Tag: Sport

Musselburgh: Just Champion!

Local Racecourse gallops off with top award

Musselburgh Racecourse has been named as the Champion Racecourse at the 12th annual Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase Awards.

The East Lothian track picked up three individual awards enroute to being named as the overall Champion for 2023 – the Racing Post Readers’ Award and the Marketing and Food & Beverage awards.

The Racing Post Readers’ Award asked the racing public to nominate their favourite racecourse based on raceday experience, customer service and value for money. Musselburgh scored the highest average across these metrics and polled almost 20% of the overall votes.

Musselburgh’s continued drive for excellence in Food & Beverage was evident in the Pinkie’s Deli, a Taste of Scotland’s Larder initiative. A move to more a locally-sourced and evidence-based menu was a resounding success with racegoers, with the racecourse seen as best-in-class throughout British racing for its fantastic food and drink offerings.

As a highly successful one-off event in 2019, the Corgi Derby returned to Musselburgh and this time was integral to a campaign which won the Marketing category.

Musselburgh’s use of data to target specific demographics and tailor the messaging, ticket packages and raceday experience was deemed best-in-class by the judges with the results clearly showing a hugely impressive return.

The East Lothian racecourse was also a Finalist in two other categories on the night, demonstrating a racecourse operating to the highest standards on multiple fronts, said the judges.

Musselburgh Racecourse General Manager Bill Farnsworth, said: “Musselburgh’s joins a small group of eight illustrious Showcase Champions and it certainly felt as if all the other racecourses represented at the Awards were particularly pleased that Musselburgh had won.

“I am incredibly proud of the team here at Musselburgh who have shown incredible resilience over the past few years and have been resolute in their commitment to the racecourse and to putting on a fantastic experience for our customers and participants.

“The staff at Musselburgh never stand still and are totally committed to making sure all our visitors have the best possible ‘Musselburgh’ experience. To deliver on so many levels with limited resources is a truly fantastic achievement and we can all be extremely proud of what Musselburgh has achieved.”

The gala event, held at Aintree Racecourse, was presented by the RCA and partnered by Great British Racing, Racing Together, the Racing Foundation and Racing Post.

Alongside Musselburgh’s three award wins and Champion crown, it was a fantastic night for Scottish Racing as a whole with wins for Hamilton Park, Perth and Ayr, while Kelso received a Highly Commended accolade from the independent judging panel.

RCA Chairman Wilf Walsh said: “Our class of 2023 represents a range of racecourses operating at the highest level in their respective fields and I am encouraged by the levels of innovation shown as we look to attract and retain racegoers.

“Musselburgh Racecourse are worthy Champions and join our esteemed Showcase list. With five Finalist nominations and three victories, there can be little doubt this is a racecourse team that deeply cares about their customers, participants and place within the local community.”

Musselburgh is back in action tomorrow (Thursday 30 November) with The Max Recycle Saltire Raceday. Gates open 10.30am and the first race is at 11.55am.

For more information and to book tickets visit here.

Inaugural Scottish Building Society Festival kicks-off with over 100 players

The first ever Scottish Building Society Festival took place this weekend with over 100 players competing in the event which celebrates inclusive rugby.  

The festival brought together five clubs from across Scotland to play in a tournament, for all ages and abilities.  

Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, Fife Clan, Borders Clan, Strathmore Clan and Ayrshire Clan all played in a round-robin tournament. 

Inclusive Rugby involves both able bodied players and those with a physical or learning disability, playing in one unified outfit. 

Scottish Building Society, as the primary partner of Edinburgh Rugby, hosted the festival at Hive Stadium with the players also being invited along to the Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht match that same evening. 

Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society said: “When we became the main partners with Edinburgh Rugby, we wanted to use our platform to create more opportunities for people to get involved in rugby. 

“The festival was born from this value, and it was incredibly encouraging to have over 100 players come along and play in our first festival celebrating inclusive rugby.

“Rugby is a sport for everyone and using our platform we want to create more opportunities to make the game more accessible and inspire more people to get involved.  

“Our hope is that people see this festival and for next year we can get even more players along to celebrate inclusiveness and the sport we love.” 

Edinburgh Rugby Community Manager, Ruaridh Pye said: “It was a hugely inspiring day hosting the first ever Scottish Building Society Festival here at Hive Stadium.  

“Five clubs from across Scotland coming together to celebrate what rugby means is very special and we hope it will inspire those interested in rugby that this is truly a sport for everyone. 

“It was such a heartwarming day, and having the players come out at half time of our match against Connacht and receive the cheers from the crowd was a special moment.” 

Snooker’s Biggest Stars Set For Edinburgh

All-time greats including John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and Mark Selby, as well as World Champion Luca Brecel and defending champion Gary Wilson, will be among the field when snooker’s BetVictor Scottish Open takes place in Edinburgh next month.

The third event in this season’s BetVictor Home Nations Series will run from December 11 to 17 at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as 80 players battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy.

Tickets from just £15 are on sale now but must be booked fast – for details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

The top 16 seeds will be in action on the opening day on Monday December 11th and the match schedule is:

10am session

Gary Wilson v Elliot Slessor

Mark Selby v Sean O’Sullivan

Ding Junhui v David Grace

Jimmy Robertson v Amaan Iqbal

Not before 1pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Liam Graham

Mark Williams v Sam Craigie

Barry Hawkins v Pang Junxu

Ali Carter v Zehuang Long

Not before 2pm

Luca Brecel v Iulian Boiko

Shaun Murphy v Liu Hongyu

Hossein Vafaei v Daniel Wells

Jack Borwick v Ishpreet Singh Chadha

Not before 7pm

Judd Trump v Sydney Wilson

Kyren Wilson v Mostafa Dorgham

Robert Milkins v Mark Davis

Anthony McGill v Oliver Lines

Not before 8pm

John Higgins v Oliver Brown

Mark Allen v Jamie Jones

Jack Lisowski v Mohamed Ibrahim

Alfie Burden v Matthew Selt

Get tickets booked fast! For the full draw and match schedule visit www.wst.tv

Scottish sport backs ‘Don’t be that guy’ campaign

Scottish football joins Scottish Rugby in backing Police Scotland’s That Guy sexual crime prevention campaign

The That Guy Scotland campaign is highlighting the positive role sport can play in encouraging men to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.

SPFL and Scottish Rugby are helping men join the conversation and be part of the solution:

Football fans will see the campaign featuring at the Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden this weekend, when Hibs take on Aberdeen, and Hearts face Rangers.

The Scottish Professional Football League is backing the campaign for the first time, joining long-time supporters like Scottish Rugby.

This latest phase of the award-winning That Guy campaign focuses on the positive role sport can play in influencing men’s attitudes and encouraging them to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.

Social media influencers will share advice on how men can get off the sidelines and safely challenge inappropriate banter and behaviour that makes women feel unsafe.

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Not all men are a threat to women, but all men have the opportunity to help tackle the attitudes and actions that make women feel unsafe in everyday life.

“Banter and other behaviours that are abusive or derogatory towards women can seem harmless in the changing room or on a night out with friends, but these behaviours are rooted in male entitlement, and if left untackled, could lead to offending.

“It’s up to men to take action, step in, have a word with a friend and stop sexual offending before it starts.”

Calum Beattie, chief operating officer for the SPFL, said: “Football’s position as Scotland’s national sport enables it to play a uniquely positive and influential role in society.

“A number of SPFL clubs have previously participated in ‘That Guy’ and we’re proud to lend our further support to this award-winning and important campaign.

“We look forward to helping tens of thousands of supporters to learn more about its important message during the Viaplay Cup semifinals.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said: “We’ve been proud to work with Police Scotland and host workshops for our men’s and women’s players at international, pro-team and Academy levels, where we have explored the importance of their sexual crime prevention campaign.

“We’re determined to share the drive for male allyship, whether through big screen and match programme messaging at Scotland international matches, or, our next step, through taking the campaign directly out to clubs, so that it can be shared across communities.”

This stage of Police Scotland’s That Guy campaign launched on Monday, 30 October 2023 and will run throughout November.

New content will be published on www.that-guy.co.uk and social media channels: 

Twitter/X: @ThatGuyScotland

Instagram: @thatguyscotland

Edinburgh’s young people encouraged to try cricket with support from local school

A free community cricket programme is giving young people from Edinburgh’s disadvantaged communities a safe space to play cricket and learn life skills.

The Wicketz programme was established to help break down the barriers faced by 8 to 19-year-olds living in areas with high levels of deprivation, through cricket. It was founded by the Lord’s Taverners charity, which exists to empower young people facing the challenges of inequality. Wicketz also aims to develop vital life skills for its participants by delivering workshops that focus on social issues most relevant to the areas each Wicketz project is delivered in.

On 16 and 23 October 2023, Fettes College provided its sports hall to the Edinburgh Wicketz project which enabled participants to take part in their first ever hard ball cricket sessions. Over the two days, 33 young people took part in the training.

The sessions, which are delivered by Cricket Scotland, allow young people of any gender to learn the key skills of cricket and give the game a go. The sessions combine cricket coaching and competition with workshops that are specially designed to improve the participants’ wellbeing, life skills and social integration.

Mohammad Afzal, Edinburgh Wicketz Development Officer, said: “We are so grateful to Fettes College for loaning us its fantastic sports hall for the Edinburgh sessions. It was amazing to be able to give the participants the opportunity to use the sports facilities Fettes has and to encourage more people to get involved in the sport.

“Cricket can serve as a valuable tool for educating young people on physical fitness, teamwork and communications skills, as well as improving character development and allowing for personal growth, helping young people build life skills that will serve them well in various aspects of their lives.

“The impact of Wicketz has been immense in Edinburgh.”

Mark Appleson, Director of Sport at Fettes College said: “We were pleased to host the Wicketz programme’s first ever hard-ball cricket sessions over the last couple of weeks.

“What the programme does for underprivileged children across the UK is incredible, and provides them with an outlet to learn new skills, make friends and improve their wellbeing. It was great to see people taking part and having fun.”

Colin Crichton, Chair of the Lord’s Taverners in Scotland said: “Everyone involved in the Lord’s Taverners in Scotland thank the College for its support and speed in implementing the opportunity to use their incredible facilities.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh’s Wicketz participants to play the game in an environment they would not normally be able to access.”

Wicketz sessions take place weekly in Edinburgh, with the third hub launching in early 2024. To find out how to get involved, visit:

 www.lordstaverners.org/programme-information/edinburgh-wicketz/.

Community football at Bangholm

HIBERNIAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION at TRINITY HUB

This week we are launching our Trinity hub – we are running lots of activities that you can get involved in!

Check out the flyer (above) to see where you can attend

Follow this link to sign up or email samanthaw@hiberniancf.org …https://hibs-community-foundation.classforkids.io

“Putting” their rivalry aside, Hibs and Hearts legends sign up for inaugural Auld Reekie Cup

All “fore” a good cause – Don’t miss your chance to play in Edinburgh’s exclusive charity golf tournament

It’s a rivalry that has kept football fans on the edge of their stadium seats for almost 150 years – that between Edinburgh’s Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian F.C.

And now that competition is set to hit the golf course as footballing legends from Hibs and Hearts prepare to tee off in an exclusive charity golf tournament. What’s more, local supporters are being offered a unique opportunity to play alongside these football icons as entries into the inaugural Auld Reekie Cup teams officially open to the public.

Taking place on Thursday 26th October at the historic Royal Burgess Golfing Society, the Auld Reekie Cup is set to be a memorable golf day with a difference, featuring friendly competition and banter, with great prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. 

Switching the pitch for the fairway will be fitba stars Scott Brown, Mixu Paatelainen, Steven Whittaker, Derek Riordan, Gordon Hunter, Steven Tweed, Ally McLeod, John Blackley and John Brownlie playing for Hibernian, and Jim Brown, Scott Crabbe, Eammon Bannon and Graeme Shaw playing for Hearts. More big names will be confirmed in the coming days.

And it’s all in aid of a great cause. Thanks to the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation and the Big Hearts Community Trust, all money raised will be used to support projects promoting young people’s mental health.

Speaking ahead of the event, Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Ambassador Paul Demarco said; “Uniting old rivals for a common cause, this charity golf day will bring Hibs and Hearts together on the green to tee up support for young people’s mental health.

“Hanlon Stevenson Foundation are delighted to be working with Big Hearts Community Trust, proving that when it comes to making a positive difference, our shared purpose is stronger than any rivalry.”

Big Hearts Community Trust Chief Executive Craig Wilson added; “We are thrilled to have been asked to be part of this exciting new event alongside The Hanlon Stevenson Foundation which will allow us to support even more young people across Edinburgh.

“We already do a host of work in this area and know the challenges that exist. We hope to have a full team of golfers joining us and our playing legends on what will be a great day at such a historic venue, all for a great cause.”

The Auld Reekie Cup will take place at The Royal Burgess Golfing Society on Thursday 26th October.

Entries into both teams are now open. Teams of 3 plus a playing legend are priced at £900 +VAT. To purchase a ticket for the Hibernian team please email graeme@hanlonstevensonfoundation.co.uk

To purchase a ticket for the Hearts team please email kirsty.coutts@bighearts.org.uk.

Edinburgh Leisure: Unlocking unlimited softplay

Inspire kids to get the active habit. With Edinburgh Leisure’s Young Explorer soft-play membership, children get to sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age.

For new customers signing up to become a member in October, December is completely free. And for existing members referring a friend, if their friends join, the existing member will also receive a free month in December.

From only £17.99* per month, the Young Explorer Soft Play Membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.

Little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years.  Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.

With great member benefits including special offers, members’ events and other exclusive perks, the Edinburgh Leisure soft play is only available to buy online.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/softplaycampaign

Graeme Souness backs Rangers x BHF charity partnership

Graeme Souness urges Scotland football fans to look after their heart health as he backs British Heart Foundation Scotland as Rangers Charity Foundation’s new charity partner   


  Ahead of World Heart Day tomorrow (29 September), former Rangers player and manager, Graeme Souness, is urging Scottish football fans to look after their heart health as he backs British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland as the Rangers Charity Foundation’s new national charity partner. 

The partnership will last for the 2023/24 season with the Foundation pledging to raise £25,000 for BHF Scotland. 

It will also help raise awareness of heart and circulatory diseases – conditions which are some of the nation’s biggest killers, causing around 50 deaths each day, and are estimated to affect 700,000 people in Scotland. 

David McColgan, Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland commented: “We’re delighted the Rangers Charity Foundation has chosen BHF Scotland as its national charity partner for the season. 

“Heart and circulatory diseases are some of Scotland’s biggest killers and we hope this partnership will help us raise awareness in Scotland’s footballing community about the importance of looking after your heart health, while also enabling more people to learn lifesaving CPR skills and raise an incredible amount of money for the British Heart Foundation.” 

Graeme Souness has personal experience of heart disease and understands first-hand how important the lifesaving research the BHF helps to fund is. 

The football legend said: “I was diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and had a triple bypass. When I was diagnosed, I was extremely fit. I never thought I’d be the type of person to get heart disease, but if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. 

“Ten years later, I had a stent fitted as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, I was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at home. 

“Thankfully, I’m now OK, but without the research the BHF has helped fund into heart and circulatory diseases, it could have been a different story.” 

The charity partnership will also encourage at least 50,000 people – the capacity of Ibrox Stadium – to learn lifesaving CPR via the BHF’s free online tool, RevivR. 

RevivR allows people to learn CPR in just 15 minutes and aims to give people the skills and confidence to save a life. It teaches people how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps in using a defibrillator. All people need is a mobile phone and a firm cushion.  

The Rangers Charity Foundation will be spreading the word about the RevivR app, which can be downloaded at www.rangerscharity.org.uk/Revivr, to supporters and the wider public throughout the season.  

Rangers Charity Foundation Chief Executive Connal Cochrane added: “The work of the British Heart Foundation Scotland aligns closely with the Foundation’s strategic priorities in terms of health and well-being and education and we are delighted to be able to combine both these pillars in a project which will roll out life-saving skills to thousands of fans. 

“Our donation this season will support the British Heart Foundation’s RevivR app which is a really simple, easy way to learn key skills in your own home which could save a life. 

“We also look forward to working with the British Heart Foundation on a number of other initiatives over the course of the season, such as providing free blood pressure checks at some home games for fans and sharing important information about heart health and where to go for help and advice.” 

For more information about the British Heart Foundation visit: bhf.org.uk or to find out more about the Rangers Charity Foundation visit: rangerscharity.org.uk  

Sport and exercise student playing role at Rugby World Cup

When Calum Rettie joined Heriot-Watt University last summer, he never imagined it would lead him to being part of Scotland’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France.

But that is what has happened to the 18-year-old who is carrying out a studentship with Scottish Rugby as part of his studies for a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science.

Calum admits it’s a surreal experience working alongside Scotland’s best rugby players and credits the unique learning opportunities offered by the University in getting his career off to the best possible start.

A keen follower of Edinburgh Rugby, Calum has spent around the last year working as a performance analyst, using data to interpret each player’s contribution to a match and training sessions. By using in-depth analysis techniques developed through his studies, he provides data-driven evidence to the coaching staff.   

These, often subtle, improvements can go unnoticed by fans but collectively, they can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Calum said: “It’s been a dream come true as I want to work in this area when I leave university.

“Working as a performance analyst, I film all the training sessions with the squad then with the aid of our software, break it down into individual segments, making it a lot easier for the coaches to identify any issues or areas for improvement.

“My studies have really helped with this and I’m finding that by working in the ‘real world’ it has opened my eyes up to my course and given me a better understanding of how the team works.

“I also have support from my tutors, if I ever need it which is reassuring.”

The Sport and Exercise Science programme equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, and psychological factors that influence athletic performance.

It combines cutting-edge teaching with world-leading sports performance facilities at Oriam, Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre, located at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus.

Calum continues: “Working with the Scotland team is great. It sounds obvious but they are just normal people but they have been great with me. I sometimes have to pinch myself when I see them on the field.”

The Scotland men’s rugby team kicked off their World Cup adventure at the weekend with a defeat against defending champions, South Africa.  Calum hasn’t made the trip to France but is watching with interest from his home in Haddington, East Lothian.

Calum is one of the first students to have enrolled onto the Sports and Exercise Science course when it launched last year. The programme has gone on to be a huge success for students with this year’s cohort at capacity.

Dr Mark Ross, Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology spoke about the exciting career opportunities open to students who choose Heriot-Watt. He said: “We take immense pride in offering our sport and exercise students real-world positions that provide invaluable hands-on experience.

“These opportunities offer a unique insight for our students and a chance for them to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom, the lab, and the field.

“Working within professional environments allows them to test and refine their academic skills, fostering a seamless transition from education to the professional arena. Our commitment to these practical, real-world openings is reflective of our dedication to produce well-rounded graduates who are not only equipped with knowledge but also the expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of sport and exercise science.”

For more information on the Sport and Exercise Science course visit the Heriot-Watt website.