Two Worcester Students Selected for England Universities Futsal Squad

TWO UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER STUDENTS HAVE BEEN CALLED UP TO THE ENGLAND UNIVERSITIES FUTSAL SQUAD.

Chris Bright, 27, from Redditch, and Alessandro Costa, also 27, from Cagliari – Italy, both play for the University of Worcester’s Futsal Club, which competes in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league. The England Universities squad is made up of the 20 best players currently studying in higher education in the country.

Chris is studying for a Masters in Socio-Cultural Studies of Sport & Exercise at Worcester and is the founder of The Diabetes Football Community – an international support group to help people living with diabetes to pursue their passion for the sport whilst managing the condition. He has also previously represented Wales at full international level in futsal. “It’s been a difficult injury hit 18 months for me personally and a lot of hard work has gone into getting back to a physical condition to allow me to compete at this level,” he said, “so I’m excited about the prospect of joining up with the England squad.” “It’s also an amazing reflection on the quality of the futsal programme at the University of Worcester that two players were selected from our team,” Chris added.

Futsal is a version of five-a-side football played on a hard court, smaller than a football pitch, and mainly indoors. The University of Worcester team has been breaking new ground this season with a string of impressive results that have recently seen them win the BUCS Conference Cup for the first time – with Chris scoring five in the final – and brought them to within touching distance of an unprecedented league and cup double.

Alessandro Costa is in his first year of a Sport & Exercise Science degree at the University, having previously enjoyed a career as a professional futsal player in leagues across Europe. Alessandro won the Futsal Super League during an earlier spell with Birmingham Futsal Club, and also played his part in Worcester’s recent cup success, scoring in the final. “I came to Worcester because of the great opportunities there are with both sport and study,” Alessandro said. “I thought the futsal programme was very impressive, and I wanted to complete a sports science degree to allow me to work in futsal full time in the future, so the Sport & Exercise Science degree at Worcester was an attractive option for me.” “Futsal is a fantastic spectacle,” he added. “It’s a fast-paced sport. Time and space are limited, and as a player I love how that challenges my intelligence and decision-making.”

Paul McHugh is captain of the University’s futsal team, as well as the co-founder and Chairman of Worcester Futsal Club, the City’s leading futsal setup. Himself a full international with the England visually impaired futsal squad, Paul is one of many who are working to develop futsal in the City. “We are very proud of Alessandro and Chris,” he said. “It’s great for futsal, both at the uni’ and throughout the City more widely, to have two of our players recognised in this way.” “When I began studying at Worcester there wasn’t a lot of futsal provision in the region, that’s why I established Worcester Futsal Club in addition to playing for the University team – to bring the fun of futsal to the whole community,” he added.

University Partners with World Academy of Sport to Launch Global Teacher Training Centre

The World Academy of Sport (WAoS) has launched a new global Physical Education/Sport Teacher Training Centre in partnership with the UK’s University of Worcester, to deliver inclusive education around the world.

WAoS is already a global leader in providing certified training solutions to the sports industry. For example, its Athlete Friendly Education Centres support student-athletes in combining both their sporting and academic careers.

“This new Physical Education/Sport Teacher Training Centre is a logical step forward,” said Chris Solly, Managing Director of WAoS. “The need to engage with youth is ever present in today’s sporting landscape and this new partnership will help us to provide such opportunities. Supporting teachers and providing unique global opportunities for professional development, in this instance, specific to sport and physical education, is central to our commitment to the global sporting and major events industry.”The University of Worcester, one of the largest and best UK universities for teacher education, has long championed inclusive education. In recent years, Worcester’s work has won a global reputation with active partnerships in China, Japan, Turkey, the United States and Europe. Meanwhile, Worcester students, staff and graduates have participated as Paralympians at the Games in Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro.

In 2015, Worcester became the first university to host the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships. The finals were played at the University of Worcester Arena, the UK’s first indoor arena purpose-designed to include the wheelchair athlete.

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, who was the only leader of any university worldwide to speak at the 2016 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Academy Inclusion Summit during the Rio 2016 Paralympics, said: “Staff and students at the University of Worcester are passionately committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, impairment, gender, race or age, has access to opportunities. This commitment, over many years, has made the university into a world leader in inclusion from teaching through culture to the creation of new facilities. We are delighted have this wonderful opportunity to share our passion, professionalism and expertise with educators around the world. Our aim is inclusion for all.”

One of the first programmes to be developed will be with the IPC Academy, the global educational division of the IPC.

