soar magazine 08

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Editor’sCommentLeicester City, Tigers and Riders have reached the business end of the season. By the time our summer issue is published, we may well have seen success for all three in the form of the play-offs or league title. Whether our male sports stars can leap the final hurdle to success is the question that will keep us all waiting with baited breath, in the coming months…

To their credit and our delight, the women of Leicester Hockey Club have led the way for their male counterparts. Having secured the club’s first National Indoor Championship since 1978, the girls are obliterating everything in sight in the National Premier League as they seem certain to secure an unprecedented sixth title.

As you’ll have already seen, two of their star players, captain, Vanessa Hawkins and Lucy Brown, adorn our front page, making history as our first female cover stars. The girls are ambassadors for female sport in Leicestershire and will hopefully help to inspire hundreds of young girls to play hockey, in the same way that Gaynor Nash has in recent history. If there were a public march for female sport, Gaynor would surely be at the front leading the way.

Women’s sport has experienced an unnecessary struggle to gain exposure in the mainstream media, but we believe that through headlining Vanessa and Lucy in our magazine, we may begin to curb that trend. Here’s hoping for more Leicestershire heroines in future issues of Soar.

Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to this issue. Please e-mail your feedback to [email protected] and continue to visit our website, updated daily at www.soarmagazine.co.uk.

Here’s hoping that come what May we’re unstoppable. See you at Grace Road for the Twenty20’s. Enjoy the read…

LineupSoar Sport 08 Sam Vesty

11 SportPark

12 Gaynor Nash

14 Wayne Brown

18 Loughborough 18 Swimming

20 LCFC in the Community

22 ICON: John Sinclair

25 Directory

Soar Health28 Hoops 4 Health

30 LR Sport

32 What’s the Point!

34 Results Weight Loss

35 Dean Hodgkin Soar Lifestyle38 Curve

40 Revolution Bars

42 Il Baffone

44 Jersey Budd

48 SoarPoint: Lucy Brown and Vanessa Hawkins

52 InPictures

Contributors: Paul Dhillon, Joe Hanney & Dean Hodgkin, Thanks to: Ian Armiger, Jennie Bimson, Jersey Budd, Lucy Brown, Wayne Brown, Vanessa Hawkins, Gareth John, Gaynor Nash, Greg Page, Louise Ross, Jim Sehmi,John Sinclair, Jamie Tabor, Nick Taylor, Massimo Torre, Sam Vesty, Steve Walsh, Rob Wann & Craig White

Soar Magazine is produced by Soar Media LtdLCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RET: 0116 2616 892 E: [email protected]/soarmagazinewww.soarmagazine.co.uk

Editorial: Dean Eldredge & Jon ReevesCreative: Gary Webster & Jon Dodd

Photos: Soar Photo Print: Soar Print Website: Soar Media/Cindro

The copyright of all material is owned by Soar Media Ltd and may not be reproduced or published without prior consent. Soar Media Ltd take no responsibility for the claims made by advertisers, nor all of the views expressed by contributors.Dean Eldredge, Editor


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Leicester City stars past and present, Bruno Berner and Steve Walsh at the launch of ‘A Vision for a Goal - Every Player Counts’.

proud to support grass roots football in Leicestershire


Fourth Generation TigerLeicester born and raised, Sam Vesty is the fourth generation of his family to play for the Tigers and is the club’s Mr Versatile. After years of battling to establish a regular run in the first team, Sam enjoyed one of his best seasons at Welford Road last year.

The 28-year-old played in Tigers’ Guinness Premiership Final victory, the Heineken Cup Final, won the Player’s Player of the Year Award and made his England debut in the summer.

This season has been more frustrating as Vesty has missed a large part of the campaign through injury. Now fully-fit and back in the side, Sam has been satisfied with the team’s form in his absence.

“We’ve played pretty well and are at the top of the Premiership. Unfortunately, we’re out of the Heineken Cup, which is very disappointing, but we didn’t play the big games as well as we needed to and get the points early on, which left us struggling. You want to try and win every cup you’re in but the way things have turned out, with fixture commitments, it’s difficult to try and win all three.”

Vesty conceded that being out injured was a frustrating time and that coming back into regular rugby requires patience.

“It’s hard to jump straight back in. You need to be able to control your body as that’s your weapon. When you’re not fully in control of your body, you can’t be fully in control of your game. Things were going well for me towards the end of last year and I was playing some good rugby. I just want to get back to playing and enjoying some form.”

Despite his impressive club displays over the years, Vesty may have been forgiven for thinking his chance with England had gone, but last summer former club colleague, Martin Johnson, gave him the nod.

“When Johnno told me I was going to be in the squad for the summer tour, he phoned and said ‘Milky’ - that’s my nickname - ‘I’m picking you’. I was like ‘cheers Johnno’. That was a nice conversation!

“I played at Old Trafford which was

9

cool. I was on for seven minutes and didn’t touch the ball, but I got a cap which was brilliant. Everybody wants to play for their country and I managed to do it twice.”

Sam provided a little more insight in to Martin Johnson the player and captain.

