SP OR TIN G L
Transcription
SP OR TIN G L
6 October 2009 www.lbhf.gov.uk SPORT 69 SPORTING LIFE Brackenbury give a masterclass in how to win the lot u A Hammersmith school which achieves consistent success year after year in H&F sports tournaments tells Tim Harrison the secrets of top-class competitive triumph roll of honour: In the latest Mayor’s Cup (left) Brackenbury Primary (in red) hope for the same success they have achieved in a range of borough sporting contests, such as the Mayor’s Cup earlier this year (below left and above), and district athletics (below middle) and cricket in 2008 (below) A ND the winner is: Brackenbury Primary School! If you ever get a job announcing the results of a netball, football or athletics tournament, you will find those words useful. The school in Dalling Road, Hammersmith, is synonymous with success in the borough, and has made a blistering start in this season’s Mayor’s Cup – the inter-school football tournament – with 5-0 victories for the boys’ and girls’ teams. So what is the secret, and how can other schools match the super Bs? “Our achievement is down to the fact that we have a lot of hardworking staff, and I delegate a lot,” said school PE co-ordinator Jamie Allen. Take cricket. Nicky Clark looks after the school’s cricket club, accompanying the young players to matches and encouraging and developing younger talent. “It’s never just Year 6,” said Jamie. “She regularly has Year 3 and 4 pupils involved too, which means that teams always have experienced players on hand. “We try to encourage older children to be good role models for the younger children, and pass on their skills.” Another key player in Brackenbury’s successful sports strategy is Damian Duguid, the school’s learning mentor. He coaches football – mostly the nine, 10 and 11-year-olds in Years 5 and 6. The school’s policy is to prepare for, and enter, every possible tournament, so each time H&F Council announces a new schools competition, Brackenbury gets its name down. “There’s very little we don’t enter if the borough is organising it,” admitted Jamie, who said that the school always tapped into the sports strengths and passions of staff. “I do the athletics,” he said. “The important thing is to always have open trials. We never pick competitors based on what we think they will do – we pride ourselves on getting everyone to take part in trials.” “ We’re very strict – if the kids are not pulling their weight in school, they don’t go out and represent it The Mayor’s Cup is a measure of Brackenbury’s achievement. The schools football tournament, which is contested by every primary school in H&F, was won by Brackenbury boys last year, and Brackenbury girls the year before. “It’s the competition that is the hardest to win as every school enters it, and pretty much everyone plays football,” said Jamie. In fact, pupils at Brackenbury are reigning borough champions in football (as well as the boys’ success, the girls triumphed in Football Funday), netball, cricket and athletics. The school sets great store by the fact that its young sportsmen and women are ambassadors for Brackenbury when they are outside school competing in games. “We’re very strict,” said Jamie. “If the kids aren’t pulling their weight in school, they don’t go out and represent the school. They have to have the right attitude.” But he remains adamant that the single most important factor in Brackenbury’s success is matching enthusiastic staff to the individual sports. “That’s the secret,” he added. “Now everyone knows!” east african promise tournament for somali HOOPS FANS PAGE 73>> 70 SPORT www.lbhf.gov.uk JB 6 October 2009 builders At JB builders we specialise in residential property refurbishments & brick work. We believe in creating homes to your individual style and taste that will be everything you ever dream of. Even within the most challenging projects we will always provide you with outstanding results. We satisfy our clients requirements through high quality workmanship and attention to detail, working with architects, surveyors and interior designers. Your project will be professionally handled by a dedicated and experienced Project Manager with whom you have constant dialogue and contact, from the outset to the very finish. We specialise in: Loft work & extensions Brickwork & paving Painting & decorating Bathrooms & tiling Kitchens & carpentry We are fully insured and we can supply very positive references from happy customers who live near you. Free quotations We offer free quotations for any building or renovation work that you require. www.JBbuilders.eu 0844 5458 108 or 07595 464 561 6 October 2009 www.lbhf.gov.uk SPORT 71 SPORTING LIFE Here’s how to have a ball as tennis moves indoors for the winter SWING WHEN YOU’RE WINNING: Left, Michelle Oldham at The Queens Club. Above, the Westway crew of Will Mailes, Al Zabat, coach Savvas Kryiakides, Ann Dawson and Peter Vann. Inset, Richard Kelly on court u Borough offers the full spectrum from cheap public courts to exclusive clubs with grand histories u Grants allow