“Assisting in the creation of inclusive school environments is critical for the IPC, not only through infrastructure, but also by providing professional development opportunities that explore ways for a school environment to be more inclusive when it comes to sport,” said IPC Chief Executive, Xavier Gonzalez.

“We are therefore delighted that one of the first programmes of this new centre will further assist us with helping school teachers around the world provide even more opportunities for students with an impairment to take up sport and recreation.”

Professor Green and Mick Donovan, Head of Sport and Inclusive Education at Worcester, met with IPC Chief Executive, Xavier Gonzalez, and WAoS Managing Director, Chris Solly, on Thursday, March 15, during the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games, as part of the development process of the Centre.

Freestyle BMX riding – the perfect way to express your personality

Freestyle BMX is an activity that many people associate with young people and free leisure time spent in parks. Few people know that this sport has been included in the programme of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. For Dean Cueson, a 25 year old from Birmingham, freestyle BMX is a way of life. It is “the perfect way to express your personality” as Dean says.

The University of Worcester Year 2 student (currently enrolled onto the Sport Business Management programme) started to be involved since he was 11 years old as he says: “I have been hooked on freestyle BMX since I was eleven years old. Being exposed to what was possible on a bicycle from watching VHS videos/looking at magazines really provided me with an imagination of what can be done on a bike. Luckily for me around the same period of getting into BMX, an indoor action sports facility opened in Birmingham (my home city). This allowed my riding to develop into my own unique style. By the age of thirteen I gained sponsorship by Vans Apparel/Shoes and entered/won amateur contests. This motivated me to push my riding even further”.

Soon afterwards, riding BMX bikes became more serious and Dean was travelling all around Europe and competing at an elite level despite being 16 only. He remembers that at the age of 18 he was competing in some of the biggest contests in the USA (such as Dew Tour, Vans Invitational). “Within the past nine years, I have won many National/ European contests, and been sponsored by various action sports companies (Vans, Oakley, Haro Bikes) who have allowed me to travel the world and experience life as a professional BMX athlete. I have worked on Red Bull video projects, sponsor video projects, TV shows/ adverts, concerts in China, and even shows on the beaches of Dubai” – Dean added. 

At the moment, Dean is keen to combine his love and involvement in a pro sport with education and with the academic world: “Studying a sports business management degree at the University of Worcester, I am hoping to connect my past experiences as an athlete with academic knowledge of the sporting industry. This will hopefully help me gain a career in the sporting sector/ action sports industry, and to ensure other people are as passionate about their sports as I am with BMX”.

As for future, Dean has set ambitious targets for himself: “I am still riding as much as ever, pushing my riding in new different ways and keeping it fun. Yet, freestyle BMX is heading to the 2020 Olympics, so that is a future goal of mine too”.

 

Selection for Commonwealth Games Fulfils Student’s Lifelong Dream

A University of Worcester student has told how being selected to represent her country at the Commonwealth Games is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

Jodie Gibson, who is in the third year of a Sports Studies degree, is part of the England Roses netball team heading to the Gold Coast, in Australia, for the Games in April.

“When I found out the news I was really excited. I cried a lot; there were a lot of happy tears,” said the 25-year-old, of Lower Wick, who also plays for Severn Stars, a franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to go to the Commonwealth Games. Netball isn’t an Olympic sport so the Commonwealth Games is one of the only major competitions that netball gets to compete in.

“I remember watching netball at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 and seeing those girls and thinking this would be a dream come true. When I was younger I never thought it would be something I could aspire to and achieve, so it makes me so proud to have that opportunity to not only go to the Commonwealth Games but to represent England and make my family and friends proud.”

Having always been athletic, Jodie, who grew up in Bury, Manchester, took up netball at primary school and was scouted during a match by another school’s PE teacher, who invited her to join a local club.

“I tried every single sport and never fell in love with it until I started netball,” she said. “I knew it was the sport for me because I took all my friends and said ‘okay we’re going to play netball’ and each week someone would drop out and I thought ‘okay I’m still going to do this sport’ and I’m so glad I stuck to my guns. I have had so many opportunities from playing this sport.”

Jodie said that combining elite sport with her studies had been made easier by the support she had had from the University and its staff.

She will head out to Australia in March before the Games start on April 4, with the England Roses beginning their campaign the following day.

“What I’m most looking forward to is being in that environment,” she added. “Being in an environment where there are so many other role models and athletes that I have always looked up to and aspired to be like is going to be an amazing experience.”

Jodie said that the England team had had a good year playing against some of the best teams in the world, particularly in the recent Quad Series where they came second, beating South Africa and New Zealand.

“The recent results we have going into the Games should hold us in good stead and we have to go for gold,” she said. “We have an amazing squad and I think we all have the belief that we can go to the Games and win gold.”

Severn Stars team has potential ‘to go all the way’ in Superleague, says Coach

Severn Stars’ Head Coach says her team has “the potential to go all the way” in the Superleague as the countdown begins to the new season.

Sam Bird, who took over the role last summer, said changes in the off-season had strengthened the side and that the players had come together over the months of pre-season training.

The team, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, kicked off its season in netball’s top-flight, the Vitality Netball Superleague, against Manchester Thunder at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday, 10 February.

Bird, who represented England at all levels from Under 16 to senior level and, as a coach, helped Superleague team Hertfordshire Mavericks to two titles, said Stars had secured a strong group of players and that signings had been “deliberate and considered”.

“What I’m most excited about is this club, the potential within it and the positive future ahead,” she said. “I’m absolutely convinced that the team we have around us has the potential to go all the way,”

“We retained the best of our players from last year. This was based on not only their fine performances for the club last year, but also because of their potential development they have to come, and what they will achieve with Severn Stars.

“New players have been recruited to fit with the Club’s style and with the existing core players; to compliment them, to challenge them and to bond with them.

“As a result, there is not one player in the squad who can relax and think they have no competition for their position; competition is there for everyone.”

England netballers Jodie Gibson and Ellie Cardwell, who competed in the Quad Series last month, return for a second season.

Jodie is among three University of Worcester students in the side, alongside Becky Oatley and England Under 21 player Iona Darroch.

Laura Malcolm returns to captain the side along with mid-courter Sophie Carter.

New members of the squad include international signings Maryka Holtzhausen and Phumza Maweni, who competed for South Africa in the Quad Series last month.

Further additions include University of Gloucestershire students Ella Powell Davies and Shona O’Dwyer.

Bird said that the unity among the squad she had witnessed develop in training was also a key component to success.

“This is a team of players who like to collaborate,” she added. “I have seen already strong bonds developing between players, some of whom were strangers four months ago. This ability to work together for the benefit of the Club makes me sure that we recruited well.

“Stars is striving to be the best place for players to grow together, whether they be an international star, an England player, an ex-England player, a future England player.”

For further information visit www.severnstars.co.uk.

Inclusive Sport Champion Awarded MBE in Queen’s New Year’s Honours

A champion for inclusive sport has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Rebecca Foster, Course Leader for Physical Education and Senior Lecturer in Adapted PE at the University of Worcester, has been recognised for services to inclusive sport and supporting young people to achieve their potential.

“I am so astonished that I have been awarded such a prestigious award and been recognised for work that I love doing,” she said. “I work with some amazing colleagues, friends and students that make my job a joy; I am truly honoured to have been put forward, let alone successful.”

Rebecca has been a key player in the development of sporting opportunities for disabled people and women.  She has been a volunteer with UK Deaf Sport for over 11 years, which has led her to three consecutive Deaflympics as their athletics coach and Team Manager. In July 2017 she took part in the London 100 miles Prudential Bike Ride raising over £1,000 for the Charity.

At the University, she set up a ‘Sign circle’ as a way of increasing the number of people in the Institution able to communicate by sign language. She also developed a module within the Physical Education degree pathway titled ‘Teaching Special Education and Disability Physical Education in Schools’ and was responsible for ensuring modules ran across academic institutes, enhancing the diversity of choice for students. Her work was among that which led to the Institution being shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2016.

Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “Everyone at the University of Worcester is thrilled and delighted that Rebecca has received this national honour. Rebecca’s work to include people in education, sport and society is simply inspirational.

“Rebecca is part of a wonderful team of dedicated, imaginative sports scientists and lecturers here at the University of Worcester, whose work to include people of all ages and abilities has led to the University being sought out as a partner by organisations from all over the world.”

Rebecca is a National Trainer for the Sainsbury’s Active Kids for All Inclusive Physical Education programme and a Sports Coach UK deliverer for ‘How to Coach Disabled People in Sport’ and has led courses for both current practitioners and trainee teachers.

As well as her work in Sport, Rebecca has been recognised for her remarkable dedication towards her students, acting not only as an educator but as a friend, confidante and inspiring motivator.