“He was phenomenal. I played under him and that was one of the highlights of my career, whatever happens. To have him as the top guy in England makes you really want to play for him, but obviously you want to play for the coach of England regardless.

“When he was captain he would never show anger to the players. He always understood the situation and was really good at saying the right things. He didn’t say an awful lot, but what he said you took notice of.”

With England in mind, Vesty believes clubs like Leicester are at a disadvantage when it comes to losing players for the Six Nations.

“We have to have a deep squad because we lose so many, maybe 14 players. When we’re playing a team like Leeds, who lose no players, it’s pretty unfair really. It’s very difficult and we don’t get any compensation in the salary cap for that, which definitely puts us at a disadvantage. But, we’ve always done well at this time of year because we’ve got such a good squad. This is the time of the year that you win Championships.”

With a few different nationalities in the camp, Sam admits there has been some stick flying around in recent weeks.

“Castro gets a bit for playing for Italy who invariably don’t do very well! To be fair it’s probably worse for the English guys. If we’ve not had a great Six Nations we get a lot of stick from the Southern Hemisphere guys. There are lots of nationalities and the Kiwi’s get all the stick about choking at the World Cup. There’s lots of it flying around, but it’s all fun and partly why we play the game.”

Following in his father’s footsteps as a Tigers player, Sam took up the game at an early age, but admits he didn’t look too far ahead.

“I was surrounded by rugby but I don’t think my aspirations went that far really. My dad was at the local rugby club and then Tigers and I was always kicking the ball around on the pitch afterwards. I played for my local team and my school and things just snowballed. It wasn’t a case of ‘I’m going to do this and strive for it,’ I just enjoyed playing. I think the love of it was the drive, rather than me being that ambitious.”

A keen all-round sportsman, Sam also excelled with the bat as a youngster.

“I used to play a lot of cricket and tennis. When I was 18 I played for Leicestershire seconds at cricket until Dean Richards (Former Tigers Manager) said to me, ‘I’m going to offer you a contract and that will mean you have to give up cricket. Do you want to sign it?’ Obviously, as soon as I signed that I pretty much said goodbye to my cricket, which was sad but I was playing rugby and enjoyed it.”

Still a fan of the game, Sam avidly follows Leicestershire and is delighted with the signing of Ashes hero Matthew Hoggard.


QuickQuestions…Toughest Opponent: Butch James.

Best Player Played With: Martin Johnson.

Favourite Ground: Welford Road.

Favourite Position: 10 or 12.

Best Mate in Rugby: Ollie Smith.

Which Tigers Player Gets the Most Stick? George Chuter for his singing!

“I follow the cricket team every week and I go down and watch a few games a year. I keep my eye out for the other sports as well, but cricket is my passion and Matthew Hoggard is a great signing for Leicestershire. I’ve got a great amount of respect for Hoggard and my grandad’s a Yorkshireman as well.”

Vesty’s passion for the cricket club is as conspicuous as his love of Leicestershire.

“Leicester’s got its good points and its bad points, but it always gets behind its teams. We always get a lot of good support at the Tigers, and even for the smaller games, we still get 20,000 people. The new developments at the ground are so

impressive. You drive down Welford Road and see that massive stand and it’s a real focal point for the city.

“Obviously the profile of Leicester is going up with people like Kasabian, probably one of the biggest rock bands in the world, coming out of Leicester. I love Leicester and always will.”

Looking towards the future and with a number of England internationals plying their trade in France, Vesty won’t rule out the possibility of playing on the continent and embracing a new culture.

“I’d consider it because I love France and used to go there all the time as a kid. I’ve got three young children and it would be brilliant for them to be able to speak French. The chance to be paid to do a job in another country would be a fantastic opportunity.

“I’m not sure how long that

market will stay as strong, but there’s obviously a lot of money flying around at the moment. It’s something I’d definitely consider as it’s an opportunity to go and live in the South of France or Paris. What a chance that would be for me and for my family.”

Whether it’s with Tigers, England or abroad, Sam’s main ambitions for the future involve seeing as much action on the pitch as possible.

“The most important thing for me is to be playing rugby. That’s the reason I started and the reason I’ll always want to play. If I could stay injury-free for the rest of my career and play lots of games, then I’d be a happy man.”

“I love Leicester and always will.”

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SPORTPARKIn December 2009, Loughborough University officially took possession of SportPark, a bespoke sports administration hub, which provides the gateway to the Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park.

The aim is for SportPark to play a major role in national sports development and become a centre for sharing, innovation and creative working.

Based on the University campus, the £15m landmark building is now home to several top class sports organisations, including British Swimming, the Amateur Swimming Association, Volleyball England, the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association and the Youth Sports Trust.

Employees work side-by-side in an innovative environment that encourages partnership working, shared best practice and collaboration.

As well as working closely together, these sports bodies are able to access expertise and knowledge from across the University campus, including the world-renowned School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and SportPark’s close neighbours, the Sports Technology Institute.

Developed by Loughborough University and part-funded by emda (East Midlands

Development Agency), Sport England, Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council, SportPark is designed to support sports organisations as they strive to achieve excellence across performance and participation within sport.

Staff can access University sports facilities, fitness classes and healthy living expertise with the latest active lifestyle facilities and hi-tech gadgetry available.

