Tag: Sport

Springboard into diving

With our divers ramping up their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Edinburgh Leisure is on the hunt for the next generation of divers.

For those who have been inspired by divers such as James Heatly, Grace Reid, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (daughter of Fred!), Tom Daley and Matty Lee, Edinburgh Leisure is offering the opportunity for children to come and try diving with their Performance Diving Coaches at the Royal Commonwealth Pool to see if they have a talent for the sport.

Children should be between 5 and 16 years old, able to swim 10 metres unaided, confident in deep water and submerge in water without googles. 

No experience in necessary as they will be learning basic skills but those interested in gymnastics, trampolining, acrobatics or similar sports might enjoy this opportunity to try a new sport.

Priced at just £3, the diving taster sessions at the Royal Commonwealth Pool are offered on:  Monday 31 July – Friday 4 August at 16:00 – 16:25.

To secure a place, interested people should visit the Edinburgh Leisure website – https://edinburghleisure.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/307

Edinburgh Leisure offers a world class diving programme at their diving pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses, which enables more experienced divers to practice the twists and turns before trying them out on the boards.

Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme right through to competitive level.

Athletes training at the Royal Commonwealth Pool include local Edinburgh boy, James Heatly (GB) and Yona Knight-Wisdom (Jamaica). Grace Reid, who grew up in the capital, previously trained at the Commie.

For more information:   https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/dive

The most influential Wimbledon players of 2023

Novak Djokovic is the most influential tennis player at Wimbledon 2023 but who else makes the top ten?

  • Novak Djokovic is the most influential tennis player competing at Wimbledon this year, generating up to £54,700 per sponsored Instagram post 
  • Nick Kyrgios is the second highest earning on Instagram, earning potentially up to £22,700 on each sponsored post
  • Andy Murray is the third most influential, earning up to £12,800 on each post, whilst Stefanos Tsitsipas is fourth and earning up to £12,200

A new study names Novak Djokovic as the most influential tennis player competing at Wimbledon in 2023, earning potentially £54,700 per sponsored Instagram post. 

The research, conducted by CasinoAlpha.co.nz used an Instagram pricing calculator to create a list of the most influential Wimbledon tennis stars competing in this year’s tournament and established how much they can earn per sponsored Instagram post.   

Novak Djokovic, the current men’s singles Wimbledon champion, is the most influential tennis player at Wimbledon this year. He could earn up to £54,700 from each sponsored post on Instagram.

He has the highest following of any Wimbledon tennis player at 13 million and an engagement rate of 2.7%. Djokovic earned his following through winning seven Wimbledon titles throughout the years and 94 single titles all together throughout his tennis career at various competitions.

Nick Kyrgios has been named as the second most influential tennis player at Wimbledon this year, earning up to £22,700 per Instagram post. Although never having won Wimbledon before, Kyrgios is a favourite to win in 2023. He has the second highest follower count at 4.1 million and a high engagement rate of 3.7%. 

The third most influential competitor is Andy Murray who can earn up to £12,800 on each sponsored post on Instagram.

Another men’s singles champion, Andy Murray has won the Wimbledon championship twice and holds 46 single titles leading to him becoming one of the favourites to win for the third time at Wimbledon this year. He has a following of 2 million and a large engagement rate of 6.1%.

The fourth most influential tennis player at Wimbledon this year is Stefanos Tsitsipas, potentially earning up to £12,200 per sponsored Instagram post. The tennis star, currently living in Monte Carlo, has a large following of 1.8 million and a 3.3% engagement rate.

Matteo Berrettini is the fifth most influential player at Wimbledon on Instagram. His following of 1.6 million and an engagement rate of 7.1% can earn him up to £11,100 on each sponsored post. 

Iga Swiatek is the sixth most influential tennis player at Wimbledon and the most influential female tennis player at Wimbledon this year.

Her combination of a follower count of 1.3 million and a high engagement rate of 9% could potentially earn her up to £9,300 on each sponsored Instagram post.

Commenting on the findings, Tudor Turiceanu, CEO of CasinoAlpha.co.nz said: “Overall, Wimbledon is accepted as one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the tennis calendar and is the oldest tennis tournament in the world dating back to 1877.