She has also been a volunteer support worker with Barnardos for the past 2 years, providing regular respite care for a young person with learning difficulties, who she has successfully encouraged to get involved in sport.

 

Top Teaching Award for University of Worcester Academic

A UNIVERSITY of Worcester academic has been awarded one of the country’s top teaching awards.

Lerverne Barber, deputy head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, is one of only 55 people to receive a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy.

The National Teaching Fellowship scheme recognises, rewards and celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student learning and the teaching profession.

“I am delighted and honoured to have received this award,” she said.

“I have been passionate about learning and teaching my whole career.

“Throughout my work, I have always had the same over-arching goal, to ensure that all students, regardless of gender, ability, ethnicity, or socio-economic background are enabled to fulfil their academic potential.

“This is my understanding of inclusive practice and a belief that I have actively promoted when working with students and colleagues at the University and with other organisations internationally.”

Mrs Barber has shared her approach to a number of renowned sporting universities as well as the Japanese Paralympic Committee, at the Nippon Foundation in Japan.

She has been invited to speak to students and staff at Beijing Sports University.

Mick Donovan, deputy vice chancellor and head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “With a strong track record of leadership in educational innovation and student development, Lerverne’s recent appointment as deputy head of the Institute owed much to her ability to develop and positively inspire staff and students.

“Lerverne has been instrumental in transforming our Institute’s approaches to learning and teaching and has been pro-active in sharing good practice and encouraging innovation.

“The Institute’s success in encouraging staff to engage with learning and teaching innovations and developments is very much an outcome of Lerverne’s personal inspiration and leadership.

“We are extremely proud of her achievement in gaining this prestigious award and the national recognition she deserves.”

Mrs Barber began her career as a secondary school PE teacher before working with teachers as a physical education adviser and has spent the last 15 years at the University.

She is also a key member of the team behind the first International Inclusive Sport Education conference in Beijing  held in October 2017.

Sport Marketing in China

Penny Wu from Wuhan University in China and Dr Paul Blakey, Course Leader for MSc International Sport Management and Senior Lecturer in Sport Management/Sport Development, have published a book entitled Sport Marketing for the Chinese audience. Penny spent a semester at University of Worcester carrying out research for the book and Penny and Dr Blakey worked together to translate the original script from English and ensured many applied examples have been included from an international perspective.

 This is a great example of a co-operative project between the University of Worcester and Wuhan University, and the on-going relationship between the two universities. This is the first textbook of this kind available to the many sports students at Wuhan, and Penny is excited to have such a great resource to aid her teaching of sport management.

Dance Students At ReCharge

Three third year dance students have had their work chosen to be shown at a new choreographers platform. ReCharge is a an exciting chance for audiences to view new work from up and coming choreographers, in an intimate theatre setting.

Emma Elton (PE and Dance), Sophie Henderson and Sophie Woolveridge (Dance and Community Practice) have had their dance for film works selected to be screened at this event. Originally premiered in the Hive in December these pieces explore diverse topics such as suicide, the relationship between faith and mortality, and abandoned buildings.

Worcester Warriors Captain Graduates

Donncha O’Callaghan has become one of the first Worcester Warriors players to graduate as part of a dual-career planning strategy which players undertake at the Club.

Warriors captain O’Callaghan, now 38, graduated with a BA (Hons) in Sport Business Management at the University of Worcester.

The pathway is designed for players to prepare themselves for life after rugby.

On Wednesday 27 September, the Club had a short graduation ceremony in which O’Callaghan’s and Baldwin’s achievements were recognised by players and staff.

Honorary Education Officer Lynette Cutting said: “It’s vital that rugby players prepare themselves for life after the game whenever that might be.

“We are committed to helping each individual try and balance their life in professional rugby alongside another potential career path and it’s fair to say we have one of the most educated professional rugby teams in the country.

“I’d like to thank the University of Worcester in particular as one of our key partners who have worked around the challenges of the training schedule.”

Out of the 53 players in the first-team squad during the 2016/17 season, Warriors had 38 players as well as the 15 Senior Academy players studying in areas such as:

• Construction/plumbing/electrician/quantity surveying courses
• Business/international relations/sport management courses
• Sports studies/science/coaching courses
• Higher degrees in international business/development management/building surveying

Some players have also undertaken work experiences during their time off.

O’Callaghan said: “I started this degree in 2003 and I’ve only just finished it now. I don’t think it’d have been possible if it wasn’t for Lynette or the incredible programme that has been put in place by the Club.