Tag: Sport

‘Behave’ warning ahead of tonight’s capital clash

Police Scotland is requesting fans attending tonight’s Edinburgh derby do so in a responsible manner. The game kicks off at 7.45pm with a capacity crowd expected at Easter Road.

Police Scotland will have a number of officers and specialist resources in and around the stadium and across the city on match day to assist both football clubs and stewards in ensuring the safety of all those attending the game.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Event Police Lead, said: “The Edinburgh derby is one of the most exciting and popular fixtures in the Scottish football calendar. A capacity crowd is expected with more watching from home.

“We want both sets of fans to enjoy the game safely and in the proper spirit. It is essential that supporters act in a responsible manner and do not put themselves or others at risk.

“As such any flare, firework or any controlled container or bottle which could cause harm if thrown, is strictly forbidden from the ground. Items such as flares or smoke devices are dangerous and can endanger your own and others’ safety.

“It is illegal to enter or even attempt to enter the stadium with them so if you are found to be in possession of any prohibited items you are likely to be arrested, face prosecution and a football banning order.

“Criminality will not be tolerated and we will work with both football clubs to identify any person involved.

“There will be a high visibility police presence at the turnstiles to support the steward search operation of those persons entering the stadium. Anyone trying to get into the stadium whilst drunk will not see the game and may also face arrest and prosecution.

“Turnstiles open at 6.45pm and I would encourage spectators to arrive early at the stadium. Enjoy the game and please check the club websites for further details about stadium access and the ground rules.”

Hearts supporters not making the trip across the city can watch the game in the Eighteen74 fans’ bar at Tynecastle.

Tickets will once again include a welcome drink and half-time pie. Tickets are priced at £5 and a cash bar will be open throughout. Special guest speakers Henry Smith and Walter Kidd will be on hand for pre and post-match analysis and interviews.

The Eighteen74 fans’ bar will be open at 5pm with the event starting at 6:30pm.

CLICK HERE to book tickets online

Both Hibs and Hearts go into the derby on the back of Scottish Cup wins. Hibs gave  their most impressive performance of the season when they swept away John Robertson’s Inverness Caley Thistle on Friday evening, with their five goals scored by five different scorers.

While Hibs victory was universally expected, Hearts win over Rangers decidely was not. While the Tynecastle side remains deep in the mire at the foot of the Premiership table, the Gorgie men put their league form behind them with a well-deserved 1 – 0 victory – setting up a mouth-watering all-Edinburgh Cup semi-final in the process.

Emphatic victory for either side tonight would see them going into the cup game with a psychological edge, but despite the gulf in their respective league positions this is likely to be a typically tight derby.

Hibs go into the game on a high and, should they reproduce their Friday form their pace will pose a severe threat to a jittery Hearts rearguard. However Hibs fans won’t need reminding that their heroes have often outplayed their city rivals in recent years – only to end up wondering how they managed to lose!

Rock bottom of the league and two points adrift of nearest team Hamilton, this is a game Hearts really can’t afford to lose. Saturday’s cup result was a huge boost for the beleaguered outfit, but they now need to carry this renewed appetite into their league form – and what better game to show that continued improvement than against their oldest rivals?

Hearts coach Daniel Stendel has urged his players to build on their performance against Rangers when they face Hibs in Leith tonight.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Derby, the German was clear in terms of what will be required of his men on the night.

“The Rangers result was good for everyone; the team, the staff, the supporters. I told the players to enjoy this moment but on Sunday morning the only thing in our head was Hibs,” he said.

“We focused heavily on our defensive work in recent weeks. There was a big improvement against Rangers. Our problems haven’t been about high press or no press, it’s been about discipline and concentration. The biggest thing for me about the Rangers game was how good our discipline was and this must be the case against Hibs as well.”

“We need the same attitude, mentality and quality in our game in order to win the points at Easter Road.

“We have done everything we can to be as prepared as possible. The league is so important and of course it’s against Hibs. My first game against them was not so successful and I hope the second one is better.”

First goal – should there be one – could prove to be crucial.

Not got a ticket? There are some still available and the game is also live on the BT Sport channel.

Hibernian Football Club HeartofMidlothianFC

 

Community cash for Strollers

Civil Service Strollers Youth FC have secured a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council to purchase new training equipment. 

Forth and Almond Community Partnership allocated £1,249 to ensure the club can continue to deliver high quality coaching to over 120 local children each week.

Club Treasurer, Claire Kidd, said “We are very thankful to the council for this grant. With all clubs like ours fundraising is so important so that we can continue to keep our monthly costs to parents one of the lowest across the area. 

“This grant will be used to purchase much needed new equipment and will be well used by the youth section. I would like to thank the Council and in particular, Elaine Lennon, for her assistance and guidance.”

The Strollers Youth section offers weekly football sessions for children and young people aged 5-19.

If you would like to find our more about the club, email strollersyouth@csstrollers.com 

Heading Out!

The Scottish FA has published updated heading guidelines for all age groups from six to 17 years old.