the stars of tomorrow to practise their volleys, returns and serves TIM HARRISON YOU want to play tennis in the borough, but the evenings are starting to get nippy, and that autumn sun is fading fast. What are your options? Easy. Carry on playing inside, either as a member of one of the country’s most historic racquet clubs, or at an indoor centre offering instant access to all. The spectrum is impressive. At the budget end is the Westway Centre, beneath the concrete elevated lanes of the flyover. The community centre is open to all for a simple membership fee of £3 (less for students and concessions), with a climbing wall, football, handball and gym available as well as the indoor tennis. There are eight indoor courts and four outdoor clay courts. If you play outside it costs £9 an hour, while the indoor courts start at £16 an hour off-peak (£10 for children). “You can book up to four weeks in advance,” explained commercial tennis manager Richard Kelly, 31. “At weekends it gets chocker, but we still have spaces on weekdays.” Off-peak hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Peak time is all weekend, and 5-10pm weekdays, with the last bookable slot at 9pm. Popularity is increasing, particularly among the younger players. Westway is designated a high-performance centre by the official tennis body the Lawn Tennis Association. “It means that on top of the community programme we offer a pathway for kids showing a lot of talent, who can get into our academy in conjunction with Win Tennis, which sets up performance programmes through the LTA,” said Richard. Grants are available, with the junior squads at Westway being very popular. Squads begin at the five to eight age bracket, with 60 WHERE TO PLAY INDOOR TENNIS IN THE BOROUGH: l HARBOUR CLUB (13 indoor courts) Watermeadow Lane, off Townmead Road, Fulham SW6 Call: 020 7751 9443 www.harbourclubchelsea.com l THE HURLINGHAM CLUB (3 covered courts) Tennis Pavilion, Ranelagh Gardens, Fulham SW6 Call: 020 7736 8411 www.hurlinghamclub.org.uk l THE QUEEN’S CLUB (12 indoor courts) Palliser Road, West Kensington W14 Call: 020 7385 3421 www.queensclub.co.uk l WESTWAY TENNIS CENTRE (8 indoor courts) 1 Crowthorne Road, West Kensington W10 Call: 020 8969 0992 www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk youngsters playing every day on performance programmes. “Our target audience is anyone,” added Richard, who used to work at the more exclusive Camden Hill Tennis Club just up the road. “Anyone can rock up and start playing tennis. Everywhere else is a private members’ club with high joining fees.” Low fees don’t mean poor facilities. More than £50,000 has recently been spent resurfacing all the indoor courts with the same finish that is used for the US Open at Flushing Meadows. You can also simply pay and play, with a two-hour session including doubles play and coaching drills from £6.50, while Westway also has a tennis ladder, allowing players to move up and down according to their playing level. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the exclusive Queen’s Club, the world’s first multi-purpose sports complex, founded in 1886. As well as hosting the pre-Wimbledon grass court tournament for men, Queen’s offers superb all-year-round tennis to its membership, with 12 indoor courts. Two are clay courts which, from October to March, are covered by huge inflatable bubbles. Four are ‘carpet’ courts and six are acrylic courts. Michelle Oldham, the Queen’s sports manager, said that the indoor courts were in pretty constant use, and were very popular with the members. Membership doesn’t come cheap. You have to buy a £12,000 share to join, and then be proposed and seconded by existing members, and undergo an interview. The annual membership fee is £1,600, and you then have to pay from £6 to £15 per hour court fees. In addition to indoor tennis there are three squash courts, two real tennis courts and two racquets courts, as well as a gym. Strict dress codes apply, as you would expect for such an exclusive and classy establishment. “There is a very mixed membership, with overseas members, country members, London members and city people who play in the evening,” said Michelle. The membership waiting list is currently about six months long, with no shortage of people eager to play at Queen’s – particularly on the 28 outdoor courts at the club. 72 SPORT www.lbhf.gov.uk 6 October 2009 SPORTING LIFE car-washers’ goal is to pay for USA trip ONE: Deco and Anelka PICTURE BY ACTION IMAGES BLUES WILL BE TOP AT END OF THE SEASON, SAYS COOKE IT’S CHELSEA’S year. That’s the verdict of Blues legend Charlie Cooke after watching his old club smother, master and conquer Liverpool on Sunday. “My one, two, three? Chelsea, Manchester United then Arsenal,” said the man who once terrorised opponents with his mazy wing play in the 1960s and 70s. Cooke, who now runs football coaching courses in Ohio, was on a three-day flying visit from the United States, and spoke exclusively to h&f news. He was impressed by Chelsea’s tactical supremacy, and by Carlo Ancelotti’s