“The players at Wimbledon are considered to be the best in the world and the Wimbledon title can allow a tennis player to become more influential on social media, reaping rewards both on the court and off.”

NameInstagram handleInstagram follower count Engagement rateHow much they can earn per sponsored Instagram post 
Novak Djokovic djokernole13,000,0002.7%£54,700
Nick Kyrgios k1ngkyrg1os4,100,0003.7%£22,700
Andy Murrayandymurray2,000,0006.1%£12,800
Stefanos Tsitsipas stefanostsitsipas981,800,0003.3%£12,200
Matteo Berrettini matberrettini1,600,0007.1%£11,100
Iga Swiatek iga.swiatek 1,300,000 9%£9,300
Ons Jabeuronsjabeur 913,1005.1%£7,100
Coco Gauffcocogauff890,5000.2%£7,000
Jannik Sinnerjanniksin841,0005.8%£6,700
Aryna Sabalenka sablenka_aryna661,6009.7%£5,600

WWE Live returns in October

WWE Live is returning to the UK with three shows in London, Nottingham and Glasgow in October with general tickets on sale today – Friday 14 July – at 10am.

The epic night of entertainment will land in the following locations:

  • WWE Sunday Stunner: London’s OVO Arena on Sunday 29th October 
  • WWE Live: Nottingham, England on Monday 30th October
  • WWE Live: Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday 31st October 

Fans attending WWE Live will see their favourite WWE Superstars in action, including Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits* – with many more due to be announced. 

‘WWE Live returns to the UK in October 2023, visiting London, Nottingham and Glasgow. For tickets please click here: London, Nottingham and Glasgow.’

Musselburgh Racecourse promises kids’ paradise of free treats and family fun

Lucas Ice Cream Family Day set to hit the sweet spot 

A FREE ice cream for every child will be on offer at Musselburgh Racecourse thanks to Luca’s Ice Cream as it hosts a family friendly raceday in partnership with legendary local brand, S.Luca Dairy Ice Cream.  

With schools out for the summer, the venue has announced the return of its hugely popular summer extravaganza with loads of free activities for the youngsters, and some thrilling horseracing for the adults.  

Lucas Ice Cream Family Day will take place on 25 July 2023, offering pony rides, kids disco, face painting, chill out teepees and fairground rides – all free of charge for children aged 17 and under, including their entry.  

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager for Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner up with the delicious Lucas Ice Cream and invite families along to relax, have fun, create lifelong memories and of course, indulge in some seriously good ice cream! 

“Our dedicated kid’s Clip Clop Zone features some great activities for all ages, while the kid’s disco is sure to provide some quality entertainment – especially for the parents! 

“There will also be two special guest kid’s TV mascots in attendance. We won’t reveal who it will be just yet, but lucky little ones will have the chance for an exclusive meet and greet!” 

There will be six exciting flat races going on throughout the day, as well as some uniquely engaging pony races to delight spectators.  

A selection of delectable street food options will also be available, with attendees having the option to further elevate their event experience with special food and drink packages, including a Well Hung and Tender burger and beer package, before washing it down with some refreshing frozen treats.    

Lucas Ice Cream, which originates in Musselburgh, partnered with the racecourse for this fun-filled event to provide luxury ice cream to visitors, renowned for its smooth textures and magnificent flavours. 

Yolanda Luca, owner of Lucas Ice Cream, said: “As a family-owned company, it’s fantastic to be involved with an event of such value, being able to connect with the local community throughout the day. 

“We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces and hope that the free ice cream adds an extra magical touch!” 

Gates for the event will open at 12pm, with the first race beginning at 2:30pm and the final race commencing at 5:20pm. 

Children 17 years and undergo free when accompanied by an adult, and tickets purchased before midnight on 24 July 2023 will save £2 per person. 

Located just six miles from the city centre, direct public transport links are available along with a courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall train stations. 

General admission prices are £23 when booked online and then £25 on the day of the event. All timings are provisional and subject to change. 

Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek, and evening.  