Loughborough University Deputy Director of Sport (Operations), Tim Garfield, has worked alongside Director of Facilities Management, Andrew Burgess, and Building Project Manager, Martin Channell, in the realisation of SportPark and welcomes this important step in the project’s development.

“We are delighted to officially take possession of SportPark. It marks the culmination of a huge amount of preparation work, not only in terms of construction of the building, but

also the extensive consultation with our sport partners.

“Together, we aim to create an atmosphere and ambition that will further cement our relationships for the shared aim of driving sport in the UK forward towards Olympic success in 2012 and getting the nation healthier through promoting sport and physical activity.”

SportPark was designed and built by Baggaley Construction.


A LEGACY IN SPORTGaynor Nash is synonymous with Leicestershire sport. A former regular for Leicester Hockey Club, Leicester Mercury columnist and now playing her part in looking at the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Gaynor’s passion for sport is clear.

A lifelong obsession with sport began when she watched the Olympics on television and was inspired to play athletics and hockey. Gaynor’s latest role, as the Regional Coordinator for 2012 Legacy for Children and Young People, involves ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games. Soon to be a weekly blogger for www.soarmagazine.co.uk, Gaynor spoke to us about her new role and her life in sport…

“It is my dream job. It’s about working with partners to make sure that we produce the best quality games we can. I look at it from a regional perspective for the East Midlands and connecting with 2012.

“The position is paid for by nine local authorities for five years

and I’d like to give credit to John Sinnott, Chief Executive at Leicestershire County Council, for his support.

“I started in June 2009, supporting five areas; an increased participation in sport and physical activity by children and young

people, volunteering by children and young people, the educational opportunities provided by London 2012, the cultural activities for and involving children and young people, and internationalism. The other main aim is to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity that being host country of the Games will bring.

“As Seb Coe said, winning a host of medals at 2012 will be of no benefit if that doesn’t inspire a generation of young people to get involved in sport.”

When and how did you gain your passion for sport?

“I used to play as much sport as possible. We grew up in a terraced house in Coventry and used to race around near where we lived. I liked

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“It is important that the legacy after the games continue to inspire people to get

involved in sport”

football when I was younger and I’m a fan of Coventry City, but like to see Leicester doing well too.

“I remember watching one of my first Olympics back in 1964, seeing Britain’s Anne Packer win gold in the 800m, which was an inspiration. Iconic moments like the Black Power salute at the 1968 Games in Mexico, have always had an impact on me. I’ve been to several Olympics since, including Beijing, Athens and Atlanta, which have all been great experiences.”

Who were your inspirations and why?

“I went to the same school as Mo Mowlam (Former Labour MP) who was several years above me. She was an inspirational figure, even back then, and was really sporty too.

“The fact that she grew up in the same area and was always such an independent woman is something that had an effect on me. Our all-girls school was ruled with an iron fist, but despite her rebellious instincts, Mo thrived and later became Head Girl. I remember her as a great hurdler and hockey player racing down the pitch, blonde pigtails streaming behind.”

Can you offer our readers a whistle stop tour of your main aims for the period leading up to the 2012 games?

“We want the games to be as memorable as possible and to be a great advert for British sport. It is important that the legacy after the games continue to inspire people to get involved in sport, and that the infrastructure and facilities for all levels of sport improves.”

We can’t speak with you without mentioning your involvement with Leicester Hockey Club who have recently won the National Indoor Hockey Championship Finals…

“It was a great achievement for the team and a great experience for everyone. I’m still involved, doing some coaching for the fourth and fifth teams and act as the club’s Welfare Officer. I occasionally stumble around the pitch and have a game too!

“The girls are setting a great standard this season at the top of the Premier League. Many of them play for the England team and I’m

sure there’ll be plenty of Leicester players at the 2012 Games.”

Finally, in issue two of Soar Magazine, Kerry Williams of Leicester Hockey Club, spoke of her frustration at the lack of coverage of the sport, despite the incredible success gained by Leicester. Why do you think this is and what can be done about it?

“I remember in the 1990s reading the Mercury and there wasn’t enough coverage of women’s sport. I wrote to the editor at the time, Nick

Carter, to complain and he wrote back saying they didn’t have the resources to cover women’s sport in as much detail as they’d like. I offered to write for them on a trial basis and he offered me the chance to do more articles after reading the first one.

“I believe that initially, an editor needs to take a punt on covering women’s sport and then women themselves need to show more

interest by watching their peers on TV, or by reading about them in the papers. That way, a true difference can be made.”

To keep up with Gaynor’s progress visit twitter.com/gaynor54 or www.lrsport.org.uk. Also, see pages 48-51 for our headline feature on Leicester Hockey, with Lucy Brown and Vanessa Hawkins.


