London Sport’s Post

A new arena and upgrades to three sporting precincts are the top priorities outlined in Townsville City Council’s submission to the State Government’s 100-day review into Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.   The review will assess statewide infrastructure related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and is Council’s opportunity to make its voice heard to the Queensland Government to request much-needed infrastructure ahead of to the Games.   Townsville 2032 Legacy Working Group chairperson Councillor Suzy Batkovic OLY said Townsville deserved high-quality local sports infrastructure to benefit sports, tourism and major events across the city.   “I’m proud to be working with all levels of government to make sure Townsville is getting its fair share ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There are funds available from the State Government, so we want to make sure our community gets what it needs and give Townsville the opportunity to become a sports hub in the lead up to the Games,” Cr Batkovic said. “There are four major priorities in Council’s submission to the 100-day review, including delivering a new arena for Townsville and upgrading Murray Sporting Complex, Riverway Stadium and the Townsville Aquatic Precinct.   “Townsville Entertainment Centre is at the end of its life, so the time has come to build a new and robust arena for our community.   “The new, multi-use and high-tech arena will not only be a much-needed training ground ahead of the Olympics, but a significant piece of infrastructure that will bring jobs to Townsville from the very start of construction and benefit our region for years to come before and after the Games.   “I often say ‘if you can see it, you can be it’, so having the infrastructure here in Townsville to attract major sporting events will give our kids in North Queensland the chance to see it, be inspired and chase their dreams. It doesn’t matter if you’re from a regional town or a capital city, we should have the right infrastructure available for our kids to be inspired and work towards the goal of Brisbane 2032.   “We have seven years to get this infrastructure up and running for the benefit of Townsville and our young sports stars from across the region.”    Townsville City Council’s submission asks for an investment of $180 million from the State Government and a matched $180 million from the Federal Government for the new arena, with the remaining projects needing about $55 million.   Read more: https://bit.ly/4anUTCw

With 100 days to go until the Paris Olympics, it's time to capitalise on the impact that hosting the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will have by investing in a comprehensive legacy program that will benefit community sport throughout NSW for generations. Beyond the thrill of Australia hosting the world’s premier multi-sport event, the Games present a unique chance for governments and sports to invest in comprehensive legacy programs that will benefit community sport throughout the nation for generations. That is why Sport NSW produced Impact 2032 - a report that recognises Australia’s hosting of the Games represents a momentous opportunity. By investing in programs, facilities, leadership, capability building and events, Government's can support and encourage people of all ages and abilities to be active participants in sports. https://lnkd.in/gzqsYGF8

📣 Sports club in Hull! We need your views! Hull City Council has secured exciting prizes from partners Tigers Trust and Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd for local sports clubs which air their views on sporting facilities in the city. Prizes such as hospitality tickets at Hull City and free swimming and skating sessions can be won by those completing the Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) survey. The Tigers Trust has provided 2x hospitality places at a Hull City home game in the Ambassador Suite, including a three-course meal, with pre-game entertainment and player appearances. There is also a day’s Free Football Centre place for autumn half-term, whilst HCAL has provided family swim and family skate sessions. The PPS is an essential strategy that will help the council to make decisions on future sports pitch improvements and unlock significant funding for clubs from the Football Foundation, but it needs the buy in of local clubs in order to progress it. Without that support, the PPS will be unable to go ahead and currently, feedback levels is below the response rate needed from local clubs. Not only will this improve playing pitches for local sports clubs, but it ties in with the council’s ethos of promoting an active, healthy and inclusive lifestyle, as well as supporting communities. Organisations have already been contacted about this and those clubs who have already completed the survey have been included in the prize draw. Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at the council, said: “Sport plays a vital role in the lives of many in Hull and that is evident year-round with the amount of people playing sport on weekends especially. “The council is striving to do all it can to ensure the city has adequate sporting facilities and the Playing Pitch Strategy will help us to do that. “However, we need the help of those involved in our sports clubs, so we’re urging them to complete the survey to allow the council to secure significant funding to put back into the community.” The survey has been emailed to all known sports clubs and they are urged to complete and return to hullpps@hullcc.gov.uk. The same email address can also be used to request a link to the survey.

