NEWS ARCHIVE - NOV-DEC 2011
Runningsports and Clubmark Under Review
Runningsports and Clubmark are Sport England schemes for supporting the development of high quality sports volunteers and sports clubs and it has been announced that they are under review and set for some important changes. Sport club committees, particularly Clubmark accredited ones, in the Horsham District take note because these changes will be coming your way soon!
The briefing note on the changes reads as follows:
"This is a note to update you on the progress being made with the new combined runningsports and Clubmark programmes. Knight Kavanagh Page (KKP) has been appointed to manage these on behalf of Sport England (read the statement here).
KKP has been tasked to strategically overhaul runningsports - completely revising the activities and resources for, and the communications methods use to engage with, what will be a substantially broader cross section of volunteers, clubs and agencies. Concurrently, we shall review Clubmark to modernise and expand the range of quality accreditation options available to affiliated clubs and mechanisms to enable others outside the NGB sphere of influence to set themselves and then promote higher standards.
They will align closely to the delivery of Sport England's objectives and outcomes and programme delivery will entail working closely with and through partners (building on KKP's established practice) to ensure that both accreditation and volunteer improvement programmes truly reflect and are responsive to, the current and future needs of people and agencies in the sector. To achieve this we shall be taking a more proactive, market driven and needs led approach.
The plan is to revise and extend the reach, range and usefulness of activities, support packages and resources available on a flexible basis to sports volunteers in both NGB linked and more informal settings (including the new cohort of Sport Makers) - doing more to ensure that we reach people from all localities, communities and walks of life.
We shall also, with Sport England and partners, review whether and how we can take forward and/or extend the ambit of the present Clubmark accreditation programme – further raising the profile of high quality clubs - for the whole community.
Please feel free to cascade this information to any other interested parties and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Kind regards
Clare MacLeod
Strategic Operations Manager KKP
On behalf of the Centre of Excellence for Volunteering, Sport England
Partridge Perform
The latest North Sussex Friendly Netball Tournament at K2, Crawley had only three teams but was still enjoyed by all, with games being played in a double round-robin format.
Results:
Pulborough v Partridge Green 3 – 9 / 4 -3
Pulborough v Broadbridge Heath 6 -5 / 2 – 6
Partridge Green v Broadbridge Heath 10 – 1 / 6 – 4
Positions:
Partridge Green – 17 points (1st)
Pulborough – 12 points (2nd)
BBH – 10 points (3rd)
Southwater Superb
After the first tournament in the Horsham Area Primary Schools Girls Football League the organisers expected great things from the second coming together...and they were not disappointed.
It was held on Friday 2nd December at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre. With three teams unable to make the tournament it left four battling to gain any extra advantage they could to set them up for third and final tournament. The teams involved were Leechpool, Southwater, Slinfold and Billingshurst.
Southwater again proved a dominant force remaining unbeaten throughout. They produced the highest score or the tournament putting seven goals past Slinfold who could only respond with two of their own. Billingshurst put up the greatest resistance but still losing 3-2. Billingshurst, Slinfold and Leechpool continued to entertain us with their hard work and commitment, their close encounters captivating the spectators.
These standing will be used to set up two separate divisions in the final tournament which will include a promotion and relegation section in the middle. All teams will start on zero points and will have it all to fight for with the inclusion of a new team: Steyning B, who were unable to make the first two events.
Report by Kim Roberts
Trinity Wholly Delighted
Horsham Trinity Cricket Club has received the decision that its application for a grant from the Sport England Inspired Facilities fund to support its project to build a new clubhouse has been successful.
The club was granted the maximum possible amount under the scheme, £50,000.
Club committee member Rob Whittick commented, "This is fantastic news for us and marks a massive step towards making our plans a reality."
Baddie Leaders Trained Up!
Nine young badminton leaders were trained up today at Horsham and Arun Badminton Club, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre. Aged 13-16 the youngsters received both practical and theoretical input, mainly revolving round badminton event organisation, by tutor Jamie Sims.
The course is the latest instalment of the Sport England funded badminton project that is being driven by a partnership of Horsham and Arun Badmionton Club and HDC's Leisure Link team. It is hoped that at least some of the young leaders trained will feed into supporting some of the development work that the project is involving.