To book your tickets for Lucas Ice Cream Family Day now, please visit:

 www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/lucas-ice-cream-family-day-2023 

From kitchen table to top table …

LS Productions – a global production company that started life on a kitchen table by a former air stewardess – is officially recognised as one of the UK’s fastest growing private companies

  • Set up in Edinburgh by Marie Owen – with 3 kids under the age of 5 – the company has gone from strength to strength being named on two prestigious lists of fastest growing UK private companies
  • LS Productions was Grammy-nominated for its work on its second Harry Styles music video (‘Adore You’) and works with high profile celebrities including Zendaya, Ed Sheeran and Cristiano Ronaldo
  • With ambition to become a £40 million turnover business in the next two years, the company provides production services to clients for commercials, fashion, sport, music videos and film and TV projects working across the globe.

LS Productions – whose headquarters are in Leith – is celebrating appearances on The Sunday Times 100 and FEBE Growth 100 lists – which recognise the UK’s fastest growing private companies.

Both lists celebrate British business at its best – highlighting founders that are driving their companies to deliver significant sales, revenue and profit, against a backdrop of unprecedented economic challenges.

With their headquarters in Edinburgh, LS Productions are the UK’s largest production service company with additional offices in London and Manchester.

LS’s recent growth is down in part to the expansion of their services into the international film & TV sectors, taking on global TV and film production service projects over the last 18 months, with recent projects including  Ghosted (Skydance / Apple TV),episodes of the Bachelor (NZK Productions / Warner Bros Entertainment / ABC) and a Kind of Spark (CBBC / BYUtv America).

As part of this growth they have also added a warm water production and location facility in Malta to further bolster their international offering.

In conjunction with this expansion, the LS growth can also be directly attributed to a commitment to invest in and recruit talent in the LS’s core production specialisms, including commercials, fashion, music and sport.

Mimi Webb, Aviemore, Scotland, 5th April 2023

The diversification of these business streams was a deliberate move to weather the storm faced by the production industry in a post Covid landscape.

Across this period LS has worked on a succession of high profile service production projects ranging from Ed Sheeran’s latest album Subtract (Freenjoy / Directed by Mia Barnes), Harry Styles ‘Adore You (Freenjoy / Directed by Dave Meyers), Valentino’s Pink Dreams starring Zendaya (Marcell Rev / Michael Bailey Gates) and ‘You’re Up’ featuring Cristiano Ronaldo for Nike (Wieden & Kennedy/ Directed by Megaforce).

Not only this but Covid also provided cause for reflection about where the business saw itself creatively in the long term and how they could look to continue to stay true to their values of being ‘creative at heart’ which drove further diversification with the arrival of an original content arm in the form of LS Films.

Thanks to this successful business strategy, LS has seen a two year growth of 273% and boasts sales of £20 million.

Speaking about the recognition, CEO and Founder Marie Owen – who has lived in Edinburgh her whole life, said: “I’m beyond thrilled to see LS Productions name appear on such prestigious lists, in fact I can’t quite believe it!

“If you could have told me that we’d be appearing on lists like these when I started the business back in 2006 from my kitchen table I’d probably have laughed and said ‘are you joking’! I

“t’s such a fantastic achievement and so rewarding to see all the incredible hard work and dedication that myself and the team have put in to get recognised.

“Both in terms of growing a world-class global production company, but also a business that people genuinely love working for that is firmly rooted in the values of kindness, hard work and learning.”

Marie continued: “”Post Covid we had to completely re-evaluate where we wanted to go – not just professionally but personally. So we went, quite literally back to our roots – which meant investing heavily in specialised expertise to develop focused business streams; Fashion, Sport, Commercial, Music Videos, Film & TV Service and an original content division called LS Films.

“This robust diversification gives LS a solid foundation in an industry that is notorious for huge highs and steep lows because we’re not overly dependent on one particular stream and it also allows us to explore our creative passion with LS Films.”

The full 100 rankings can be viewed:

www.febe.com

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/sunday-times-100-fast-growth

Edinburgh To Host Snooker’s All-Time Greats

Snooker’s biggest names will return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh later this year for the BetVictor Scottish Open.