planning, especially after the team’s well-publicised recent ‘wobble’ of defeat in the league at Wigan, and a below-par performance (albeit a winning one) in Nicosia in the Champions League. “It’s Chelsea’s to win,” said the 66-yearold. “And I think they’ll win it. John Terry is excellent. Based on today’s performance, Liverpool aren’t going to do it this season. I’m puzzled why [Dirk] Kuyt was played out of position on the right.” Although the Reds matched Chelsea pass for pass in a first half, with the teams’ attacks effectively cancelling each other out, the Blues stepped up a gear in the second period. The wayward passing at Wigan seemed a distant memory as the whole team focused and maximised possession, with captain Terry leading by example. Henrique Hilario, in goal for the suspended Petr Cech, had the game of his life, twice denying Liverpool with spectacular diving saves. Up front, Nicolas Anelka put the Blues ahead on the hour, hoofing home Didier Drogba’s excellent cross, while in stoppage time sub Florent Malouda made it 2-0 with Drogba again the provider. At the end, with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres effectively neutralised by concerted and committed defending, Chelsea’s players gathered in the middle of the pitch for a very revealing group hug. “We now have two weeks to relax, and this three points means we’re top of the league,” said Drogba afterwards. Ancelotti added: “We did what we prepared for before the game.” Tim Harrison l Brunswick Club footballers are flexing their entrepreneurial might as well as honing their ball skills in the run-up to a Californian tour next year. Club manager Danny Volino has challenged his squad of under-13 footballers to raise their own cash towards the two-week trip in June, which will include competing in the Californian Sand Soccer Tournament. Business-minded footballers Jamaal Bailey, 12, and Milkyas Abraham, 12, have already made £200 each by washing cars around the Fulham neighbourhood. “In an age when kids often get everything, they are having to make a few sacrifices,” Danny said. “There is financial hardship within a lot of the group so they are going out with a bucket and sponge and making their own money.” Danny said the club’s car washers would be armed with identification badges so CLEAN UP: Top, from left: Bobby Daly, Jarrell Saywaye, Patipat Smith, William McAuley, Uriah BarrettThomas, Louis Cunniffe. Bottom: Oscar Scott, George Pitsialis, Khristian Ramgeet, Sean Allen, Reice Harper, Taryl Mendis, Leon Reid PICTURE BY justin thomas residents could distinguish them from bogus callers. The youth club, in Haldane Road, has made the Californian trip a yearly treat for its young sporting stars and Danny said the experience was both educational and enjoyable. “The kids have a home-stay with an American family so they get a real taste of Californian life,” he said. “They will also visit Universal Studios and theme parks while they’re over there.” Caroline Butcher Hodgson fumes over debutant seeing red u Furious Fulham boss feels sending-off was far too harsh u Injuries bite but Hodgson happy with ‘grit and determination’ alistair kleebauer Fulham manager Roy Hodgson looked like his team had been thrashed rather than battling to a 2-2 draw with east London rivals West Ham. Despite being down to 10 men, his team fought back from a goal down to be within seconds of a famous win at Upton Park on Sunday. The manager remained incensed though that his team had to struggle for 50 minutes after South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi was sent off. “I come from a generation where violent conduct was violent,” said Hodgson after the game. “I have a problem getting my head around two players nose to nose and one of them is sent off for violent contact.” Dikgacoi, making his first start, squared up to Scott Parker, raising his hand and appearing to slightly nudge him with his head, but it took the intervention of the fourth official Anthony Taylor to prompt his dismissal, leaving Hodgson fuming. Carlton Cole put the hosts ahead with a powerful header, but the sending-off galvanised the Whites hand-off: Kagisho Dikgacoi was sent off for this incident with Scott Parker and they were soon ahead through a Danny Murphy penalty and a smart finish from Zoltan Gera. “We came here to play football but unfortunately we conceded that early goal,” said right-back John Pantsil, returning to the club where he spent two seasons. “We said to ourselves at halftime we need to go all-out and get at least a point.” Three points became one deep into injury-time when a Junior Stanislas shot deflected off Aaron Hughes and into the net. To add to Fulham’s woes, both Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey departed with injuries. “ I’m from a generation where violent conduct was violent PICTURE BY action images “It’s not a good time for us in terms of injuries, but it is a good time for us in terms of the performances and the grit and determination we’ve shown,” said Hodgson. The upcoming international break will help, but Fulham still face games against Roma, Manchester City and Liverpool before the month is out. “We have to make sure that we keep going and continue our good work because we have a lot of games coming up,” said Pantsil. “This is just the beginning.” 6 October 2009 www.lbhf.gov.uk SPORT 73 SPORTING LIFE Rs’ event gives Somali players a real chance u Rs hope to find fans of the future thanks to a five-a-side contest u More than 150 kids and adults from Somali community involved alistair kleebauer FOR many displaced people worldwide sport has been a great way to fit into the local culture. The Somali community in White City and QPR have really taken this on board by holding a football tournament at the astroturf pitch in South Africa Road on October 3, just minutes from the estate and Loftus Road stadium. As the Hoops fell to a 2-0 defeat in Swansea, their community team joined with the Somali Women’s Group to run the all-day five-a-side contest which i n v o l v e d more than 150 children and adults from across the borough, with all the players I learnt receiving match as well. to speak tickets “I would English definitely put hand on my and now my heart and say life here is that without I wouldn’t good. It’s QPR, be able to better than organise it,” said DentonSomalia Kissu Savage from the women’s group. “Me on my own, I wouldn’t have the ability.” The 38-year-old from Bloemfontein Avenue thought of the idea two months ago after growing concerns about the lack of activities for Somali children on the estate and the dangers of gun and knife crime. Along with the White City Muslim Association, she approached QPR to start up a tournament for the estate’s residents – 20 per cent of whom she estimates are Somali. Somalis moved to London throughout the last century, but the outbreak of civil war in 1991 greatly increased the movement from the east African country to England. With the fighting continuing, the difference for many of the children running around the astroturf is vast. “When I first came here, I couldn’t understand anyone,” said Hassan Mohammed, 13, from the estate. He arrived in west London with his family aged 10 and QPR’s Kickz programme, which provides children with three training sessions a “ week, was his first taste of the game. “I learnt how to speak English and now life here is good. It’s better than in Somalia.” His team, Skill Boys, finished as runners-up in the 11-13 age group behind the White City Boys, with Team Acton taking the adult title. The club also hope to benefit from their relationship with the community by encouraging the next generation of fans to Loftus Road. “We want the kids to come to their first QPR game,” said Rangers development officer Danny Edwards, 24, from Perivale. “Even if they support Chelsea and Man United, hopefully they will have a lot of love for QPR.” Hamza Hirsi, 13, from Goldhawk Road, Shepherds Bush, could be one of the first converts. He came to England from Holland when he was just two, after his family originally left Somalia. “Me and my dad support Chelsea,” he said. “But sometimes I go to watch QPR because it’s so near. They could definitely get into the Premiership.” After her selfless deeds, Kissu also confessed to a reason of her own for wanting her co-organisers to succeed. As her husband is a supporter, she hopes to get a new car if QPR reach the Premiership. But if it won’t happen on the pitch, she can at least be satisfied with their good deeds off it. astroturf guys: Hassan Mohammed (left); organiser Kissu Denton-Savage with baby Alimatou Staffiero (inset above); 16+ team West All Stars take on Acton Team (above right); West 12 Dolphins against KFC (ages 11-13, inset above top); and West 12 Stars v A&E Sports (right) PICTUREs BY david tett 74 SPORT www.lbhf.gov.uk 6 October 2009 SPORTING LIFE FAN ZONE l Ron Norris, editor of fans’ website www.qprnet.com, looks back on a season when high Hoops hopes were dashed A t the start of this season Jim Magilton was one of the favourites to be the first Championship manager sacked. Even if he wasn’t, plenty of people thought he’d never make it through the season under Flavio Briatore. Now in an ironic twist of fate it’s the man who has been through more coaches than National Express who finds his own future in doubt. Briatore may yet survive the aftermath of the dramatically dubbed ‘crash-gate’ but, regardless, his reputation is certainly dented. For a man who appears to love the limelight and exposure the last couple of weeks must have really stung. Despite the fact that ill-feeling towards Briatore has been simmering for months around Loftus Road, no one could have predicted that his very future would now be in doubt. While it’s perfectly fair to say that the ridiculous pricing structure and dismissive attitude towards supporters’ feelings has created a divide between board and fan base bigger than I’ve ever known, I don’t believe that many fans even want shot of him. However that’s what might happen if he fails the ‘fit and proper persons’ test. The fact this is the same test