The guidance will be introduced with immediate effect and will provide clubs, coaches, players and parents with clarity on the governing body’s recommended coaching approach to heading in training sessions and in matches.

The Scottish FA recommends no heading practice in children’s football, defined as primary school age, and a graduated approach in youth football, defined as secondary school age.

It comes in light of the study led by the University of Glasgow, published in October  last year, which reveals the first major insights into lifelong health outcomes in former professional footballers.

Although there was no evidence in the study to suggest that heading the ball was the cause to the link with incidence of degenerative neurocognitive disease, the updated heading guidelines have been produced in consultation with UEFA and The English FA to mitigate against any potential future risks being established.

The recommendations will incorporate all children’s and youth football in Scotland and include the following recommendations:

  • Heading should not be introduced in training sessions from the age of six through to 11.
  • Heading should be considered a low coaching priority between the ages of 12 to 15 years however training sessions can be introduced. These should be limited to one session of no more than five headers per week at 13 years, increasing to 10 headers per session at 14 and 15.
  • It is acknowledged that heading will begin to form part of the game at 12 and should be permitted, however, coaches are encouraged to promote a style of play that limits long passing.
  • Heading burden will remain restricted to one training session per week for 16 and 17 year olds and coaches should be mindful of limiting repetitions during that session.

The updated guidelines have been overseen by the Scottish FA Medical Consultant, Dr John MacLean, who co-authored the FIELD study report, in consultation with Andrew Gould, the Scottish FA’s Head of Football Development. It has also been approved by the Scottish FA Board and endorsed by the Non-Professional Game Board.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “While it is important to re-emphasise there is no research to suggest that heading in younger age groups was a contributory factor in the findings of the FIELD study into professional footballers, nevertheless Scottish football has a duty of care to young people, their parents and those responsible for their wellbeing throughout youth football.

“The updated guidelines are designed to help coaches remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football in the earliest years, with a phased introduction at an age group considered most appropriate by our medical experts.

“It is important to reassure that heading is rare in youth football matches but we are clear that the guidelines should mitigate any potential risks. We will also look to monitor and review the guidance as part of our commitment to making the national game a safe and enjoyable environment for young people.

“I would like to thank our colleagues at the English FA for their collaboration in this process and UEFA’s Medical Committee for their guidance.”

Dr John MacLean added: “I am proud that the Scottish FA has taken a positive, proactive and proportionate approach to the findings of the FIELD study. Scottish football has taken a lead on the subject of head injury and trauma in sport, from becoming the first country in the world to produce cross-sport concussion guidelines – If In Doubt, Sit Them Out – to having one of the most advanced medical education programmes in sport.

“Since the publication of the report we have consulted with colleagues on the football and medical sides at The English FA and UEFA and I believe the guidance will help provide reassurance for young players and their parents nationwide.”

Scottish FA Heading Guidelines

Scottish FA Heading Guidelines FAQs

Forthview kids to GoFitba!

Local school children from Forthview Primary School are to have the opportunity to participate in an exciting 12-week community project delivered by The Scottish Football Partnership Trust and The Spartans Community Football Academy.

GoFitba is a free to access football-based health and wellbeing project for Primary schoolchildren developed by The Scottish Football Partnership Trust and delivered by community football clubs. 

The project aims to support the Curriculum for Excellence’s Health and Wellbeing outcomes as set out by The Scottish Government’s Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007. 

Through a fun and progressive structure and delivery, the weekly two-hour project offers young children a platform of regular and fun physical activity and an understanding of the importance of leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle through diet and nutrition.

In addition, the project aims to increase the young people’s self-motivation, improve their self-confidence, further develop their social and interpersonal skills and improve their general self-esteem.

The project timetable provides one structured afternoon per week and takes a holistic approach to teach the children the benefits of regular physical activity within a football environment. 

Starting this Friday, the youngsters participate in an hour of fun football activity, and during the second hour of each session they take part in an interactive educational journey to explore the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle through diet and nutrition.  Each session ends with the children being served a hot, healthy meal and an opportunity to enjoy some social time with their peers.

Stuart McCaffrey, Chief Operating Officer at The SFP Trust said “The sport of football when used positively can act as a significant tool for personal and community development. 

“We are excited to be delivering this project with (name of club) – a club truly at the heart of the community – and to be given the opportunity to positively engage with local school children to encourage them towards a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Douglas Samuel of The Spartans Community Football Academy said, “We are delighted to be working in association with The SFP Trust on this project which will see The Academy welcome 20 local schoolchildren over the next 12 weeks. 

“Spartans Community Football Academy is always looking for new ways to engage with the local community and the GoFitba project is a fantastic way to showcase what we can offer to young members of our community at our excellent facilities here at the Academy. 

“Participation in sport can bring a lifetime of benefits and we look forward to working with the children from Forthview Primary School to Get Fit, Get Healthy and Have Fun!”

Youth rugby team scores prize fit for Pro’s

Ardrossan Accies under 16s won a rare opportunity to spend a day in the shoes of their sporting idols thanks to Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West and Oriam.

The four-star hotel, situated on Heriot-Watt University campus, joined forces with Oriam, Scotland’s national performance centre for sport, to offer one lucky team a money-can’t-buy training day – and the Ayrshire youngsters recently redeemed their prize.

The 16 boys spent 24 hours in the life of a professional player, which included a two-hour training session in world class facilities coached by Scottish Rugby Union professional Gavin Scott.

Following the high-octane training at Oriam, they relaxed in the hotel’s Heriot suite – often used by national visiting teams. The suite was kitted out with sofas, an Xbox, projector screen, table tennis table, arcade machine and lots more.

All players were given the VIP treatment including protein-rich lunch, dinner and snacks at The Avenue Lounge & Dining within Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West. They then enjoyed an overnight stay within the large, bespoke designed team bedrooms with breakfast before check out.

Team Manager Ali Cairns said: “I entered on behalf of the boys, I think they’re a special group and really deserved an opportunity to be treated like professional players. The team is embedded in the local area and is always looking at ways to help others – it was great to give something back to them.”

Comments from the team throughout their VIP day included; ‘wow’, ‘best experience ever’, ‘superb training session’, ‘I wish my bedroom at home looked like this’ and ‘if this is what winning gets you, I want to win more often’.

Ali added: “For me, it was amazing to see the boys being spoiled. The hotel team made every one of them feel special and the Oriam experience was superb thanks to our coach for the afternoon, Gav Scott.”

Will Macpherson, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West, said: “With world class sporting facilities next door, we regularly accommodate sports teams and travelling athletes in our custom designed guestrooms. We wanted to offer a youth team the opportunity to train like a pro and spend a day in the shoes of their sporting heroes.

“Our competition asked amateur teams to apply with an email explaining why their team should have this ‘professional athlete experience’ and the application from Ardrossan stood out to us. We’re delighted Ardrossan Accies had such a great experience with us – we hope they’ve been inspired and we wish them the best of luck for their future sporting careers.”

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West is operated by RBH, the UK’s leading independent hotel management company.

www.rbhmanagement.com

Return of the all-Edinburgh gridiron derby

THE 2020 Capital curtain-raiser for the big Super Bowl match in the USA is once again an all-Edinburgh affair, with Edinburgh Napier Knights hosting cross-town rivals University of Edinburgh Predators.

With the teams playing in different divisions, the Knights had to turn to Glasgow University for opposition in the last two versions of the annual American football Varsity match.

However, Sunday (February 2) will once again see the two Edinburgh clubs compete for the MacKenzie’s Challenge trophy at Meggetland, just hours ahead of the big Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers clash in Florida.

A full programme of family entertainment, including music, a DJ, the Knights’ youth team and the Edinburgh Napier Panthers cheer squad, will accompany the fixture, which habitually draws a big crowd to the Meggetland stadium.

Edinburgh Napier Knights head coach Pete Laird said: “The event has come a long way in the last nine years, and it’s great to have our traditional rivals, the University of Edinburgh Predators, back as our opponents this year.

“The Knights program is currently having a great run of success, with three division titles in the last four years, and we have been outperforming our bigger neighbours in recent seasons.

“But to give our opponents credit, they have been enjoying a good year back in the higher division. As with any derby match, the formbook goes out the window, and it will be a very closely fought game.”

Pete added: “Last year’s Varsity game was postponed due to the weather and had to be shifted away from its traditional home at Meggetland, so we’re very excited to be back under the lights for the game, which is a real spectacle, with all its noise, colour and general craziness.”

The gates will open at 1pm on Sunday ahead of a 3pm kick-off.  Tickets – £5 for adults, £3 for students and free admission for under 16s – are available at the gates or on campus in advance.

Match tickets also include entry to the post-game Super Bowl Party at the Canalside Bar, Meggetland, from 8pm.

“Take A Minute”: Late kick offs in FA Cup games

In an historic first, all 32 Emirates FA Cup third round fixtures this weekend will be delayed by one minute.

A new film narrated by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge will be played before the matches, encouraging football fans to ‘Take A Minute’ to start taking action to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends.

Continue reading “Take A Minute”: Late kick offs in FA Cup games

Doddie Weir to receive Helen Rollason Award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE is set to be honoured with the Helen Rollason award at tonight’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019.

Continue reading Doddie Weir to receive Helen Rollason Award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Travel and safety advice ahead of Ibrox clash

Rangers v Hearts – Sunday, 1 December

Police Scotland is advising football supporters to plan their travel ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hearts.

There will be a road closure, westbound, on Paisley Road West from Dumbreck Road to Helen Street. Diversions will be in place.

Superintendent Craig Smith said: “As safety is a priority for Police Scotland, supporters are being asked to allow plenty of time to reach the match due to road closures and diversions.

“Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols to help ensure that everyone gets to and from the match safely and we would also ask supporters to behave responsibly whilst travelling and in and around the stadium in Glasgow.”