The world ranking event will be back in Scotland’s capital city from December 11 to 17, 2023. Tickets are NOW ON SALE, for full details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

Standard tickets start at just £15, or only £12 if you take advantage of our special opening offer. Book quickly for the chance to see the world’s best on the green baize!

The tournament was staged at the Meadowbank Sports Centre for the first time in 2022 and Gary Wilson lifted the trophy, beating Joe O’Connor in the final.

Also in the field were all-time greats including home favourite John Higgins, World Champion Luca Brecel, world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson – and a strong line-up is expected again in 2023.

Televised by Eurosport, discovery+ and many other broadcasters worldwide, the BetVictor Scottish Open is part of the BetVictor Scottish Open Home Nations Series, alongside events in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

OPENING OFFER  – ENDS MONDAY 9 OCTOBER

Booking fast to secure discounted tickets!

Book tickets before midnight on Monday 9 October and receive 20% discount off tickets between Monday 11 December and Thursday 14th December.

Terms and conditions apply.  A limited number of tickets are available at this special price.

UCI Cycling World Championships: Community Engagement Sessions

Men’s Elite Road Race comes to Edinburgh on 6th August

In advance of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships the organisers are hosting two community engagement sessions at Stockbridge Library and Edinburgh Central Library on July 13 for residents to find out how the August 6 event will impact them 🚴

Full details here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/uci-world-cycling…

Johnston Carmichael funds new netball development post in Edinburgh

Firm’s sponsorship deal will boost access to the sport  

An Edinburgh sports graduate has won her dream job as a netball development officer thanks to leading independent accountancy and business advisory firm, Johnston Carmichael. 

Correen Davies, 27, will be responsible for training new coaches and umpires, increasing the volunteer network, and being a visible point of contact in Edinburgh for the sport.  

Originally from Orkney, Correen moved to the city to study Sports Development and Coaching at Edinburgh College before gaining a degree from Edinburgh Napier University. A longstanding netball fan and player, she had always hoped to secure a job in netball after graduating. 

She said: “When asked by a lecturer on our first week, ‘what job do you hope to get after this qualification’ my answer was, ‘the job doesn’t exist yet, but other sports have development officers, and I’d love to do that for netball’. Four years later and now I am in a full-time position where I can help to realise the potential of the sport in my local authority. 

“I’d like to thank Johnston Carmichael for its generous contribution towards funding my dream job. I am lucky to work with some wonderful partner organisations where I hope to progress netball across its full pathway. From grassroots to high performance, there are opportunities for everyone regardless of your route.” 

Correen’s appointment is part of Johnston Carmichael’s new partnership with Netball Scotland.

The firm provided a funding package worth more than £30,000 to help grow the sport after COVID-19 restrictions and school closures curbed young people’s ability to take up the game. 

The deal, which will additionally support new development officer posts in Glasgow and Dundee, is also being used to fund ‘Road to Region’ camps and pay for emergency grants to junior clubs with critical needs linked to participation, accessibility, training and competition.  

Martin Osler, Chief People Officer, Johnston Carmichael, said: “It is extremely rewarding for Johnston Carmichael to be involved in such an exciting partnership with Netball Scotland. 

“Supporting the appointment of development officers is crucial to improving access to netball. Their work will help to engage the new players, coaches and umpires required to grow the sport and enable new generations to participate.  

“Sports such as netball play a vital role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of future generations, building their confidence, and providing them with experience in working within a team, as well as other vital skills needed to thrive both personally and professionally. 

“As a firm, we are committed to leaving a legacy in the communities we serve, and we hope to make a tangible difference to the aspirations and achievements of young people across Scotland with this partnership.” 

Friday night frolics at Musselburgh Racecourse

Scotland’s summer weather is expected to boost the attendance at Musselburgh’s popular Friday night meeting on 23 June.

The Construction & Property Recruitment Friday 90’s Race Night kickstarts the weekend for many racegoers who flock to the East Lothian track.

And with its 90’s theme and post racing After Party hosted by Forth One’s leading presenter Boogie in the Morning, it’s a big draw for racing fans keen to let their hair down and make the most of the summer sun.