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission would like to learn from victims and survivors of maltreatment in sport, as well as subject-matter experts, academics, advocates, stakeholders, sport participants (including athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and other support personnel) and the Canadian public about their experience in and with sport. https://lnkd.in/gmahZk3e

Ive just done my submission to the Olympic 100-day review. Does my little voice matter in something like this? – Probably not. But I feel like I had to say something, because what a sad and disappointing process this has been to date. When the Olympics were announced for Brisbane back in 2021, our then-government decided they could make unilateral decisions without consulting communities, local sporting organisations, or even Brisbane City Council. Leave East Brisbane without a local school – sure! Demolish local parks and homes to make way for temporary venues – go for it! Leave major sports like athletics, swimming and hockey without a permanent legacy – no problem! Ignore advice from national security agencies – why not! Brisbane City Council wanted a new stadium at Albion, but were blind-sided by the State government - who cares! And so, not surprisingly, communities objected. The government dug in. The tide turned. The leadership changed. The new Premier began to listen, and acknowledged the fact that we already had 3 big stadiums in Brisbane (Suncorp, the Gabba, and QSAC), and so decided to spread the money around and upgrade all 3, ensuring their continued viability for generations to come. This was consistent with the mandate from the IOC to use existing venues, and make the Games sustainable. It was sensible. It was practical. It protected communities. But people decided that it wasn’t sexy. Actually, the media convinced people that it wasn’t sexy. Never mind the 3 big stadiums we already have;- people were dazzled with images of the possibility of something new. Like the kid at Christmas with a box full of toys he doesn’t want to play with, instead demanding something shiny & new, we seem to want a big new toy, regardless of the cost. After all, Perth got a new stadium… Adelaide got a new stadium…. so [insert stamping feet here] we should get one too! Never mind the fact that the novelty of new stadiums wears off very quickly, and they end up being underutilised (see Exhibit A – Sydney Olympic Park). Make no mistake – stadiums don’t make money. If they did, private corporations would build them all the time. But they don’t. And in any case, you cant live in a stadium. You cant send your kids to school in a stadium. You cant get your daily exercise in a stadium. You cant get your groceries and your coffee in a stadium. No - the value of a community is not in a stadium. Long-term, its in community assets. Don’t get me wrong;- Im not anti-development, and I want our local developers, architects and tradies to make lots of money out of the Olympics. But I want them to do it in a way that’s about building and enhancing communities, not building and enhancing ego’s and political agendas.

https://lnkd.in/eETUDFCB Great news. Finally!  Reality check though. League of Ireland stadiums are dilapidated and in desperate need of government funding. Tallaght (home of Shamrock Rovers), opened 2009, being the one exception. Realistically , new/renovated grounds should aim to host 8,000 to 10,000. Tallaght’s capacity is 10,500. We don’t have the population to support stadia such as the ones in the Premier League who mostly have a capacity of 40,000 plus. Brand new compact stadia with family zones/passes could increase attendances. For example, when I went to NBA during my years in Canada, two kids and two adults got pizza slices with their tickets. Play centres for the kids could be laid on before kick-off. Pool tables, table tennis tables and video game consoles. Short concerts before and after games could showcase new musical talent. Bar and food could be made available for 2-3 hours after the match to increase revenue for the club. I remember seeing this first hand at Barcelona v Man Utd in Washington DC. Allow/Encourage the fans to spend money at the stadium instead of at nearby pubs/fast food chains. No need to close the stadium/food/drink the minute the match is over. The League of Ireland could also reach out to our immigrant population and encourage them to ‘adopt’ a team. For example, the Polish community might get behind Shelbourne or the Nigerian community could become new fans of Cork City..  Any other ideas to boost attendance at the League of Ireland?

Three Circle Embracing the Spectrum of Sports Unraveling the Importance in the Region Sports, a dynamic and integral aspect of human culture, extends its influence far beyond the realm of physical activity. In every region across the globe, various sports not only entertain but also serve as powerful tools for fostering community, instilling discipline, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This article delves into the diverse types of sports prevalent in a region and explores their multifaceted importance, transcending mere athleticism.   The Diversity of Sports in the Region:   Every region boasts a unique tapestry of sports, shaped by cultural, historical, and geographical influences. Whether it’s the thrill of football echoing through South American stadiums, the precision of cricket matches uniting communities in South Asia, or the grace of martial arts flourishing in Asia, the array of sports reflects the rich tapestry of human experience.   Football (Soccer):   Football stands as a global phenomenon, but its significance in regions like Europe and South America is unparalleled. It serves as more than just a sport; it’s a cultural identity and a source of unbridled passion. Football matches bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride that transcends borders.   Cricket:   In South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, cricket is not just a sport but a way of life. The cheers echoing in cricket stadiums, the nail-biting finishes, and the heroes emerging from the pitch evoke emotions that resonate deeply with millions. Cricket unites diverse communities under a common love for the game.   Martial Arts:   Across Asia, martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, and Taekwondo are more than physical disciplines; they are pathways to self-discovery and spiritual growth. The intricate movements and philosophies embedded in martial arts contribute to mental resilience, discipline, and holistic well-being.   Basketball:   Basketball has gained immense popularity in regions like North America and parts of Europe. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with its emphasis on teamwork and strategic thinking, resonates with both players and fans alike.   The Importance of Sports in the Region:   Community Building:   Sports serve as a powerful catalyst for community building. Whether it’s local football matches, cricket tournaments, or martial arts academies, these sporting events bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.   Physical and Mental Well-being:   Engaging in sports promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging physical activity. Beyond the physical benefits, sports also contribute to mental well-being, alleviating stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive functions.   #GratienMukeshimana #28COE #28coeecosystem #threecircle #sports https://lnkd.in/dv2KWPGG