Schools Set for Athletic Injection
Six local primary schools - Castlewood, Southwater, Greenway, Slinfold, Warnham and Rudgwick - are preparing to receive coaching support in sports hall athletics from local coach Dave Ingram and a number of Collyers students in preparation for competitions that will run in February at Collyers Sixth Form in Horsham.
Sports hall athletics is the latest phase of a project that Leisure Link and Horsham Blue Star Athletics Club are working in partnership on to deliver to improve school-club athletics links in the area.
Collyers students have received training in the sports hall version of the sport and will support delivery in both the schools and the competitions of which there will be separate ones for children in school years 3+4 and years 5+6.
Collyers Students Tag Along
11 Collyers students have undertaken an RFU Introduction to Tag Rugby training course and are now preparing to go out to local primary schools to deploy their knowledge and skills with school teachers in support.
Paul Taylor from Horsham Leisure Link has helped coordinate the project and believes the students, six boys and five girls, will make a significant impact with the kids they deliver to.
Zig Can Dig It
Horsham Volleyball Club is taking some key initial steps on the road to forming as an official entity. Polish Head Coach, Ziggy, experienced in delivering the sport as he is, has embarked on the challenge of taking English coaching qualifications starting with his Level 1 Award, which he passed today - no mean feat for someone whose English is still at an early improving stage.
A general meeting has also been held to discuss where the group's future lies and an inaugural committee meeting has been arranged to happen next Sunday at 3.15pm at Greenway School.
Greenway Bowling Bonanza
30 children from Greenway School have been the first to receive a taster session of indoor bowling from coaches from Horsham Indoor Bowls Club.
The children from school years 4,5 and 6 were shipped in two minibus loads into the Broadbridge Heath based centre by staff from Horsham Leisure Link who are working in partnership with the club to help it launch a junior section.
Eight coaches gave input that included grip, bias (ie how the ball bends on its path) and game rules and feedback from the children was very positive about their experience. Some of the children demonstrated a natural aptitude for the sport.
This initial taster was a precursor to an expanded programme of school tasters the club is seeking to run in the new year.
For further information contact Heather Grant on 01403 251260 or grandak@talktalk.net
New Schools Badminton Championships Prove a Smash Hit
Badminton development in the Horsham area has been boosted by the staging of the first local Secondary School Team Championships linked to the national Center Parcs competition structure that Badminton England promote.
The inaugural Championships were hosted by Tanbridge School and engaged by an impressive 15 teams drawn from five schools. Three of them produced at least one winning team in each of the four categories which will go forward to the county round of the competition at K2 in February so there was an encouraging spread of success.
The senior boys section provided some big hitting action as it was laced with some top players from the Horsham and Arun Badminton Club Performance Centre. Sean Richardson led from the front for the Weald to overcome Forest 4-1 in the first semi-final, although Forest provided some plucky resistance in the doubles matches. David King did likewise for Tanbridge in their semi against Christ’s Hospital although again the less experienced side will take plenty of encouragement from their performances in the three doubles matches which make up three of the five matches on the match scorecard.
All made for the prospect of an exciting final. King v Richardson at the top of the card did not disappoint with the two nationally ranked stars attracting eyes from all corners of the sports hall as they put on an exhibition of how to combine power hitting and subtle touch play. In the end King edged it 21-18 to pave the way for his teammates to turn the screws on their opponents with straight wins in all the rest of the games. Tanbridge U16 boys could be a force to be reckoned with in the next stages of this process.
Millais provided the dominant teams in both sections of the female side of the championships. Their junior team rattled off assured 5-0 and 4-1 victories against Christ’s Hospital and Tanbridge respectively. Christ’s Hospital were pleased to take runners-up spot with a 3-2 win over Tanbridge.
In the senior girls Millais were similarly untroubled overcoming a depleted Weald team in the semi-final before setting about Christ’s Hospital in the final. Only Rachel O’Boyle’s 21-19 victory over Zoe Clayton prevented them gaining a full house of wins and as another team brimming with club experience they will be looking forward with confidence to tougher challenges ahead on the county-regional-national pathway.
The most exciting category of the event was provided by the junior boys but it was also one that was tinged with sadness as one of the Forest boys, Josh Kennedy, suffered a suspected broken arm making a desperate lunge for a drop shot at the climax of a close match with Tanbridge’s James Hoult in the lead singles match of the first semi-final which Tanbridge eventually edged 3-2. The other semi was equally tight, Christ’s Hospital taking out the Weald 3-2. Things stayed nip and tuck into the final but in the end Sol Dellar and Chris Steinberg’s 15-5 win over Will Johnson and Max Sanders in the deciding match saw Christ’s Hospital home. Forest beat the Weald 4-1 to take third place.
Thanks were given to Tanbridge House School for staging the event and Gil Fairham from Forest Badminton Club for helping manage the event. Everyone wishes Josh Kennedy a speedy recovery from his injury. Lets hope that the winners go forward to represent the area with distinction at the county round and, who knows, beyond.
Click here for results listing
Baseball Coaching Awards Being Hosted Locally
Horsham Junior Baseball Club is hosting two baseball coaching awards in February 2012 at their home at Ingfield Manor School. Details of the courses can be found below and the link to the site and booking forms and information about them both can be found by clicking here
Details as follows:
Level 1 Assistant Baseball Coach Award
Course Code: L1GN12/04
Please note that some practical activity will be held outdoors.
Location:
Ingfield Manor School
Ingfield Manor Drive
Five Oaks
Billinghurst
RH14 9AX
Dates: Saturday 11th February and Saturday 18th February 2012
Times: 9.30am - 5.00pm each day
Cost: £90.00 per person.
To apply please download a course application form and return with the course fee.
Level 2 Baseball Coach Award
Course Code: L2BB12/03
Location:
Ingfield Manor School
Ingfield Manor Drive
Five Oaks
Billinghurst
RH14 9AX
Dates: Saturday 11th February, Saturday 18th February and Saturday 25th February 2012
Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm each day
Cost: £150.00 per person.
Please note that some practical work will be held outdoors.
To apply please download a course application form and return with the course fee.
Girls Softball to Start in New Year
Horsham Leisure Link and Horsham Junior Baseball Club will work in partnership to kick-start girls softball provision for older teenage girls in the Horsham area in the New Year after news was received that a bid for funds from Sport England's Sportivate programme has been successful.
The eight week programme will run on Sundays from 9.30am - 10.30am at Southwater Leisure Centre starting on Sunday 5th February aimed at girls aged 14 - 16. The girls will learn the key skills of hitting, throwing and catching and pitching with the aim of creating a new under 16 girls softball team.
Any girls interested in taking part should book their place by calling Paul Taylor on 01403 215637 or paul.taylor@horsham.gov.uk
Winter Training for Softballers
Baseball Softball UK is running a regional softball winter training session at Billingshurst Leisure Centre on Saturday 3rd December, 1pm - 3pm for players of all abilities (male and female) aged 10 to 16. If anyone is interested in taking part and having some professional coaching from the Great Britain coaches then please turn up.
They are looking for new members and will be scouting new players to play in the Great Britain teams in the Under 13 and Under 16 age groups. It is an ideal time to dust off your glove and stretch out your arm. You could also bring a friend along and introduce them to the game.
Badminton Junior Helpers Award
Horsham Leisure Link is working with Horsham/Arun and Forest badminton clubs to stage a Junior Helpers Award for young people aged 13 and over on Monday 19th December at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.
The course is free for young people linked to these clubs or that come from the Horsham area.
Click here to download the information and booking flyer
Net Profit At Steyning
11 girls attended the first Sportivate netball session at Steyning Leisure Centre in what amounted to a promising start under the guidance of the coaching team of Hannah Jennings and Hannah Bacon.The girls ranged in age from 14-18 years of age and were mainly drawn from Steyning Grammar School. It is hoped the programme will improve their skills and matchplay awareness and Leisure Link sports development officer, Ian Ford, will be looking to organise a friendly fixture against another team early in the new year to give the players a focus to work towards.
The course runs on Monday, 3.30-5pm, is free and there are still places left for young women aged 14 and over to get involved - just turn up at Steyning Leisure Centre and give it a go!
