcastle Eagles are an iconic sports team in the North East and one we are already working in partnership with and to extend that collaboration is extremely exciting.”

Sam Blake, chief executive officer of the Eagles Community Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic to have such an incredible investment from Vertu Motors for the future of the foundation, this venue and our community.

“The past twelve months have been a tough road to walk for all of us, so we hope this news brings a much-needed boost and a smile to all of our Eagles families, friends and volunteers.

“We know everyone is looking forward to the return of sport, leisure, education and events over the coming months and we can’t wait to welcome it all to our newly renamed Vertu Motors Arena.”

Victorious Potter hails “biggest career win” in ‘prestigious’ British golfing tournament

Kent’s Jake Potter emerged victorious at Copt Heath Golf Club in Solihull, in the West Midlands, marking the 43rd edition of the Peter McEvoy Trophy.