The widening valuation gap between US and European sports clubs, investment in infrastructure and the enduring appeal of live content are just some of the key themes to emerge from our recent Global Sport Forum at Roland Garros. Read more in the below article by Julian Bajada. #sportinvestment #sportvaluation #womeninsport #multiclubownership #sporthospitality

Ultimate frisbee has a secret the rest of the sports industry should pay attention to... the ‘hat’.🎩 Hat tournaments are one of the great things I’ve learned about since consulting for Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA): in a 'hat' one registers as an individual, and teams are randomly selected by the event organiser who figuratively (or sometimes literally) picks them out of a hat. They are loved by the Ultimate community for their ability to enable new social connections, and straddling the balance of fun whilst still scratching players’ competitive itch. Having a mix of experienced and novice players on each team, coupled with a supportive and inclusive culture, helps make these events a handy tool for attracting new players to the sport. Prior to COVID, some hat tournaments became international destination events such as those in Manchester, Bangkok, Melbourne, and even one on the island of Hvar, Croatia: which lasted 9 days, had its match schedule based around beach activities, and included a niche ‘stand-up paddleboarding Ultimate’ event – sign me up! Hat tournaments are not a replacement for traditional team sport leagues, but rather a complementary offering I believe more sports could leverage within… - Short-term (< 4 week) enticer programs - School holiday programs or ‘camps’ - In-school programs such as Sporting Schools - Weekly social leagues, even embedded within a traditional league where some register as a team and the rest (individuals) are assigned into hat teams each week. Many of the practices we talk about as sport developers (a festival-like atmosphere, sense of community and belonging, and being socially-focused) are hiding here in plain sight. It's not hard to see why a sport like Ultimate was recently added to the Australian Sports Commission's list of funded sports, staying true to the ideals of the Play Well national participation strategy. Grateful to the likes of Simon Talbot and others in the Ultimate community for enlightening me on this simple, yet underutilised concept. #ultimate #frisbee #socialsport #communitysport #playwell

Three Circle Embracing the Spectrum of Sports Unraveling the Importance in the Region Sports, a dynamic and integral aspect of human culture, extends its influence far beyond the realm of physical activity. In every region across the globe, various sports not only entertain but also serve as powerful tools for fostering community, instilling discipline, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This article delves into the diverse types of sports prevalent in a region and explores their multifaceted importance, transcending mere athleticism.   The Diversity of Sports in the Region:   Every region boasts a unique tapestry of sports, shaped by cultural, historical, and geographical influences. Whether it’s the thrill of football echoing through South American stadiums, the precision of cricket matches uniting communities in South Asia, or the grace of martial arts flourishing in Asia, the array of sports reflects the rich tapestry of human experience.   Football (Soccer):   Football stands as a global phenomenon, but its significance in regions like Europe and South America is unparalleled. It serves as more than just a sport; it’s a cultural identity and a source of unbridled passion. Football matches bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride that transcends borders.   Cricket:   In South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, cricket is not just a sport but a way of life. The cheers echoing in cricket stadiums, the nail-biting finishes, and the heroes emerging from the pitch evoke emotions that resonate deeply with millions. Cricket unites diverse communities under a common love for the game.   Martial Arts:   Across Asia, martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, and Taekwondo are more than physical disciplines; they are pathways to self-discovery and spiritual growth. The intricate movements and philosophies embedded in martial arts contribute to mental resilience, discipline, and holistic well-being.   Basketball:   Basketball has gained immense popularity in regions like North America and parts of Europe. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with its emphasis on teamwork and strategic thinking, resonates with both players and fans alike.   The Importance of Sports in the Region:   Community Building:   Sports serve as a powerful catalyst for community building. Whether it’s local football matches, cricket tournaments, or martial arts academies, these sporting events bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.   Physical and Mental Well-being:   Engaging in sports promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging physical activity. Beyond the physical benefits, sports also contribute to mental well-being, alleviating stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive functions. #GratienMukeshimana #28COE #28coeecosystem #threecircle #sports https://lnkd.in/dv2KWPGG