The 5-star racing venue is making it easier for guests to get to and from Edinburgh city centre with ticketed bus services, while those taking the train can make use of a courtesy bus service from Wallyford and Newcraighall stations.

To further whet the appetite, some of Scotland’s leading street food vendors are on-site, including Slum Dog, Dog n Bon and Bonnie Burrito, while the racecourse’s own Pinkies Deli offers dishes which appeal to all.

Musselburgh Racecourse commercial manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “With seven thrilling Flat races, followed by an exciting 90’s After Party, where else is better to make the most of these fantastic summer evenings we’ve been enjoying.

“Dressing up is not essential but we hope many will throw on their favourite 90’s outfit and if race goers are too young to have experienced the 90’s first time around, now is their chance to see what all the fuss was about.”

Racegoers who book tickets before 22 June will save £2 per person on the £25 admission fee.

Gates open at 4pm on 23 June, the first race is off at 5.30pm and the last race is scheduled for 9pm, with the After Party lasting approximately one hour after the final race.

As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information and to book tickets please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Shorter distance but higher quality for Musselburgh’s Edinburgh Cup today

Shortening the distance of the £40,000 Edinburgh Cup at Musselburgh today (Sat 3 June) seems to have appealed to Middleham trainer Charlie Johnston who is triple-handed in the nine furlong handicap.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager Bill Farnsworth revealed earlier that trimming the race from 12 furlongs (1 ½ miles) to just 1⅛ mile was done to attract a larger quality field of three year olds.

Farnsworth said: “At this time of year the pool of three year old horses who can run 12 furlongs is quite small so by reducing The Edinburgh Cup to nine furlongs, that little drop in distance could lead to a bigger quality field.

“By changing the distance the race now provides the ideal steppingstone to the Britannia Handicap for 3 year olds over 8f (1 mile) or the Golden Gates Handicap for 3 year olds over 10f (1 ¼m) at Royal Ascot in mid-June.”

Johnston, now operating with his sole name on the license, will be represented by Venetian, Lion Of War and Gareeb, who is partnered by stable jockey Joe Fanning.

Top-weight, under 9st 9lb, is Coco Jack from the Newmarket stable of George Scott, who has only had one previous runner – without success – at Musselburgh, while Ian Williams-trained Dancing In Paris arrives in great heart having already won at Haydock and finished a close second at Sandown this spring.

Lightly-raced Old Smoke, from the Richard Fahey camp, wasn’t beaten far in the London Gold Cup at Newbury recently while Keith Dalgleish’s Iato’s Angel was only just pipped over course and distance in a fillies’ handicap in April.

The second £40,000 race, The Queen of Scots Fillies’ Stakes, is Musselburgh’s only Class 1 Listed Flat race of the season and the Musselburgh boss reckons this is probably the best race in Scotland for fillies and mares.

Heredia is the likely market-leader and trained in Wiltshire by Richard Hannon, she beat 27 rivals in last year’s Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

White Moonlight, representing Saeed bin Suroor, was a close runner-up in Group 2 company during the winter in Dubai, and Basil Martini, just the third runner at the track for Irish handler Joseph O’Brien, won a Group 3 contest at the Curragh last autumn.

The Edinburgh Cup Raceday, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, is also Derby Day and Musselburgh’s first race has been brought forward to the slightly earlier 1.15pm slot in support of the main Epsom classic, which is off at 1.30pm and will be shown throughout the East Lothian track.

“Derby Day is a huge day for racing and it adds an extra dimension to our own fixture, with an extra buzz around the place and everyone gathered in front of our big screens,” added Farnsworth.

“For those unable to be at Epsom itself, Musselburgh offers a great experience to soak up the unique atmosphere that turf racing creates and we expect a big crowd today.”

Gates open at 11.30am, the first race is at 1.15pm and the last race at 4.50pm. Tickets will cost £40 on the day for adults, while children aged 17 and under go for free. Concession tickets will cost £25 on the day for those who are eligible.

For more information and to book tickets please visit:

 www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk