| Foundation In The News |
| A group of students with learning difficulties have helped improve the biodiversity of an area around a leading Coventry sports centre. Ten students from Henley College have planted about 900 hedgerow plants next to the Alan Higgs Centre. The move will encourage a range of wildlife to the area, which is close to the River Sowe, as well as cover the security fencing which separates the Allard Way centre from the neighbouring railway line. The hedgerow was paid for by the Alan Higgs Trust and the students have been planting over a five week period. The Alan Higgs Centre – which is managed by Coventry Sports Foundation – is unique as it manages about 80-acres of surrounding natural habitat, along the River Sowe. Three staff are specifically employed to increase bio-diversity and encouraging a wide range of wildlife back into this important part of the city's greenbelt. |
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| The programme is complemented by a variety of educational and community volunteer programmes, to provide even more opportunity for involvement within the Foundation’s ‘more than just sport’ philosophy. The students, who all have differing learning difficulties, have been working at Coventry Sports Foundation – which also runs Centre AT7 in Bell Green and the Midland Sports Centre in Tile Hill – as part of its link-up with Henley College. The students normally work from Brandon Wood Farm but visit the Alan Higgs Centre twice a week to learn about biodiversity. Raffaella Tentindo, Environmental Projects Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, is delighted with the work of the students. She said: "Hedgerows are extremely important in helping to encourage and sustain bio-diversity. "The plants the students have used a range of species including dog rose, field maple, hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn. “The students have thoroughly enjoyed the project and will be working in other areas to encourage bio-diversity around the centre." |
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| New fitness equipment | |||||
| One of Coventry’s largest sport and leisure providers has completed a £300,000 investment to improve fitness equipment at its three centres. Coventry Sports Foundation has installed state-of-the-art Pulse resistance equipment in all of its fitness suites worth about £75,000. The work comes after cardio vascular and free-weights areas at the Alan Higgs Centre, off Allard Way, Centre AT7 in Bell Green and the Midland Sports Centre in Tile Hill, were recently replaced. Coventry Sports Foundation, which is a charitable trust, boasts one of the largest fitness facilities in the city that can be used on either a ‘pay and play’ or monthly membership basis. All of the new suites now boast state-of-the-art Pulse Fitness equipment along with cardio theatre facilities. The new resistance equipment complements the existing cardio-vascular, free-weights and ‘spin cycling’ equipment at each gym with about 250 fitness stations across all three centres. Julie Harvey, Lifestyles Manager of Coventry Sports Foundation, said the new equipment improves the fitness centres still further. She said: “The equipment that is being replaced is only two years old but we are always looking to improve the services we offer and the latest Pulse equipment is state-of-the-art. “All of our facilities can be used through our membership programme or a pay-as-you-go facility and the current developments will take affordable fitness provision in the city to a new level.” Anyone wanting more information about the Lifestyle packages at Coventry Sports Foundation should contact 024 7630 8246. |
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| SocaTots | |||||
| Football-inspired parties are being offered by three leading Coventry sports centres that can help the physical development of pre-school children. The events are part of the Socatots scheme exclusively run by Coventry Sports Foundation – the charitable trust which manages the Midland Sports Centre, Centre AT7 and the Alan Higgs Centre. The Socatots scheme is a Brazilian initiative which is aimed at children aged from six months to four years old. It encourages youngsters of both sexes improve their physical development by using a small ball which was used by football legends such as Pele and Ronaldo when they were children. The activities used as part of the sessions help improve a child’s balance, co-ordination and overall development. As well as running a number of sessions at all three centres, Coventry Sports Foundation has started Socatots parties as well. A special World Cup themed party was held at the Midland Sports Centre, Cromwell Lane, Tile Hill, to launch the Socatots parties. Wendy Jackson, sports development manager at Coventry Sports Foundation, said: "The key to the success is ensuring the children have fun. "The Socatots scheme involves a high level of parental involvement but this is not the case with the parties. "Qualified sports coaches lead the parties offering structured games which aid children's development. "Food and drink is also provided meaning that it is a stress-free event for all parents." |
Appointment - New challenge for Chloe | ||||
| The new manager of a leading sports centre in Coventry believes she is extremely well qualified for the job – because she has worked in almost every role at the facility. Chloë Hudson is the new manager of the Midland Sports Centre, which is run by the charitable trust Coventry Sports Foundation. The 26-year-old former Coundon Court pupil has worked at the centre for almost six years. During that time she has worked as a swimming teacher, on reception, duty manager and assistant centre manager. Chloe believes the experience of working at different levels at the centre will stand her in good stead. She said: "I think I can use the knowledge of working here at the centre over the years to good effect. |
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| "It is exciting times to be here as work is well underway for the relocating and rebuilding of the Midland Sports Centre which should be open within the next two years." | |||||
| Fitness winners - Diane is the city's best loser | |||||
| Mother-of-two Diane Findlay is celebrating winning a Coventry-wide fitness competition after losing more than a third of her body weight. The 34-year-old is now eight stone after losing an impressive five-and-a-half stonesover the last few years. Diane, who lives in the Stoke Aldermoor area of the city, was the female winner of the Lifestyles Challenge run by Coventry Sports Foundation. The contest was open to all users of the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre over the last four months. Time trials were held over a three-week period where people had to complete eight disciplines in one of the centre’s fitness suites including cycling, rowing and running in the quickest possible time. The fastest man and woman from each centre then went head-to-head in a final which were won by Diane and |
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| father-of-four Mike Ledger, who lives in the Stoke area of the city. Both winners received a weekend trip for two in Paris courtesy of Harry Shaw City Cruiser. Diane is delighted with winning the contest and believes she proves that it is never too late to get fit. She said: "I have been coming to the Alan Higgs Centre since it opened and have been doing a lot of running and spin cycle classes. "I wanted to enter this competition as it was a challenge to my overall fitness as it involves cycling and running as well as shoulder and leg reps. "I am really pleased to have won and I think it shows what you can achieve. It is never too late to start. "As well as losing the weight, it has really boosted my confidence and I would recommend it to anyone." Forty-nine-year-old Mike, who has been married for 24 years, is delighted to have won the competition. "I have been coming to the gym for about 10 years and thought I would enter to test myself," he said. "I really enjoyed it and what was interesting was how my time improved at the different time trials and it was a good way to measure your improving fitness." Julie Harvey, Lifestyles manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, said the competition had proved a huge success. "This was the first time we had held a contest like this and what was surprising was that we had far more women than men enter," she said. "The Challenge was very much about all-round fitness and it could well become an annual event. "I think both Diane and Mike are worthy winners and are a great inspiration to many people out there." |
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| Socatots - Youngsters to follow legends | |||||
| A pioneering scheme aimed at giving children the best start in life in terms of their physical development is to be launched in Coventry. Coventry Sports Foundation is the first in the city to run the Socatots initiative after receiving funding from two Sure Start schemes in the city – Sure Start North and South East. Socatots is aimed at children from six months to five years old and will be held at the Alan Higgs Centre and Centre AT7, which are managed by the Foundation, from next month. The scheme sees youngsters of both sexes improve their physical development using Futebol de Salão – a Brazilian initiative played with a smaller, heavier ball that has no rebound and was played by football legends such as Pele, Zico and Ronaldo. But Socatots is not football training in the conventional sense since it is a unique programme aimed at improving every child’s balance, co-ordination and overall development. |
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| The key is to create learning in a fun, safe, challenging and ultimately rewarding environment and features parental involvement. The teaching is split into three stages – phase one for six months to walking, phase two for walking to children aged two and the final phase for children up to five. Phase one sessions concentrate on the child's lower limbs, helping them to develop flexibility in their feet and ankles. Sessions also focus on helping children to walk and move, using appropriate exercises and activities. The second phase is designed for children who can walk confidently and, with parental participation, children will start to learn footballing basics such as kicking and passing, turning and juggling. Phase three introduces the child to control the ball with all body parts, a variation of passes, dribbling movements and much more. The Socatots scheme will be run by Coventry Sports Foundation thanks to funding from the two Sure Start projects totalling £3,000. Wendy Jackson, sports development manager at the Foundation, said it was the first time the schemes had been offered in the city. She said: "Socatots is a relatively new scheme in this country which is really catching on because of the results it has achieved. "The emphasis of the sessions is not so much about football skills but having fun and providing young children with the best start in life in terms of physical development and enjoyment. "A lot of the emphasis is on parental participation which is important as it means many of the skills can be used between parents and their children outside the sessions. "We are delighted that Sure Start North and South East have funded the scheme and I am sure the sessions will make a real difference to the young children in the area." Anyone wanting more information about the Socatots scheme should contact Graham Trusswell on 024 7630 8543. |
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| Dance - Dance Classes for kids | |||||
| A surge in demand of youngsters wanting to learn dance and drama has lead to a new school being formed in Coventry. The Discoland School of Dance has started the JoJangles Theatre Arts at the Midland Sports Centre, off Cromwell Lane, Tile Hill. Meeting every Saturday, the new group provides lessons on a range of expressive arts including singing, drama, disco, ballet, hip hop, tap and jazz. Hour long sessions will be held between 9am and 1pm for youngsters aged from three to 18. The JoJangles Theatre Arts has been started by Joanne Walker, who started the Discoland School of Dance 10 years ago, which covers competitive disco and street dance for children and adults. She said: “Through the dance school, I have received numerous requests from children and parents asking me to start a theatre arts school." |
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| “Over the past year or so there has been a real surge in interest in learning the different forms of dance, as well as drama and singing." "Since making the decision to start JoJangles Theatre Arts, there has been overwhelming interest." "I expect the lessons to be extremely popular as through the new school there is the opportunity of performing in prestigious London theatres such as Sadlers Wells, Her Majesty's and the Royal Albert Hall." "Pupils of the new schools will also be able to sit the relevant ewxams and also perform in the many festivals we are appear at every year." Chris Panter, the Manager of the Midland Sports Centre, which is managed by Coventry Sports Foundation, is delighted to be able to support the new group. "The slogan of the Foundation is that we offer more than just sport and this is a great example of that," he said. "If there is a demand for any sort of activity, then we try our best to meet that need." Places for the JoJangles Theatre Arts are limited and anyone wanting more information should contact Joanne on 07971 633732. |
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| Ark - Child's play at city sport centre | |||||
| Youngsters at a popular Coventry nursery have been finding out that is child’s play at a leading city sports centre. Twelve children from Hedgerow Pre-School Centre have been using the soft play facilities at the Ark in the Midland Sports Centre, in Tile Hill. The Ark, which was recently refurbished, includes a slide into a ball pool, climbing structures and low level play areas. There is also a soft play area specifically designed to be used in teaching music, movement and dance. Jenny Evans, Manager of the Hedgerow Pre-School Centre, in Burton Green, said the Ark was a valuable facility. "With nurseries and child minders now Ofsted inspected, pre-school care also have to deliver certain elements of the National Curriculum," she said. |
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| "Part of that is the physical development and general activity of the children and the Ark is a great way of achieving that. "The children absolutely love it and it is a great way of interacting and allowing them to improve their social skills." The Ark at the Midland Sports Centre, off Cromwell Lane, is used by a host of playgroups, play-schemes and is hired out for children's parties as well. Bernice Higginson, Under-Eights Children's Services Supervisor who runs the Ark, said: "The facility is one of the most popular at the sport centre. "It is used by about 150 children every week and is a great place to learn while having fun." Anyone wanting more information about the Ark should contact the Midland Sports Centre on 024 7647 4455. |
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| Trees - Partnership matures for orchard | |||||
| A mini-orchard has been planted close to a leading Coventry sports centre thanks to a donation from a national brewing company. Fourteen apple and pear trees are thriving close to the entrance of the Alan Higgs Centre, off Allard Way. The donation has been made by Bulmers Cider in recognition of the pioneering environment project at the centre. As well as offering a wide range of sporting and leisure activities, the Alan Higgs Centre manages more than 70 acres of natural habitat surrounding the building. A dedicated Environmental Projects Manager has been appointed who, along with three other members of staff, work to improve the land which is next to the River Sowe and has experienced many years of neglect and vandalism. |
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| The overall vision is to encourage a wide range of wildlife back into this important part of the city's greenbelt with a view to transforming the site into an important community and educational resource. Improvements that have already taken place include creating different habitats such as dead wood areas and ponds and erecting bird and bat boxes. Swales have been planted with reeds as part of a new Sustainable Urban Drainage System, while bulb gardens and hedgerows have also been restored or planted from new. The site has become an educational resource and an Education Advisory Panel consisting of teachers and education officers has been formed to make the most of the area, with an ‘eco-lab' classroom created. Raffy Tentindo, Environmental Projects Manager at the Alan Higgs Centre, is delighted with the donation of the trees. She said: "The planting of mini orchards across the site is crucial to our overall aim of sustaining and increasing the rich diversity of wildlife in the area. "It is also helping to develop an important community resource that will provide a range of lifelong learning opportunities." |
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| Henley - Students help children to get sporty | |||||
| Sports students at a Coventry college are putting their new skills into practice after teaming up with a leading city sports centre. The teenagers from Henley College are helping out staff at the Alan Higgs Centre to deliver its highly successful Physical Education in Primary Schools (PEPS) programme. Run by Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre – the scheme is used by more than 50 primary schools in the city. It offers quality, specialist coaching to year five and six youngsters in a variety of sports such as rugby, netball, basketball and athletics. The Henley College students are studying for a BTEC in sport qualification and have started to help coaching courses at the Alan Higgs Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. |
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| Three students enjoy placement at any one time and are overseen by qualified coaches employed by the Allard Way centre. The partnership was started by Graeme Truswell, sports development officer at the Alan Higgs Centre, and it has proved so successful, it may be expanded to incorporate the Foundation's other two centres. Graeme said: "I know from when I was studying, that the best way to really benefit from what you learn is to put those new skills into practice. "It is a great opportunity for the students and it is also good for us to have an extra three people around for the PEPS sessions as well. "I have been impressed with the quality of some of the students and the scheme is going very well and could possible be extended to incorporate Midland Sports Centre and Centre AT7." Declan Connolly, aged 16, is a first year student studying for a two-year BTEC National Diploma in Sport and is delighted at the coaching opportunity. He said: "I am really interested in coaching kids in sport which is obviously why I decided to take this course at Henley College. "But the opportunity to actually help teach children here on the PEPS course has been brilliant and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. "As well as being a great experience it has also made up my mind that this is definitely the sort of career that I would like to do in the future." |
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| Myton football - Young teams' soccer call-up | |||||
| Teams are needed for a weekend feast of football to raise money for Coventry’s Myton Hospice Appeal. Almost 100 teams can take part in the two-day competition to be held at the Alan Higgs Centre, on June 10 and 11. A one-day football event held last year, which raised almost £2,500, was such a success organisers decided to double the size of the seven-a-side tournament. It is aimed at four age groups - under sevens, eights, nines and 10s – and it is hoped this year’s event could raise up to £4,000. The money will go towards the Coventry Myton Hospice Appeal, to build a £5 million building on a site close to Walsgrave Hospital, which could be open by late 2008. Claire McDowell, Community Fundraiser for Coventry, is hoping as many people as possible will support the event. "We have held the football tournament for the past 2 years and it has proved hugely popular," she said. "As a result, we have decided to increase the competition from one day to two to accommodate more teams and hopefully, raise even more money towards our target. "We are currently looking for sponsors for the programme so all money raised will go directly to the Appeal. "We were extremely grateful for the help and support we received last year and hopefully this year’s event will be even more successful." Coventry Sports Foundation, the charitable trust which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, has allowed Myton Hospice to use the pitches at the Allard Way centre for free. Karl Hall, Manager of the Alan Higgs Centre, is happy to be able to support the event. "Giving the pitches for free will allow Myton Hospice to make even more money for its appeal," he said. "Last year’s event was hugely popular and hopefully this year will be the same so we can raise as much money as possible for such a good cause." A fee of £20 per team will be charged as well as a £1 entry fee for adults watching the games. Penalty shoot-out competitions and various stalls will also be held on the two days. Anyone wanting more information about the football tournament or would like an entry form should contact the Myton Hospice Appeal on 01926 838830. |
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| Salsa classes | |||||
| Salsa dancing classes at one of Coventry’s largest leisure providers have been expanded to meet increasing demand. Coventry Sports Foundation – which runs the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre – has been overwhelmed by the interest in the number of people wanting to strut their stuff. The Alan Higgs Centre, off Allard Way, and the Midland Sports Centre in Tile Hill, started salsa classes at the turn of the year. More than 100 people attended the first event at the Alan Higgs Centre with people booking up for the first courses. With a new six-week course set to start at the end of the month, an extra session will start at Centre AT7, in Bell Green. |
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| Julie Harvey, Lifestyles Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, is warning people to book early to avoid disappointment. "More and more people are learning to dance following the success of television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing," she said. "The classes that we offer are for people of all abilities but the majority of people are trying salsa for the first time. "The emphasis of the classes is very much on fun and we expect the new six-week classes to be just as popular as the last." The hour-long salsa class at Centre AT7 will be held from Thursday, March 23 from 7pm. The new class at the Alan Higgs Centre runs between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on the same day, with the session at the Midland Sports Centre from 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 22. The cost of the six-week course is £12 for Lifestyle members, £22.80 for non-members and £16.80 for concessions. Anyone wanting more details about any of the classes should telephone 024 7630 8246. |
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| Paris - Paris Prize for fitness challenge | |||||
| A weekend in Paris is up for grabs as part of a new city-wide fitness challenge launched this week. The Lifestyles Challenge has been launched by Coventry Sports Foundation, which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre. Three time trials are to be held over a three week period where people can turn up to any one of the centres and complete eight disciplines in the fitness suites including cycling, rowing and running in the quickest possible time. People can enter once each week during the time trials, which will be held between March 20-26, April 10-16 and May 8-14. The fastest man and woman from each centre will then compete in a final to be held at the Alan Higgs Centre on Friday, May 26. A weekend trip to Paris for two, donated by Harry Shaw City Cruiser, will be awarded to the winner of the male and female categories. It is the first time Coventry Sports Foundation, a registered charity, has held the city-wide event. Lifestyles manager Julie Harvey said: “At the turn of the year nearly everyone’s new year resolution is to get fitter. "But for many people, after a few months their good intentions slip for whatever reason but the Lifestyle Challenge aims to provide some motivation to keep going. "The emphasis of the entire event is very much on fun and there is a great prize of a trip to Paris for four people on offer thanks to Harry Shaw City Cruiser." Julie added: "But there are also a number of other prizes on offer, including three months free Lifestyle membership, for people with the most improved times at the time trials." The contest is free to enter for Coventry Sports Foundation’s Lifestyle members or £3 for non-members. Anyone wanting more information about the event should telephone 024 7630 8246 for more details. |
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| Netball - Netball landmark is celebrated | |||||
| The 60th anniversary of organised netball in the Coventry area has been commemorated with the unveiling of a special plaque. Stalwarts and current players from the Coventry and District Netball Association attended the event at the Alan Higgs Centre. The £8 million venue off Allard Way which opened in November 2004, is the home of both the Coventry and District and Warwickshire County netball associations. Current England international Emma Brown helped unveil the plaque which is in the reception area at the Alan Higgs Centre. As well as marking the Coventry and District Netball Association’s 60th anniversary, the plaque also highlights the significance of one of its members Evelyn Fisher. |
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| Mrs Fisher was one of the founder members of the league and also played in one of the first ever games. She also played in the inaugural Warwickshire team and was awarded an MBE for services to netball in 1997. Jan Thomas, Chairman of the Coventry and District Netball Association, organised the plaque ceremony. She said: "This is a landmark in the Coventry and District Netball Association's history. "We have grown tremendously over the last 60 years and we have more than 80 senior teams in this league alone. "The Coventry and District Netball Association has been responsible for helping to nurture and bring through considerable talent over the years such as Emma. "It was fitting that the plaque should be here at the Alan Higgs Centre as it has become our new home very quickly. "We were involved at the planning stages of the project and as a result we have a centre with excellent facilities for playing netball." Kath Healion, Operations Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation the charitable trust which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, is delighted with the plaque. "We are very proud of the fact that the Alan Higgs Centre is home to the Coventry and District Netball Association and the Warwickshire County Netball Association as well," she said. "The excellent facilities were badly needed for many years and the best thing is that they are available to players from county level, local level right down to the grass-roots." Anyone wanting more information about the netball facilities at the Alan Higgs Centre should telephone 024 7630 8244. |
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| Swimming instructors - Help keep children in the swim | |||||
| One of Coventry’s leading sport and leisure providers are making a unique offer in a bid to solve a shortage of swimming teachers. Coventry Sports Foundation is offering to pay for 10 people to become fully qualified instructors. The offer, which is worth about £100 per person, would see receive a Level One Assistant Teacher qualification from the Swimming Teacher’s Association. The only condition of the offer is that, once qualified, the candidates would work a minimum of eight hours a week on full pay at the Foundation’s swimming pool at the Midland Sports Centre. About 1,200 children every week use the pool at the Cromwell Lane centre in Tile Hill. Nine local primary schools take part in the centre’s swimming programme and more than 50 tuition classes are held for children and adults every week. But Wendy Jackson, Sports Development Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, said there was a shortage of swimming instructors across the city. "We run a comprehensive range of swimming lesson which are extremely successful," she said. "But finding an adequate number of qualified instructors can be difficult at times but it is a problem that the industry as a whole faces. "Therefore we have decided to be pro-active and come up with the chance to provide people with the chance to become a swimming instructor. "It is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the industry." Successful applicants will be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and anyone wanting more information about the swimming instructor opportunity should contact Wendy on 07747 448565. |
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| Socatots - Tots get on the ball | |||||
| A ball inspired initiative that can help the physical development of pre-school children has been started in Coventry. Coventry Sports Foundation has the exclusive rights to run the Socatots scheme in the city which is aimed at children aged from six months to five years old. Funded by two of Coventry’s three Sure Start schemes, the hour-long sessions are held at the Midland Sports Centre, Centre AT7 and the Alan Higgs Centre. Socatots sees youngsters of both sexes improve their physical development using Futebol de Salão – a Brazilian initiative played with a small ball that has no rebound and was used by football legends such as Pele and Ronaldo when they were children. But Socatots is not football training in the conventional sense since it is a unique programme aimed at improving every child’s balance, co-ordination and overall development. |
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The key is to create learning in a fun, safe, challenging and ultimately rewarding environment and features parental involvement. Teaching is split into three stages – phase one for six months to walking, phase two for walking to children aged two and the final phase for children up to five. The first session for toddlers was held at the Midland Sports Centre, Cromwell Lane, Tile Hill, and proved to be a huge success. Emma Howe, who lives in Keresley, took along her 14-month old son Rhys to take part in the first event. Emma said: "A lot of the activities you can take children along to seem to be dancing or singing orientated but this is different and something I know his dad wants to do with him. "It is a great chance for Rhys to interact with other children as well and he has thoroughly enjoying himself." Wendy Jackson, sports development manager at Coventry Sports Foundation, said the scheme was proving to be a huge success. "A lot of the emphasis is on parental participation which is important as it means many of the skills can be used between parents and their children outside the sessions. "It is proving so successful that we are looking at holding sessions at weekends as well for parents of children who have to work. "The emphasis of the sessions is not so much about football skills but having fun and providing a helping hand in terms of physical development and enjoyment." Anyone wanting more information about the Socatots scheme should contact Graham Trusswell on 024 7630 8543. |
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| Minibus - Minibus rule is a threat to kids' trips | |||||
| After-school and holiday activities enjoyed by hundreds of children across Coventry could be in doubt due to a minibus driver shortage. Changes in regulations by the DVLA have altered who can drive minibuses causing a headache for a leading city charity. Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre – runs a number of after-school and holiday trips at all three of its centres. They range from transporting children to sporting activities to trips to Drayton Manor, Alton Towers, WaterWorld and LegoLand. But they could be in doubt as Coventry Sports Foundation struggles to find people to drive its minibuses. The DVLA states that people holding driving licences before January 1997 can drive a minibus that has a maximum of 17 seats. People qualifying after this date do not have the minibus entitlement. |
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| There is a clause that allows people to drive minibuses even if they passed their test after January 1997, providing they are driving "on behalf of a non commercial body for social purposes but not for hire or reward." Paul Breed, Chief Executive of Coventry Sports Foundation, said the rules were causing them problems. He said: "The nature of the leisure industry means that it attracts young people and we have a relatively young workforce as a result. "It means that most of them learnt to drive after 1997 but even though we are a non-commercial body they still cannot drive the minibuses as they are employed which means they are being ‘rewarded' in the eyes of the DVLA. "This is causing us problems since our after-school and holiday activities are hugely popular and the trips form part of what we offer. "We have the Whitsun half-term holiday at the end of May and the summer holidays after that so we desperately need drivers." Paul added: "Although the DVLA rules state that we cannot pay volunteers, we are able to repay their kindness by offering gifts such as free usage at any of the centres." One child desperately hoping minibus volunteers are found is Stoke Park Primary pupil Benjamin Edwards. The nine-year-old goes to an after-school club at Centre AT7 with school friends every Wednesday and is picked up by one of the minibuses. Benjamin said: "I really like Wednesdays because I know that I am going to come to AT7 for sports. "We do all sorts of things like dodge ball, gymnastics and running and I really enjoy it. "I would be really upset if I could not come any more because of not having someone to drive the minibus." Anyone wanting to volunteer to drive a minibus for Coventry Sports Foundation should contact Sports Development Manager Wendy Jackson on 07747 448565. |
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| Salsa evening - Step out to the rhythms of Latin America | |||||
| A leading Coventry sports and leisure centre is taking on a Latino flavour as it hosts a special salsa evening. Dancing and food are available for the event at the Alan Higgs Centre, Allard Way, on Saturday May 6. The event coincides with the culmination of a six week course held at the centre and guests will be invited by salsa tutor Edlin Josephs to show-off their new skills. Coventry Sports Foundation, which runs the Alan Higgs Centre, also hold salsa classes at its two other centres – Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre. The salsa evening, which starts at 8pm, is open to everyone and a variety of tapas will be on offer at the event. Julie Harvey, Lifestyles Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, said the salsa sessions were extremely popular. "More and more people are learning to dance following the success of television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dance Fever," she said. "The classes that we offer are for people of all abilities but the majority of people are trying salsa for the first time. "The emphasis of the classes is very much on fun and the sessions are some of the most popular classes that we hold." Tickets for the salsa evening cost £5, £3 for lifestyles members, and are available at the reception of the Alan Higgs Centre or by telephoning 024 7630 8246. |
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| Italian - Italian crash course | |||||
| An Italian woman living in Coventry has decided to start language lessons in response to numerous requests from work colleagues and friends. Raffaella Tentindo, who works at the Alan Higgs Centre, has been constantly asked to help people who are planning to visit Italy on holiday this summer. After pleas for help in learning the essential lingo for holidaymakers, the 29-year-old has decided to start a 10-week course next month. Raffaella, who hails from Milan – where she studied biology, specialising in ecology at the city’s university, moved to Coventry almost three years ago. She works as Environmental Projects Manager at the £8 million centre where she helps to manage more than 70-acres of natural habitat surrounding the Alan Higgs Centre. |
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| Managed by Coventry Sports Foundation, the area is being transformed after years of neglect and vandalism to improve the bio-diversity of the land and is a valuable community and educational resource. Raffaella said: "I have had many people ask me if I can help them learn the sort of Italian that they are going to need on holiday. "It got to the stage where I thought it would be easier to offer a crash course covering the basics instead. "The lessons will be about fun and will include role-play in situations that people will find themselves while on holiday. "There will be games as well as an Italian food night to get people in the right mood for their holidays!" The two-hour lessons will start at the Alan Higgs Centre on Tuesday May 2nd from 7pm and the 10-week course will cost £80. Places are limited and anyone wanting more information should contact the Alan Higgs Centre on 024 7630 8545. |
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| Henry VIII - Lifestyle checks boost morale | |||||
| One of the city’s largest sport and leisure providers has teamed up with a leading Coventry school to provide a service offering health and lifestyles checks for their staff. Almost 50 teachers and support staff from King Henry VIII school were put through their paces by Coventry Sports Foundation’s Mobile Health Screening Unit. Through a series of simple tests and exercises lasting around 45 minutes, each person was given a comprehensive lifestyles assessment. The simple checks look at a number of issues such as weight, body composition, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, grip strength, flexibility and basic aerobic capacity. People only have to take some of the tests but all participants leave with a full, confidential read-out explaining their results and what each test is actually measuring. |
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| Ms Sheila Woolfe, a teacher at the Warwick Lane school for more than 20 years, organised the event. She said: "I am the school's director of community links and I thought the Lifestyles check by Coventry Sport Foundation was an excellent idea. "The past year has been a difficult one for staff and students alike and this was a good way to boost morale. "We have visited at the Alan Higgs Centre and have been impressed with the facilities and the school is now a corporate member." Julie Harvey, Lifestyles Manager at Coventry Sports Foundation, which also manages Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre, said King Henry VIII were one of an increasing number of city employers to choose the Lifestyles checks. "The Lifestyles initiative is not about transforming everyone into a super-fit athlete but simply improving their health and well-being and therefore their everyday life," she said. "It also has benefit to businesses as the screening can identify possible problems in advance and shows they are a caring company." Julie added: "A healthy workforce obviously reduces sickness and absenteeism while exercise improves motivation and alertness." Everyone who attends the Mobile Health Screening Unit is given a free, three-month Lifestyles membership to use the fitness suite, aerobic classes and swimming facilities at Coventry Sports Foundation's three centres. Anyone wanting more information should contact the Lifestyles scheme should telephone 024 7630 8246. |
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| Academy fundraiser -Star lure in charity match | |||||
| Soccer fans are being offered the chance to play football against a host of Sky Blues legends – and raise money for as good cause at the same time. The Alan Higgs Centre is holding a five-a-side fundraising football tournament on Saturday, June 10, before England’s game with Paraguay at 2pm. The winners of the competition will earn the right to play a team of Coventry City all-stars led by record-breaking Sky Blues goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic. All proceeds from the event, which will be held between 9.30am and 1.30pm on the indoor ‘third generation’ synthetic pitch, will go to Coventry City’s football academy. Teams that take part will also receive free entry to watch the England game in the afternoon on the biggest screen in Coventry in the main function room of the Alan Higgs Centre. Graeme Truswell, Sports Development Officer at the centre off Allard Way, said entry for the tournament was £30 per team. "We have received a lot of interest in the tournament but we want as many teams as possible to take part as all money raised goes to a really good cause. "The facilities here are excellent and that is just one of the reasons why the football club’s academy trains here. "It should be a great day and I am sure there will be no shortage of people wanting to win the right to play against ‘Oggy’ and some of his former Coventry City team mates.” Anyone wanting more information about the five-a-side tournament or would like to register a team, should contact Graeme on 024 7630 8244. |
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| Coca Cola - Charity nets £30,000 windfall | |||||
| A Coventry charity has double cause to celebrate after receiving two grants worth £30,000. Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre – has received £15,000 from Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd. The charitable trust has also received £15,000 from Sportsmatch, a government funded scheme designed to support the development of grassroots sport across the country. The £30,000 will be spent on outdoor pursuit activities run by the Foundation, including the 35ft climbing and abseiling tower and the high and low ropes courses at Centre AT7 in Bell Green. The money will also be used to fund water sport activities for people of all ages at Lake Bosworth in Leicestershire. Coca-Cola Enterprises already has a strong partnership with Coventry Sports Foundation through its extensive community work with charitable groups across the city over the last few years. |
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| Darren Goldney, Regional Director of Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd Midlands Region, which is based in Binley, is delighted to have been able to help. He said: "We have never failed to be impressed with the extensive range of services Coventry Sports Foundation provides the communities it serves. "It is for that reason that as a local employer, we are proud to support the Foundation's excellent facilities and activities in this way." Sportsmatch offers funding for any not-for-profit organisation capable of delivering community sport by matching new sponsorship money on a pound for pound basis. Paul Breed, Chief Executive of Coventry Sports Foundation, said the two grants would make a real difference. "All three of our centres offer sport and leisure provision at low prices meaning that we are reliant on grants to continue to provide the diverse range of activities that we currently offer," he said. "We are a charitable trust and Coca-Cola Enterprises has been a good supporter of the work we have tried to achieve over recent years. "We are very grateful for their donation and to receive Sportsmatch funding as well means that we can provide even more people in the city with quality sport and leisure provision." |
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| Gary takes up Key Role | |||||
| Gary Healy has been appointed assistant manager covering three centres managed by one of Coventry's largest sports and leisure providers. The 30-year-old will work at the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre run by Coventry Sports Foundation – a charitable trust. The former St Thomas More pupil in Nuneaton will assist the managers at all three centres as well cover any holiday leave. Gary, who has worked in the leisure industry for the past 13 years, is looking forward to the challenge ahead. He said: "I have worked in all aspects of the sport and leisure industry, as I have been a coach and lifeguard, aerobics instructor and a duty manager". "I think that background will stand me in good stead in my role as assistant manager and I am thoroughly enjoying it." |
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| Sports Centres go green to help recycling drive | |||||
Three leading Coventry sport and leisure centres are helping the city meet its recycling targets. |
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| Suki Is first | |||||
One of the city's largest sports and leisure providers has appointed its first-ever conference and events manager. |
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| Midland Sports Centre is making a splash | |||||
| A leading Coventry sports and leisure centre is making a splash after celebrating its most successful ever summer swimming programme. Almost 2,000 children took part in the scheme at the Midland Sports Centre, in Tile Hill, over the recent school summer holidays. More than 350 of the youngsters took part in the extensive learn to swim programme aimed at children from four years old. The rest either took part in fun swimming activities or received tuition to improve their swimming skills – such as strokes or stamina. But the swimming programme has not ended with the summer holidays as about 1,200 children every week use the pool at the Cromwell Lane centre. A total of nine local primary schools take part in the swimming programme at the centre – which is managed by Coventry Sports Foundation which also runs Centre AT7 in Bell Green and the Alan Higgs Centre off Allard Way – while more than 50 tuition classes are also held for children and adults every week. |
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| Wendy Jackson, Sports Development Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, said this summer had been the most successful ever. "The swimming programme ran alongside our ‘school's out' summer holiday scheme which offered activities from trampolining, football and cricket to art activities, kite-making and treasure hunts," she said. "It is part of the comprehensive range of swimming lessons we run throughout the year which has proved to be extremely successful". "But with people on holidays, we are never sure how successful the summer courses will be but this year has been the best so far". "We are finding that parents are becoming more aware of the importance of their children to be active which is probably one of the reasons for the success of the courses". "The varied and comprehensive range of lessons and activities we offer are also major factors in our success". "But we plan to build on this success and bring it forward when we move to the new state-of-the-art Midland Sports Centre which will be built in Canley next year". Anyone wanting more information about the swimming programme at the Midland Sports Centre should telephone 024 7647 4455. |
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| Pupils making a difference | Four secondary school pupils who gave up their summer holidays to help teach sport to younger children have been praised by staff at a leading Coventry sports centre. Finham Park pupils Richard East and Gemma Jackson, Bishop Ullathorne student Stacey Biddle and Dannielle Manifold, who studies at Tile Hill Wood, all volunteered to help out at the Midland Sports Centre. The quartet assisted the fully qualified coaches every week day on the highly successful ‘School's Out' summer activity programme. Working primarily with children aged four to eight, they helped in a range of activities including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, arts and crafts and swimming. Gemma, aged 12, said: “I would really like to be a teacher when I am older which is why I wanted to help out.“It was really interesting to do and I feel I have learnt a lot from it. Doing this has made me sure that this is the sort of thing I would like to do in the future. Stacey, aged 14, added: "It's really good to work with all of the children as they all have such different personalities and it was never dull for a moment!" |
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| Twelve-year-old Danielle said: "We all really enjoyed it because it was really fun – it was a shame that it had to end and we had to go back to school!" Richard, aged 13, added: "I do not want to go into teaching but it was a great experience and I learnt a lot from it." Wendy Jackson, Sports Development Manager of Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Midland Sports Centre, Centre AT7 and the Alan Higgs Centre – praised the attitude of the youngsters. "Many young people receive a bad press for whatever reason so it was so refreshing to see the attitude of these four," she said. "They were put under no pressure but actively came to us asking for the opportunity which we were happy to provide". "All four of them assisted the qualified coaches on the scheme and provided a valuable contribution to the programme." |
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| Sue puts her best foot forward | |||||
| Grandmother Sue Cartwright decided to do something different
to mark her 60th birthday – so walked 60km for charity! The mother-of-three, who lives in Aldermans Green, raised £1,500 for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer – the UK’s leading charity committed to fighting the condition through research and education. She walked 60km around Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham over a two day period, which is almost 38 miles – the equivalent of walking from the edge of Coventry to Nottingham. Sue, a former nurse at Jaguar in Browns Lane and Castle Bromwich, decided to undertake the walk for a variety of reasons. She said: "I turned 60 in March and walking 60km somehow seemed a good thing to do". "I also needed to get myself back into shape and having to train for an event such as this helped concentrate my mind." |
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"My sister-in-law also successfully battled against breast cancer and I have three daughters and five grandchildren as well so raising money to help protect them in the future was a good idea." Sue got into shape at Centre AT7 in Courthouse Green, attending the Easy Does It classes – which offer a variety of gentle activities from pilates to dancing aimed at more mature people. "I really enjoyed the classes as it is a great atmosphere and it helped me get into shape as I have lost 17lbs since June" "That meant it helped me get through the two days of walking which I am really pleased with." Sue completed the walk wearing a t-shirt given to her by Coventry Sports Foundation, which manages Centre AT7. Julie Harvey, Lifestyles Manager at the Foundation, said they had given her the gift after being so impressed with her efforts. "Sue has been truly inspirational and is a proof that you are never too old to exercise to stay healthy," she said. |
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| Media Release- Outdoor | |||||
| More than 50 school pupils from across Coventry
are to take advantage of a series of outdoors activities thanks to a unique
partnership. Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre –is organising the residential trips after receiving funding totalling £30,000. Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd has supported the events by providing £15,000, which was matched by Sportsmatch – a government funded scheme designed to support the development of grassroots sport across the country. The cash is being used to fund three-day residential for pupils at a number of schools including Westwood and Alice Stevens. The youngsters, all aged between 12 and 16, will spend the long weekend in Plas-y-Brenan – the National Mountain Centre in north Wales. They will enjoy a range of activities including climbing, skiing, gauge walking and canoeing. When they return, the pupils can specialise in two of the activities over a six-week period when they will receive a nationally recognised accreditation at the end. Mark Daniel, Outdoor Activities Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, believes the funding will make a real difference. |
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He said: "This is a programme that we have wanted to do for some time but at the end of the day it came down to funding which is why we are so grateful to Coca Cola Enterprises and Sportsmatch." " The students are carefully chosen in terms of who would thrive in the outdoor environment and the residential weekends can make a real difference." "The emphasis is very much on group activities and the pupils learn some valuable skills which are relevant in their everyday lives." Abbey Sturton, Regional Marketing Executive for Coca Cola Enterprises Ltd, is delighted to have been able to support the activities programme. "As a local employer it is important for us to support the communities in which we are based," she said. "Having an active lifestyle is important to us and the outdoor activities programme is an excellent idea that will give so many pupils in the city an opportunity to enjoy something different". "Staff from CCE will also accompany the teachers and Foundation staff on some of the residential weekends and are really looking forward to the experience!" |
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| Media Release - Living environment | |||||
| A new charitable trust dedicated
to improving the environment across Coventry has been formed. The Living Environment Trust will also deliver a wide range of educational and community initiatives as part of its work. Based at the Alan Higgs Centre, off Allard Way, the trust has grown out of the environmental work undertaken by the centre. A unique feature of the £8 million sport and leisure centre is the 80 acres of surrounding land it manages which runs alongside the River Sowe. Before the centre opened in October 2004, much of the area had suffered from years of neglect and vandalism. An Environmental Projects Manager is now employed along with two other members of staff to transform this important part of the city’s greenbelt into an important community and educational resource. The environmental project has grown tremendously over the last two years leading to the formation of the Living Environment Trust. |
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| The move will give the initiative its own identity and will also make it easier for grant-making bodies to distinguish between the environmental work and Coventry Sports Foundation which manages the Alan Higgs Centre. Paul Breed, Chief Executive of Coventry Sports Foundation, will be part of the five-man board over-seeing the Living Environment Trust along with Peter Knatchbull-Hugessen of the Alan Higgs Charity, Joe Taylor, Head Ranger at Coombe Abbey, Bob Sherman of Ryton Organic Gardens and Andrew Walster from Coventry City Council. Paul Breed said: "The Alan Higgs Centre is the perfect example of building a development which is sympathetic to the environment surrounding it." "A sports centre is a massive building but we have shown that building such a facility can help the local environment as well." "It has certainly changed my perception on new buildings and the environmental consideration is now a key feature of the new Midland Sports Centre that we are hoping to build in Canley." "Whilst the new trust will continue to be contracted by the Foundation to manage the environmental aspects of our work, the exciting part of this venture is that other organisations with environmental ambitions will also be able to access its services." |
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| Media Release- Referees | |||||
| Young footballers who have joined a new junior league
in Coventry are facing a delayed kick-off – thanks to a shortage of referees. Almost 15 teams have already signed up to the new competition, which will be held at the Alan Higgs Centre, off Allard Way. The five-a-side league is open to both boys and girls aged 10 and over but a lack of referees is proving a problem. Rob Finnie, Football League Co-ordinator for Coventry Sports Foundation which manages the centre, said they were looking for new referees. "After listening to some of the younger users here at the centre it was clear that there was need for a junior football league,"he said. "We were keen to help out and we have already had a number of teams sign up to the scheme." "It is something that they want to do and it is such a shame that we cannot start the league immediately." |
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"But the shortage of referees is proving a problem and is a difficulty that centres across the city are facing." "We have referees for our adult leagues but we need some more to have adequate numbers for both." Rob added: "I know the kids who have already signed up are desperate to get started so we just need the referees!" Any referees will be paid by Coventry Sports Foundation – which also manages Centre AT7 in Courthouse Green and the Midland Sports Centre in Tile Hill – as well as enjoying free use of the facilities at the sports centres such as the fitness suites. Five school friends from Richard Lee Primary School in Wyken are keen to take part in the league. Ten-year-old Manchester United fan Dev Chitania said: "I really like playing football." “I would like to take part in the league but it is a real shame that we have not got enough referees – I hope someone can help us out!” Anyone wanting to find out how to become a referee, or any teams that want to join the junior football league, should contact Rob on 024 7630 8244 or email rfinnie@covsf.com Successful applicants for referees will be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. |
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| Media Release - Rotary | |||||
| More than 200 disabled athletes from across
the country took part in the 25th annual English Disabled Sports Championships in
Coventry. The event, which is funded by the five Rotary clubs in the city, was held at the Midland Sports Centre in Tile Hill. It attracted 12 teams from across the country – from as far north as Durham and as far south as Cornwall – with the overall competition won by the North West team. The disabled athletes compete in a variety of sports such as rifle shooting, archery, bowls, swimming, darts, table tennis and snooker. Athletes range in age from juniors to senior citizens and men and women compete against each other. The 20-strong Coventry squad – which includes students from Hereward College and Alice Stevens School – finished eighth but won the overall bowls trophy and was runner-up in the swimming gala. Hereward College student Nusrit Shaheen was also given a special award by her fellow competitors for her spirit and enthusiasm during the two day competition. |
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| Wendy Jackson, Sports Development Manager of Coventry Sports Foundation which organises the competition and the Coventry team manager, was delighted with team's effort. She said: "The Rotary Games is recognised as a major national sporting event which is always well contested but there is always a good fun atmosphere." "It is often called the mini-Olympics but it is always eagerly anticipated by those who take part." "The championships are all about having fun and providing opportunities for the competitors who all have a varied range of disabilities." |
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| Media Release - Snack Bar | |||||
| A healthy snack bar has been launched
at a Coventry playgroup to promote good eating habits. The Busy Bees Playgroup started the new initiative in response to growing concerns about children enjoying a balanced and varied diet. The free service offers toddlers at the group – which is based at Centre AT7 at Courthouse Green – fruit and milk or water. It enables the youngsters, aged from 30 months to four years, to try a wide variety of fruit – many of them for the first time. Lisa Johns, Manager of the Busy Bees Playgroup, said there were many reasons for starting the new scheme. "The diet of young children and problems it can cause in later life such as obesity or diabetes is extremely topical at the moment through the work of people like Jamie Oliver," she said. "It is also a chance for the children to try for themselves a wide range of fruit from bananas and apples to pineapple and mango." |
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| "We also tie the healthy food they eat and drink into the curriculum as we give them the independence to choose what they want while also discussing where and how a particular piece of fruit grows." "It has proved to be very popular and the children certainly seem to have an appetite for eating the more unusual fruits!" Lisa added: "We are always looking for new ways for the children to learn while having fun and we are currently looking for a sponsor to develop the garden area outside the playgroup." The Busy Bees Playgroup holds sessions in the morning and afternoon and offers free, government-funded places for three and four year olds. Anyone wanting more information about the Busy Bees Playgroup should telephone 07926 223 975. |
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| Media Release-Athletics | |||||
| A leading Coventry sport and
leisure provider has stepped in to save an annual athletics competition
contested by 26 city primary schools. Coventry Sports Foundation – a charitable trust which manages Centre AT7, the Alan Higgs Centre and the Midland Sports Centre – has agreed to fund the Coventry Schools Indoor Athletics Championships. The annual event has been running for more than 15 years at Centre AT7 in Courthouse Green and was delivered by Specialising In Sport, through funding from Norwich Union. But financial restrictions meant that the event was in danger of being cancelled until Coventry Sports Foundation stepped in. The two-day heats of the competition in December sees year six pupils at the schools compete in a host of events such as relay races, high jump, triple jump and the hurdles. city schools from the heats competed in a final which was won by St Patrick’s RC Primary, in Wood End. |
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| Wendy Jackson, Sports Development Manager of Coventry Sports Foundation, is delighted they have been able to help. She said: "The Coventry Schools Indoor Athletics Championships has been eagerly contested by primary school children for almost 20 years." " It is one of the highlights of the year for many of them and the youngsters really enjoy it which is why we felt it was so important to keep it going." "A lot is spoken and written about the importance of children being active so it would have been such a shame if the Coventry Schools Indoor Athletics Championships had finished." A team from the winning school, St Patrick's Primary, will now compete in a county final that will be held at the Alan Higgs Centre later this year. |
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| Media Release - FA Charter | |||||
| A leading Coventry sports centre
has received a nationally recognised award for the quality of football
coaching it provides. Centre AT7, in Courthouse Green, has become one of only a handful in the city to receive the Football Association’s Charter Standard. The scheme is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for clubs working with young people. As a benchmark for quality, the aim of the initiative is to improve the playing experience for all. The Charter Standard scheme is a core component of the FA’s Football Development programme. The project establishes minimum standards for football development and acts as a quality assurance mechanism recognising well run schools, colleges, clubs and holiday courses. Terry Harvey, Sports Development Officer at Centre AT7, which is managed by Coventry Sports Foundation, is delighted with the FA accreditation. He said: "The Charter Standard is an award for three years and is testament to the hard work of all the staff here." |
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| "By achieving a Charter Standard Award, we are demonstrating to all our users, parents and the public that we offer a well organised and safe club." "Football coaching is a competitive business in any city and hopefully this accreditation will help to promote the quality coaching Centre AT7 offers." "There are not too many places with an FA Charter Standard so it is a feather in the cap for all the staff here." |
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| RECYCLE TO CYCLE AND BE GREEN AND HEALTHY | |||||
| Coventry’s largest sport
and leisure provider has teamed up with an environmental
charity to offer the chance to get fit while doing your bit for
the environment. Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre – has joined forces with the Living Environment Trust to offer the Recycle to Cycle scheme. People bringing along 12kg or more of paper, cardboard, cans or glass to the Living Environment Trust can take advantage of a free month’s pass at any of the Foundation’s three centres, providing they are not already a member. The offer can be claimed from Monday, January 8 by bringing items to be recycled to the Living Environment Trust, which is based at the Alan Higgs Centre on Allard Way. The charitable trust delivers a wide range of educational and community initiatives as well as managing the 80 acres of surrounding land at the Alan Higgs Centre which runs alongside the River Sowe. |
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| Raffy Tentindo, Trust Manager at the Living Environment Trust, is delighted with the offer. She said: “Getting fitter and becoming increasingly environmentally friendly are always high on the list of New Year's resolutions for most people. “This offer helps to tackle both of these things and 12kg is well under the average of what a family will produce in recyclable waste over the festive period.” The average household in Coventry produces about one tonne of waste each year with more than 60 per cent of it recyclable. An average of 2,000 tonnes of waste is collected from Coventry's streets each week and Paul Breed, Chief Executive of Coventry Sports Foundation, hopes the offer will encourage more people to recycle. He said: “We are a lways trying to promote healthy and green lifestyles to all our users and all three of our centres have recycling facilities. “As well as the free month for recycling, people who continue to do so can enjoy membership at any of the three centres for a concessionary rate of £22 a month, so there is no better reason to be fit and environmentally friendly at the same time!” |
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| Media Release - Alice Stevens | |||||
| THE sky is the limit
for city youngsters thanks to a £30,000 grant. About 50 youngsters from across Coventry are enjoying a range of outdoor pursuits thanks to the cash. Coventry Sports Foundation – which manages the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and the Midland Sports Centre – is running the activities. The charitable trust received £15,000 from Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, which was matched by Sportsmatch – a government funded scheme designed to support the development of grassroots sport across the country – to make the events possible. The money has allowed specially targeted youngsters – all aged between 12 and 16 – to enjoy residential trips to Plas-y-Brenan – the National Mountain Centre in north Wales. Pupils from Westwood, Alice Stevens, Centre 4 (formerly known as Dartmouth School) and Baginton Fields schools have all taken part in the initiative as well as youngsters from Jubilee Crescent Youth Club. |
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| During the residential, the youngsters enjoyed the experience of a range of activities ranging from climbing, skiing, gauge walking and canoeing. When they return, the pupils can specialise in two of the activities over a six-week period when they will receive a nationally recognised accreditation at the end. Mark Daniel, Outdoor Activities Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation, said the activities had made a real difference to the young people taking part. He said: "The activities are something that they have never tried before and you can see them growing in confidence and self-esteem as they complete them. " "The transformation in some of them has been amazing and some of the skills they have learned will be relevant to them for the rest of their lives." Niall Bromell, aged 14, from Alice Stevens School in Whitley, is one of those who have taken part in the initiative. He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and have got to do so many great things that I would never normally have got to do." |
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| Media Release- Samba | |||||
| The sound of Latin America is
coming to Coventry as a leading city sports centre offers Samba classes for the
first time. The hour-long classes are to be held at the Midland Sports Centre in Cromwell Lane, Tile Hill, every Wednesday from January 17. Samba – which originates from Brazil where it is the country’s national dance –is often used during street festivals and celebrations held in Rio de Janeiro. Its popularity has soared along with many forms of dancing leading to the Midland Sports Centre to offer the six-week classes for the first time. The lessons will be held by Brazilian native Ludmila Enticott, who hails from the South American country’s capital Brasilia. She said: "If you speak of samba you speak of Brazil. There are many different samba styles in Brazil but the most commonly seen ones are Samba No Pe' and the Samba De Gafieira." "Samba No Pe is the carnival samba danced solo to a fast and breath- taking pace, while Samba De Gafieira is a more sophisticated style of dance that needs a partner and can resemble the Argentinean tango with its flicking of legs" "I decided to teach the course because I have been showing some samba to the salsa public in Coventry which has been very well received." "This course came up as an opportunity to concentrate on samba and give people a continued sequence of lessons to get them fluent on some moves and ready to party!" |
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Julie Harvey, Lifestyles Manager for Coventry Sports Foundation which manages the Midland Sports Centre, the Alan Higgs Centre and Centre AT7, said the samba class complements the salsa sessions currently held at all three centres. "Samba like many forms of dancing has enjoyed a renaissance in popularity recently," she said. "It is a fun dance that fits most of today's popular music and if successful, we could well expand the classes across all three centres." The Samba classes will be held between 7pm and 8pm every Wednesday. The six-week course will cost £12 for Lifestyle members, £22.80 for non-members and £16.80 for concessions. Places are limited and anyone wanting more information or to book a place should visit the Midland Sports Centre or telephone 024 7630 8244. |
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| Draft Media Release - Refurbishment | |||||
| Two areas of a leading Coventry sports
centre are enjoying a new lease of life following a £15,000 refurbishment.
A new soft play area, called the Deep Sea Den, has been created at Centre AT7, in Courthouse Green. The bar area at the Austin Drive centre has also been completely refurbished. The Deep Sea Den is crammed with new activities to keep youngsters occupied including a climbing frame, ball pool, bouncy castle and a social area has also been included for the grown ups. Centre AT7 is managed by the Coventry Sports Foundation and together with the Alan Higgs Centre and the Midland Sports Centre and is the biggest provider of children’s parties in Coventry. Fee Smith, manager at Centre AT7, said: “It’s still that time of year when everyone is attempting a body overhaul in our fitness facilities so we decided to have a play area overhaul for the little ones. |
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| "The Deep Sea Den is now a wonderful place for children under ten to enjoy. They love the ball pool and the bouncy castle and it's a safe environment for them to have fun while their parents can keep an eye on them." "The bar has also received a makeover and both members and non-members can make use of the revamped facilities by hiring the room for free." To celebrate the refurbishment the charitable foundation is offering half price mid-week parties in the Deep Sea Den. The Ozone indoor play centre at the Alan Higgs Centre in Allard Way and the Ark at Tile Hill's Midland Sports Centre will also be joining in the celebratory offer. To find out more contact Centre AT7 on 024 7666 5530. |
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| Media Release - Coventry Sports Challenge warks | |||||
| SKY Blue Sam and Crucial the
Crocodile are challenging Coventry and Warwickshire youngsters to
get involved in sports this Easter. Coventry City Football Club’s elephant mascot and the Coventry Crusaders’ basketball team croc want to see children trying their hands, and feet, at football and basketball during the April break from school. The Coventry Sports Challenge is now on between the two sports and former Sky Blues defender Dave Busst and towering Crusader Dip Donaldson will be leading the coaching. The two-day challenge, on Wednesday April 11 and Thursday 12, has been organised by Coventry Sports Foundation and Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd and will be staged at the Alan Higgs Centre. Only 800 places for 10-15 year olds are available across the half-day sessions and every youngster will get a chance to be trained in both basketball and football by Dip and Dave and their teams of top coaches. Dave, who heads Coventry City Football Club’s community scheme, said: "This is a really exciting chance for kids to get active and get involved in sport during the Easter break." |
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"It will be interesting to see if the kids prefer football or basketball." Dip added: "There's going to be some rivalry between the footballers and the basketballers and we will definitely get a challenge going between the two." The children will be coached for three hours in both ball games in the morning sessions between 9am and 12.30pm or in the afternoon from 1pm until 4.30pm. Registration costs just £2 per child and all monies collected will be donated to charity. Paul Breed, Chief Executive of the Coventry Sports Foundation, which also manages the Midland Sports Centre and Centre AT7 in the city, said: "We are delighted to be hosting this event and incredibly grateful that high-profile coaches such as Dave and Dip, not to mention everyone else involved, are helping children to become active and interested in sport." Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE) runs a number of community-based events in the local area and is committed to supporting and promoting the importance of getting young people active. The company has been involved in grassroots sports for 30 years with more than 100,000 young people taking part every year in training and competitions. Stuart Agates, Regional Director for CCE, said: "We always enjoy working with the local community on projects like the Coventry Sports Challenge as we firmly believe in putting something back into the areas in which we operate." "The Coventry Sports Challenge is really exciting, especially to be working with people like Dave, Dip and everyone at the sports foundation to get young people active during their break from school." Registration forms are available now from all three sports foundation centres and will shortly be available online at www.covsf.com, www.crusaders.co.uk and by clicking in the community pages at www.ccfc.co.uk. Alternatively telephone the Alan Higgs Centre on 024 7630 8244. |
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| Media Release - Socatots | |||||
| BUDDING Beckhams and potential Peles
are invited to join a football scheme just for toddlers. Coventry Sports Foundation runs the Socatots programme, which is aimed at little ones of both sexes aged from eight months to four years. The scheme was launched last year at the charitable trust’s three sports centres – the Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and Midland Sports Centre – and has been hugely successful. And now programme leaders are branching out into the community to unearth soccer superstars of the future. St Martin’s Church in Green Lane, Finham, Coventry, is the first community based venue for Socatots and the first session will be on Thursday February 22, running every week for six weeks from 9.30am. Socatots, a Brazilian initiative that uses a small ball like the ones used by Pele and Ronaldo when they were children, is also designed to develop youngsters’ agility, balance and co-ordination. |
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| Aston Villa supporter Luke Simkiss, aged two, has been showing off his skills to baby sister Leah, aged just four months, at their home in Finham. Mum Julie Hart said Luke loves taking part in Socatots and is making great progress: "We thought it would be nice to get Luke involved in football and he really enjoys Socatots, we even had a Socatots party for him for his second birthday at Christmas." "It's not just about football though. The children are learning some really valuable skills, socially and physically, and they always help to tidy up at the end of the session, which is a great thing to learn!" Sports development officer Terry Harvey said: “Socatots is a brilliant scheme for youngsters because it is so much more than learning football skills. "It is mainly about having fun but it also helps to develop a number of other key skills such as co-ordination, agility and social development plus numeracy, literacy and colour recognition." "The parents are an essential part of the scheme and we hope by branching out into community venues we can reach more families and potentially find some football superstars of the future." Socatots parties and courses are available across Coventry. Call Wendy Jackson at Midland Sports Centre on 024 7647 4455/07747 448565 for further information. |
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| Media Release - Work Begins On MSC | |||||
| A NEW era for community
sport in Coventry got underway today (Monday May 21) with the start of works at
a major new city sports centre. An official ceremony celebrated the turning of the first sod of earth at what will become the replacement for the Midland Sports Centre. The new £8.75 million centre will be built on land acquired through a partnership with Westwood School. A coaching, employment and placement partnership with the school will come into practice when the centre opens, which is expected to be during summer 2008. Coventry Sports Foundation, which also manages Centre AT7 and the Alan Higgs Centre, will run the complex, which will also boast some of the best facilities for disabled users in the Midlands. The current centre, in Cromwell Lane, Tile Hill, has often been cited as the busiest in the UK for those with disabilities, with an average of 53 groups of disabled people using it each week. The Cromwell Lane centre will remain open until the new development is complete, after which it will be knocked down and redeveloped as a housing estate by Bellway Homes. Construction company Galliford Try started work with the help of Trust Chairman Alistair McIntosh and Coventry City Council’s Lord Mayor Cllr Dave Batten. Westwood School Head teacher Roger Whittall and Coventry Sports Foundation Director and former Olympian Dave Moorcroft were also on hand to oversee the start of work. The city will benefit from a 25-metre pool, all-weather playing surfaces, netball and tennis courts, fitness and health suites, an aerobics studio, martial arts/gymnastics studio, three function and conference rooms, licensed café and bar, meeting room facilities and a play area and crèche. The project is part of the wider Canley Regeneration Plan, which will include a community hub featuring a new library and community centre, parkland, enhanced facilities and new housing and parking schemes. |
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| Media Release - Business dynamics day | |||||
| Richard Bransons of the future were discovered during a special business event for city youngsters. Pupils from Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Keresley were invited to become apprentices for the day and test their business skills via a range of tasks including designing and marketing a product. The year 10 pupils were invited to become business men and women at the businessdynamics (CORRECT) day, funded by Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE). The 14 and 15 year olds got down to work at the Alan Higgs Centre in Binley and staff at Coventry Sports Foundation, which runs the centre, taught the pupils about managing sports facilities. Volunteer staff from CCE also educated the youngsters in valuable skills from working together to form a company, through to selling their final product. The teen entrepreneurs enjoyed their day in business and the best teams were rewarded with prizes at the end of the event. |
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| Stuart Agates of CCE, said: "The pupils showed real promise and we definitely have some top business brains of the future in Coventry. " "Being active in our local community is something we are very proud of doing and we would like to think we have helped guide a pupil into their future career." |
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