Further information - Ian Ford 07764-146338
Great Start for New Volleyball Club
Horsham Volleyball Club ran its first session yesterday at Millais and it was a great success with 23 adults enjoying two hours of skill and matchplay coaching led by Polish coach and top player Ziggy.
HDC's sports development officer, Ian Ford, watched the first session and commented, "It was really good to see men and women combined in the session and how well Ziggy ran it to cater for all the different abilities and the different nationalities involved. I'm looking forward to supporting the development of this club and believe there is potential for it to become successful from both participation and performance perspectives."
Link Staff Bowled Over
Horsham Leisure Link staff engaged in a bowls workshop with coaching staff from Horsham Indoor Bowls Centre yesterday morning with the aim of discussing options for delivering bowls to local schools in support of developing its new junior section.Everybody first went on to the Centre's main playing arena and split into three groups using a lane each to experience the game in its fully fledged format. A number of the Leisure Link staff had to negotiate a steep learning curve on the rules and skills of the game and some rose up it quicker than others. Ian Ford struggled with his release and sent down a few bobblers, Steve Denman got his bias mixed up and sent one of his bowls off across three neighbouring lanes but Paul Taylor demonstrated his relative experience in sending down some well measured efforts.
After a chat about their first session experiences the rookie bowlers were introduced to New Age Bowls, an innovated form of the game using soft adapted bowls in the Centre's cafeteria. This kind of equipment was well received and lots of ideas were exchanged about how to maximise its potential impact with children. It will be particularly useful for exporting the game to school sites for schools that might find it difficult to get children to the Centre itself.
Watch this space for further details of how this project develops.
Greenway Girls Gain an Edge Over Southwater
Friday 25th November saw the first of three meetings in this year’s Horsham Primary Schools Girls Football League. The tournament had been arranged by Horsham District Council’s Leisure Link team and students from Collyers College. Six schools took part, providing seven teams for the first meeting which was round robin based.
After the first round of matches it was clear this year’s league was going to be a good one. 13 goals were produces in these three matches which provided some entertaining football.
After the first few games Southwater and Greenway A emerged as the dominant forces, both staying unbeaten. Greenway B and Slinfold put up the most resistance against Greenway A only losing by a single goal. Southwater provided the biggest score of the day winning 8-0 against Leechpool. Leechpool, Billingshurst, Slinfold, Steyning and Greenway B provided a good spectacle with their committed approach producing some close matches.
The tournament was close and the winner was decided in the final round of games with Southwater playing Greenway A. Eventually top spot was taken by Greenway A who won the game 2-1 with a goal in the last second. The final standings were as follows:
1st - Greenway A - 18 points
2nd - Southwater - 15 points
3rd - Stenying - 10 points
4th - Slinfold - 9 points
5th - Billingshurst - 6 points
6th - Leechpool - 4 points
7th - Greenway B - 0 points
Click here for all the match scores
These results have set up an exciting second meeting which will run on Friday 2nd December with the teams involved still having it all to play for.
Partridge Green Impose Restrictions on Freedom
Partridge Green are the latest winners of the North Sussex Adult Friendly Netball series of competitions run at K2 on Sunday 27th November by Hannah Bacon, HDC's Community Netball Coach.
Only three teams - PG, Freedom and Pulborough - took part but that didn't get in the way of the fun and some close matches were engaged, although Partridge Green and Freedom always looked the more likely to come out on top of the double round-robin format.
In the games where the two met PG drew first blood, 9-6, and in the second at 9-9 they couldn't be split so the outcome was never certain until right to the end.
Click here to see the results sheet
Indoor Volleyball Starts Up in Horsham
An open volleyball club for adults aged 14 and over is opening up in Horsham and is running its first session at Millais School tomorrow (Sunday) at 10.45am-12.45pm.The group has formed out of interest that has built up around the beach volleyball court installed in Horsham Park and with the support of Leisure Link will soon be constituting into a formalised Horsham Volleyball Club.
Ziggy, the club's Polish coach - volleyball is Poland's national sport - is keen to attract and develop men and women of all abilities in this high profile Olympic sport. Keep an eye out on the leisure Link site for further news about the club's progress.
Anyone looking to get involved should contact Ziggy on volleyballopen@gmail.com or 07922 429525