that Thaksin Shinawatra managed to sail through when he took over at Manchester City makes me dubious of anything quoted in its name, and with The Football League and The FA generally being a pondering, gutless mob at the best of times I’ve little doubt this will get swept under the carpet in time. Wouldn’t it be just typical if the one time they decided to Magilton has make an example of begun someone it was us? Contrast the producing declining fortunes one of the of Briatore with the rising reputation of nicestMagilton, though. looking QPR With Flavio out of sides in years sight and out of mind Magilton has begun producing one of the nicest-looking QPR sides in years. Combining the best of De Canio’s verve and swagger with Sousa’s defensive qualities, Magilton’s men are starting to look the real deal. Back in the summer his appointment was derided by many, myself included, as desperate, the last name on the list and the only man who was crazy enough to take the job. All of this may well be true but he has slowly started to build a side which has been brilliant to watch. A great win at Cardiff, a thumping home victory against Barnsley and a very good performance at Newcastle have really raised our hopes and while it’s far too early to say how well we might do this season, things are ticking along very nicely indeed. Flavio’s alleged meddling has been well documented. He always claimed he didn’t interfere with his managers’ jobs. As long as they played 4-4-2 and produced dynamic, attractive football and got good results he would stay well clear. Magilton might have been the last name on the list but he could well be on his way to ticking all those boxes. “ tiger cubs youngsters earn their stripes top corner: A member of the Tiger Cubs team lets fly at half-time during the Hoop’s game against Barnsley THE Cubs are growing up. QPR’s Tiger Cubs skills development project for young people with Down’s syndrome is now a year old, and goes from strength to strength. Before last week’s emphatic 5-2 demolition of Barnsley by the Hoops, the first team made time to drop in at the club’s birthday party, also attended by fans and members of the youth squad. The first-team stars signed shirts and chatted to the Tiger Cub youngsters, who then formed the pre-match ‘guard of honour’ and joined in the half-time entertainment, enjoying the cheers and applause from Rangers and Barnsley fans. The matchday prize draw raised £1,000 towards running the programme. Anthony Doherty, who co-ordinates the Rs’ work with disabled people, said: “The essence is to provide children and young people with Down’s syndrome the same benefits of being on a team as their ablebodied peers. “In the last 12 months the Tiger Cubs have become a phenomenon, not only with the QPR faithful but with football clubs worldwide.” Tim Harrison Rowan backs Jay to be a big hitter foiled: QPR’s Jay Simpson (left) shields the ball from Swansea’s Angel Rangel during the Rs’ 2-0 defeat u QPR striker says his partnership with on-loan Arsenal forward could flourish u Hoops’ struggle to score continues alistair kleebauer THE 5-2 hammering of Barnsley involved something unusual in QPR’s recent experience, a glut of goals. It followed a great away win at Cardiff, but the two results after that September 26 rout have seen the Rs score just one, courtesy of midfielder Ben Watson. Saturday’s trek to Swansea ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat, with the Rs reduced to nine men following red cards for Watson and Martin Rowlands. Hoops striker Rowan Vine gave an honest assessment of the problem after the Chelsea Carling Cup game three days earlier, when they had again failed to hit the net. “We haven’t scored enough goals, it’s as simple as that,” he said. “The final third is the place where games are won. “Hopefully we can find the partnership that gets the goals which keep us at the right end of the table.” Vine and loan signing Jay Simpson staked their claim and QPR looked to test their progress at Stamford Bridge. But a lack of chances did for Rangers again, though they took heart from Chelsea having to bring their big guns off the bench to win. “When you play one of the best teams in the country and it’s a tight game, it’s natural to be disappointed,” said Vine. QPR will face few tougher tests this season and Vine remained confident that his double-act with Simpson will flourish. “Jay’s a good player, he’s a PICTURE BY BPI We haven’t scored enough goals – it’s as simple as that willing runner and a threat to anyone because he’s direct and powerful.” With only three starts last season after breaking his leg, Vine is also profiting from a new role in the team. “I’ve been enjoying playing a bit deeper,” he said. “I love dropping into little pockets, picking up the ball and attacking from there.” For Chelsea, who welcome Bolton on October 28 in the fourth round, the competition will be used to blood some youngsters. For Vine and his team-mates, the wait to challenge for such honours must continue for now. 6 October 2009 www.lbhf.gov.uk SPORT 75