Wayne’s World

The uncompromising centre-half enjoyed a successful play-off campaign during his time at Hull. After Leicester’s convincing home wins over Scunthorpe and Nottingham Forest, and some decent results away from home, Wayne is confident that City can finish the season in the top six. “We have games in hand so we’ve got to use that to our advantage. It’s so tight, if you lose three games you can drop down into the bottom half, but if you win three games, you can be in the top three. We’ve just got to keep going. “Realistically, is it achievable? Definitely. If you look at the Championship then there’s nothing in it. With the squad and the quality we’ve got here, we’ve got as good a chance as anybody to finish in that top six. Once you finish there it can be a bit of a lottery, but let’s get there first and deal with who comes our way then.” Brown revealed how losing star striker, Matty Fryatt, to injury has

After a taste of the Premier League with Hull City, Leicester defender, Wayne Brown, is determined to have another crack at the big time. Now in the twilight of his career, the �2-year-old has enjoyed impressive spells at a number of clubs, but is still hungry for success. With a League One winner’s medal in his back pocket and the club adapting to the Championship well, the Walkers Stadium seems to be the perfect place for Brown to realise his goals.

been a major blow to the squad, but has meant that other players have had to respond. “It’s never easy losing your best players and obviously Matty’s been our top scorer this season. It puts a bit of added responsibility on the shoulders of the other lads to start mucking in with a few goals, but they’ve responded in good fashion, with Gally (Paul Gallagher) scoring a hat-trick for example. Matty is going to be a big miss for us, but we’ve got to put that aside now.”

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After experiencing the Premier League with Hull City, Brown is determined to test himself against the best again and that was a major factor behind his decision to join Leicester City. “That’s why you’re in the game, to play at the highest level and the Premier League is the crème de le crème. That’s where you want to play and obviously having a taste of Premier League football, I want to get back there and sample that again. “That was my aim when I signed for Leicester. I wanted to get more medals in the cabinet and play in the Premier League. I want to win as many trophies as I can, hence why I didn’t stay at Hull. I wanted to improve my career and I think Leicester is the perfect opportunity to do that.” Wayne has flourished since his move south from Hull, playing regular first team football and reaching a good level of consistency. The 32-year-old sees playing under manager Nigel Pearson as a major factor in this success and sees Pearson’s managerial style as a complete contrast to his previous gaffer at Hull, Phil Brown. “The fact that Nigel was manager was another big reason why I wanted

signed for Leicester. Everywhere I’ve been, my wife’s been with me. She’s got her own ambitions after setting up a shop in Hull and at times it’s hard. But, at the end of the day it’s got to be done.” When he’s not playing football, training or travelling, Browny enjoys the odd round of golf and getting plenty of rest. “I like golf. A few of the lads here are keen golfers so we have a game together. I like snooker, but I don’t really get a lot of time to play. I just like chilling out really. When you are playing as many games as we’re playing, it’s important that you get your rest. “The gaffer’s good like that. He realises that the fixtures come thick and fast and knows when to give the lads a day off and when to work us hard. I think we have responded to that.” With a wealth of experience at his

to come here. In his time he was one of the best centre-halves there was and there’s nobody better for me to learn from. “I’ve enjoyed my time under him. He’s chalk and cheese to what I was used to at Hull under Phil Brown. Nigel’s very placid and keen for the lads to have the limelight, whereas Phil Brown liked the limelight himself. Nigel lets the lads do the talking on the pitch and I think that’s the way it should be.” As well as he has settled on the pitch, Wayne still travels between Leicester and Hull during the week, but sees it as a worthwhile compromise. “It’s not ideal because I’m still based in Hull, so I’m doing a lot of travelling. I’ve got a place in Leicester which I rent out, but to see my wife I go back to Hull two or three times a week. It’s a sacrifice that I wanted to make to better myself and try and win more trophies. “Being away from my wife is something I had to weigh up when I


disposal, Brown has enjoyed playing alongside promising defender, Jack Hobbs, at the heart of City’s defence and expects the 21-year-old to have a top career in the game. “It’s down to the lad, but what I would say about him is that he wants to learn and improve, and he asks me questions about how to go about things. It’s a breath of fresh air

After moving from Hull to arguably a bigger club with a richer history, Leicester City seems the ideal match for Wayne Brown at this stage of his career. “I’m enjoying my football as much as ever. I appreciate just how big a club this is. It’s got a great history and I want to add to that. When I signed from Hull it was a great opportunity for me to play for such a big club.

“Captaining the side this year has been a great honour for me. The ambition is to win more medals and to be successful. I think we’ve got a hell of a chance at Leicester of achieving just that. It’s a great squad that the gaffer’s put together.” Although the fire still burns inside Brown, who possesses plenty of fight and desire for the game, he has given some consideration to his life after football. “After this season, I’ve got another year on my contract, so I’m keen to play as many games as I can. The older you get, the more grateful you are for your opportunity when it comes along and you try and make the most of it. “I’d like to stay in the game in some capacity and pass on some of my experiences to younger pros. Football’s all I’ve ever known since leaving school as a 16-year-old and going to Ipswich Town. I still love the game and I’ve got a few years left in me. I want to go on as long as I can, play as many games as I can and enjoy my football.”

After Brown’s solid performance against local rivals, Nottingham Forest, it won’t just be the City man who’s dreaming of one more crack at the big time.

To see Wayne in action against QPR on Monday April 5th, turn to page 2 and enter our competition.

“I appreciate just how big a club this is. It’s got a great history

and I want to add to that.”

Did You Know?Leicester City is Wayne’s ninth club after previous spells with Ipswich Town, Colchester United, QPR, Wimbledon, Watford, Gillingham, Hull City and Preston. Whilst at Ipswich Town, Brown scored in the UEFA Cup during the Tractor Boys’ 9-1 aggregate victory over Avenir Beggen.

playing alongside a young lad who wants to better himself, instead of a young lad who thinks he’s made it already. With his attitude and the attributes he’s got, he will go on to bigger and better things, no question.” Brown’s partnership with Hobbs is a good example of the blend of youth and experience in City’s squad. “We have got a great balance at the moment. It’s down to us experienced pros to bring the young lads down a peg or two if they get a bit too excited or a bit too carried away with themselves, but it can work both ways as they keep us young.” With 40-year-old, Chris Powell, on the club’s coaching staff and still turning in the odd first team appearance, Brown sees the former England man’s longevity as something to aspire to. “Powelly’s an inspiration and there’s not many around like him. He’s a one off and still beats some of the lads at sprints in training! He’s got a great personality. He’s an inspiration to me, now I’m the other side of 30, to play a lot longer.”


“We want our swimmers to aspire to be the best in the

world, but it’s about them being part of the team and

being proud of their connection

with the university.”

Upon entering Loughborough University’s Olympic sized swimming pool, the enthusiasm for excellence is as palpable as the smell of chlorine.

Loughborough Swimming Team’s effervescent Director of Swimming, Ian Armiger, greeted our photographer and I with the words, “Gentlemen, welcome to the Pool of Dreams.”

That term is not an exaggeration as the Leicestershire-based swimming programme has produced Olympic Medallists, including Joanne Jackson and David Davies, World Championship victories and world records from the likes of Liam Tancock.

The facilities at Loughborough provide a setting for sporting success. Things haven’t always been that way though, as Ian, a former head coach to the British Swimming Team, revealed.

“When I started in 1997 we had a four lane 25 yard pool, probably one of the worst in Britain. We built the best team out of those facilities,

but there’s no comparison to how it is now. When I came in I decided to totally change the image and the culture and focus on being one of the best teams in Britain and becoming a prominent force in world swimming.”

The success of the team and the worldwide recognition it receives is the result of years of planning and hard work from Ian and his coaching team.

“I wrote down all my short and long-term goals and how we were going to achieve them. It’s about a constant striving for those goals, the

enthusiasm of the programme and the energy that’s within it. Even from those early days the focus of the team has been remarkable.”

Added to that focus, Ian explained how a whole host of coaching specialists provide support.

“The British Swimming Team has a network of sports scientists, including an exercise physiologist, a bio-mechanist, a nutritionist, a physiotherapist and a psychologist. We have a central pool of sports scientists that each of the sports at the university can tap into.

“That’s the good thing about being a coach when you sit in the middle and liaise with where the expertise is. You pull it all together so that the swimmer can perform.”

With so many world class swimmers in one programme, Armiger and his coaches are not prepared to rest on their laurels.

“We’re always looking for that edge. At Loughborough you’re surrounded by excellence and people at the

THE POOL OF DREAMS

19

top of the world rankings. Once you start getting that excitement you inspire other swimmers and attract swimming fans. There’s professionalism and swimmers get recognition and attract sponsors. We’ve got a sponsor called St. James’s Place, a £21 billion company who are enthusiastic about our team.

“Once you get the likes of Rebecca Adlington, who has become a celebrity, but for the best reasons, because of achievement, people begin to notice. You need results to get the support and I think British Swimming is doing that now.”

The Loughborough ethos provides something for young swimmers from clubs around the county to tap in to.

“It’s good for kids who use the pool to see that people from here go to the Olympics and break world records, and that lifts their game all the way through.”

Ian is looking for more British and Loughborough success at London 2012.

“We had about 12 swimmers in the British Olympic team in Beijing and London is a massive motivation. We’re hoping to have at least the same number, if not more swimmers, from Loughborough.”

Despite this worldwide success, Ian is determined to maintain a team ethic at Loughborough.

Head coach of the British Swimming Team and former head of the USA for 14 years, Dennis Pursley is a regular visitor to Loughborough to monitor the form of his swimmers.

Pursley on the Loughborough Swimming Programme… “It’s a magnet that attracts the best swimmers from around Britain and there’s a reason for that. It’s the tradition that comes out of Loughborough and Ian is more responsible for that than anybody else. We’ve got the strongest University Programme facility in Britain. It’s the standard the others aspire to.”

The state of British swimming... “I’ve only been here a little over a year, so based on my impressions from the outside looking in, it seems that British swimming is probably at its strongest ever. A lot of people have been working very hard for many years to get to this point, long before I came here and it’s a tribute to all their hard work.”

London 2012… “I’m not going to predict who’s going to do what. Our aim is to get stronger and stronger this year as British swimming has done for several years. If we continue on that progressive curve we’ll have our share of exciting swims in London.”

Dennis Pursley“We want our swimmers to aspire to be the best in the world, but it’s about them being part of the team and being proud of their connection with the university.”

Kevin Renshaw has been part of the Loughborough set-up for three years, coaching the likes of Joanne Jackson and David Davies. Also, the Senior Coach for the British Swimming Intensive Training Centre, Kevin gave an indication of the dedication required to be a top class swimmer.

“An average week’s training for David Davies is quite extreme. David trains for 10 two and a half hour sessions a week, with Sunday his only full day off. He trains once on a Wednesday and Saturday, and is in here twice on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

“He does land sessions twice a week and gets to the pool at 6.45am for preparation work at the gym, before getting into the water at 7.30am. It totals up to about 30 hours a week of training.”

Kevin revealed the huge satisfaction he receives from working with such top class athletes.

“It’s great when we’ve got a piece of work that’s really going well. When somebody gets into the zone it inspires competition between the other swimmers and that’s an excellent training tool.”

For more information on Loughborough Swimming visit www.loughboroughswimming.com and for further features visit www.soarmagazine.co.uk


Craig White, Director of Leicester City’s Football in the Community Team, is well aware of the influence football has on the community and is looking to use it to benefit as many people as possible.

“The aim is to provide something for somebody, somewhere. Whether it’s disability football, women’s football

Football clubs are often said to be at the heart of a community. Fans of all ages, backgrounds and social standing come together on a Saturday to share the common goal of supporting their team. But, the power of football extends to all levels of society, long after the final whistle has blown…

or any other community issues, we should have something for everybody.”

LCFC in the Community is a registered charity that relies upon sponsorship, donations and funding. As well as nationally renowned children’s coaching and women’s football schemes, the team also help youngsters with education, work with the Prince’s Trust and oversee a whole host of other activities.

Craig, who has been at the club for over 16 years, explained how he got involved, the background of the club’s community department and why similar schemes across the country were introduced.

“I got involved through former City

Football in the Community

player and coach, Neville Hamilton, who I used to coach regularly with. I already had my level two coaching badge and he asked me to help with their courses, before a full-time job came up. I’ve been here ever since and worked my way up from Assistant, to Director.

“We used to be part of the Professional Footballers Association. Every football club across the country used to have a Community Scheme, which was endorsed by the PFA. The community schemes came about after the Hillsborough disaster and because of violence at matches. The idea was to break down all the issues within football, trying to use the power of the game to engage with the community.”

Craig explains why LCFC in the Community became a charity.

“When Football in the Community was disbanded by the PFA we became a charity. We’re an independent arm of the football club, but they offer invaluable support to the Trust and we are still a big part of the club.

“Our board consists of Leicester City Football Club, the National and Local FA, Spearing Waite, the Children and Young People’s Services, Photos: LCFC-ITC

21

For more information on LCFC-ITC visit www.lcfc.com, select ‘club’ from the toolbar and then click on LCFC in the Community. To find out how you can get involved, make a donation and support Craig and his team, call 0116 2915 223.

Leicester City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Primary Care Trust.”

So what does the Community team do? A better question would probably be ‘what don’t they do?’

“Holiday coaching courses used to be our core business, but now only make up 10% of what we do. We run Saturday soccer clubs, birthday parties and NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training Services). NEETs are for 16 to 19-year-olds who have left school and have fallen out of the system. We pick them up, put them into one of our courses, train them to get qualifications and hopefully feed them back into education.

“We also deal with health issues, including tackling obesity, in conjunction with the Football League, the PCT and Leicester City Council. We have just linked with the Police to look at crime, all of which means we are having an impact on people’s lives.”

A handful of professional footballers have come through the coaching courses as Craig revealed.

“Emile Heskey came through under Nev Hamilton and Richard Stearman was spotted at one of our holiday courses in Market Harborough.

They were both brought into development centres at the club and have moved on to play at the highest level.”

Craig is clearly passionate about his role, putting in a lot of effort but also receiving great job satisfaction in return.

“What’s good is that each day is different. We see the players we’ve spotted go on to play for clubs and that’s a major satisfaction. Helping somebody back into education and with their life is a massive motivation.”

In recent years, LCFC in the Community has grown and gained national recognition for the services they provide.

“When we started we had two members of staff. Now we’ve got seven full-time and between 25 and 30 casual staff. We see around 40,000 kids in a year and that’s made up of all the children that take part in our activities, including Saturday clubs, birthday parties and holiday courses.

“We’ve won the best holiday courses award, which means that

parents know that our courses are safe and of a high standard.”

Like City’s first team, who continue to go from strength to strength

under Nigel Pearson, LCFC in the Community aren’t willing to rest on their laurels as Craig looks for further improvement.

“Our aims for the future are to tackle more issues in the community and to become a leading provider in schools.

“The community is integral to the future of the football club. Players and managers will come and go, but the fans will always be here, to connect the past, present and future together.”


He’s been a first-classbroadcaster at BBCRadio Leicester sincethe days of David Pleat,has mixed with someof the biggest namesin sport and music,but still finds timeto perfect his salsadancing skills…

Which Leicester City managerhas been the most interesting towork with?Reggie Mullins, EvingtonMartin O’Neill. He was verysuccessful but also interesting towork with. You’d go into his officeand he used to ask about cricketand all sorts of other things. Youcould listen to him for hours andnot get bored. I recently went tosee him about a documentary andhadn’t spoken to him for years. Hekept me waiting for an hour and ahalf. A very interesting chap and acharismatic figure.

out to me and I introduced myselfhoping he would do the same as I didn’t recognise him. It turned out to be Matty Fryatt! I got the mickey taken out of me for weeks after that!

How did you find your way intobroadcasting?Celia Chung, Market BosworthI was a nightclub DJ for fifteenyears and then I did hospital anduniversity radio. I won a BBC Radio1 award for a sports broadcast andthought ‘What do I do with this?’ soI invented ‘Sinclair Promotions,’ puta press release in the local paper,and BBC Radio Nottingham rangme and asked if I’d like to covertheir cricket. I said yes. From thereI went to Leeds and Pebble Mill,before joining BBC Radio Leicesterin 1990.

Where do you think City will finishin the League this season?Joe Walker, NarboroughI think the Play-offs. I don’t mindwhere, sixth would be fine. ThePlay-offs are great fun. I’ve been tothe old Wembley about seven timesand I’d love to go to the new one.

In your career, which game hadthe best atmosphere?Terry Singleton, BraunstoneFilbert Street. Leicester 3 Arsenal 3.Three goals scored in stoppagetime. Matt Elliott equalised, I thought the game was over but then Dennis Bergkamp completed the best hat-trick I’ve ever seen. Then Spencer Prior headed it across for Steve Walsh at the other end, who nodded it home. I collapsed in exhaustion.

What has been the mostmemorable moment in yourcommentating career?Neil Gibson, LondonSteve Claridge scoring atHillsborough in the 1997 LeagueCup Final replay. When EmileHeskey had equalised for Leicesterin the first game at Wembley, mycolleague was commentating - Iwas just jumping around. I stillremember Walsh knocking it downfor Claridge to hook it in. If I lookback at the goals I’ve commentatedon, that has to be the key one.

What’s the most embarrassingthing you’ve ever done on air?Sam Barnes, NarboroughI was waiting for a playerinterview after a game I had beencommentating on. The player came


John SinclairBy Paul Dhillon

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What do you consider thehighlight of your broadcastingcareer?Georgia King, Clarendon ParkI presented the League Cup Finalagainst Tranmere Rovers in 2000,from the tunnel at Wembley, withPeter Shilton as a guest. I enjoyedthat and it was great to win havinglost to Spurs in the final the yearbefore.

How do you keep listenersinterested in a meaninglessgame?Eve Ford, HumberstoneMeaningless games often soundbetter on the radio. If the game ispoor, you end up talking about otherissues. During a stalemate you candraw on a bit of experience and talkabout selection. It is the same if youare a fan watching and start to talkabout which substitutes you’d liketo see.

What tips could you give to ayoung commentator?Mia Fisher-Howe, LeicesterBe yourself, be enthusiastic anddo your homework. You can listento other commentators and pickup little tips, but essentially youare calling it as you see it anddeveloping your own style.

I remember reading that you hadinterviewed Kurt Cobain. Whatwas he like?Pete Baldwin, LoughboroughIt was after Nirvana brought out asingle called ‘Sliver’. Kurt was verynice on the phone. I think the famethat followed did a lot of damageto him considering what happened.My fifteen year old daughter is stillimpressed that I interviewed him!

Have you had any hairy momentsfollowing Leicester City?Ivy Boulter, Saffron LaneThe puncture on the way to CrystalPalace was a classic. We ended upgetting to the ground at 2.45pm andwere on air at 2.59pm. Another timewe had lots of equipment problems

at Old Trafford and the BBC RadioFive Live team helped us out. Therewere no research problems though,as the United team was made up ofthe likes of Scholes and Beckham.

What other sports have youcovered apart from football?Tom Leng, PrestonI’ve done Cricket and Basketball.I loved covering the LeicesterRiders under Billy Mims during theirsuccesses when Leicester City werehaving a tough spell under Peter

To find out who our ICON will be for issue nine, released in June, visit our website www.soarmagazine.co.uk

Taylor. I also take a big interestin boxing. I’ve followed RendallMunroe for a long time and thinkhe is a great guy who is bound tosucceed.

How good would you say you areat salsa dancing?Annabel Lane, NarboroughPretty good! I’m level two, we aredoing travelling turns. My freestyleneeds a bit of work though!

To hear John Sinclair on BBC RadioLeicester, tune in to 104.9FM forlive commentary of all Leicester Citymatches, home and away, alongwith the forum on Monday nightsfrom 6pm until 7pm.

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DirectoryAmerican FootballLeicester Falconswww.leicesterfalcons.co.uk

AthleticsLeicestershire Athletics Resourcewww.athletics-leics.comLeicester Marathonwww.leicestermarathon.org.ukLeicester Orienteering Clubwww.leioc.org.uk

BadmintonLeicestershire Badminton Assoc.www.lbabadminton.org

BaseballLeicester Blue Sox www.leicesterbluesox.co.uk

BasketballLeicester Riderswww.ridersbasketball.com

BowlsLeicestershire Bowling Assoc. www.leicestershirebowls.com

CricketLeicestershire CCCwww.leicestershireccc.com Leicestershire & Rutland Boardwww.lrcb-cricket.co.uk

CyclingLeicestershire Road Clubwww.leicestershireroadclub.org.ukLeicesters Spokeswww.leicesterspokes.org.uk

DodgeballLeicester Dodgeball Leaguewww.interdodgeball.co.uk

FencingLeicester Fencing Clubwww.leicesterfencingclub.com

FootballLeicester City FCwww.lcfc.comLeicestershire & Rutland FAwww.leicestershirefa.com

GolfLeicestershire & Rutland Golf Unionwww.lrgu.tolleyweb.co.uk GymnasticsLeicestershire Gymnastics Assoc.www.leicestershiregymnastics.co.uk

HockeyLeicestershire Hockey Assoc. www.lmha.co.ukLeicester Ladies Hockey Club www.leicesterhc.co.ukLeicester Mens Hockey Club www.leicesterhockeyclub.co.uk

Horse RacingLeicester Racecourse www.leicester-racecourse.co.uk

Local Leisure CentresLeicester City Councilwww.leicester.gov.uk/sport

Martial ArtsCKI School of Martial Arts(Queen’s Award winner for community and voluntary service)Tel. 07808 277 893Urban Martial Artswww.urbanmartialarts.com

Matt Hampson TrustOfficial websitewww.matthampson.co.uk

MotorsportDonington Parkwww.donington-park.co.ukMallory Parkwww.mallorypark.co.uk

NetballLeicestershire Netball Assoc.www.lcna.co.ukLoughborough Lightningwww.loughboroughlightning.co.uk

Outdoor PursuitsLeicester Outdoor Pursuits Centrewww.lopc.co.uk

RowingLeicester Rowing Clubwww.leicester-rowing.co.uk

Rugby LeagueLeicester Phoenixwww.leicesterphoenixrlfc.co.uk

Rugby UnionLeicestershire Rugby Unionwww.leicsru.netLeicester Tigerswww.leicestertigers.com

SailingRutland Sailing Clubwww.rutlandsc.co.uk

SpeedwayLeicester Lionswww.leicester-speedway.co.uk

SquashLeicester Squash Clubwww.leicestersquashclub.co.uk

SwimmingLeicestershire Swimming Assoc.www.leicestershireasa.orgLoughborough University Swimmingwww.loughboroughswimming.com

TennisLeicestershire Lawn Tennis Assoc. leicestershire.totaltennis.net

TriathlonLeicester Triathlon Clubwww.leicestertriathlonclub.co.uk

UltimateLeicester Ultimate Clubwww.leicesterultimatefrisbee.co.uk

VolleyballLeicester Volleyball Clubwww.leicestervolleyballclub.net

Wheelchair BasketballLeicester Cobraswww.leicestercobras.org.uk

For up-to-date information on activities in your area visit

www.lrsport.org.ukSoar Magazine is not responsible for the content of these websites

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soarhealth

Boxing sensation, Rendall Munroe, named as Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport’s first Sporting Ambassador


HOOPS4HEALTH

H eaded up by the British Basketball League, Hoops 4 Health is a national

programme designed to get school children playing basketball and learning about healthy eating, fitness and the harmful effects of smoking.

Regular first team player, Isaac Westbrooks and former Rider, Mikey Martin, were two of the coaches that attended the school. Mikey, who now plays for Leicester Warriors, but is still heavily involved with the Riders’ programme due to his experience and knowledge of Hoops 4 Health, gave a brief explanation.

“We come into all the different schools. This is one of the inner city ones we do. It starts off with the roadshow today, which involves four coaches taking sessions on healthy eating, heart and fitness, facts about smoking and basketball.

“Then it continues with more basketball coaching and tournaments, leading to an Inter-

City tournament. It’s a national programme so eventually all the winning teams go into the national tournament. At the BBL Championship Final weekend in May, the winning teams from each area compete against each other.”

Sessions take place inside schools and are divided into four sections, with players from the club working on one each. The basketball station is a basic introduction to the sport and includes skills like the bounce pass, chest pass, dribbling and shooting. The healthy eating station focuses on eating a variety of foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables and not too much fat. The smoking cessation station provides the children with facts and figures about smoking, including that one out of ten 11 to

15-year-olds are regular smokers. In the fitness station, the player leads a group discussion about the heart, explaining its main functions and how often you should exercise.

Mikey reveals how other elements of the programme get a reaction from the kids.

“Smoking is probably the most

Soar Magazine visited Hazel Primary School in Leicester to see some of the great work that Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders are doing in the community as part of the nationwide Hoops 4 Health initiative.

Photo: Ville Vourinen

29

difficult one as there are quite a lot of facts. We have big posters highlighting all the damage that smoking can cause. There are a lot of props, so it’s like shock and awe as well as having a bit of fun with them.

“You get some funny faces and some disgusted looks, but at the end of the day the kids appreciate what you’re trying to do and they realise how disgusting smoking is.”

After each roadshow, the Riders ensure ongoing development at the school. This involves further basketball coaching to develop core skills and promote physical activity.

Mikey has noticed that many of the schools have maintained an interest in the sport and a lot of the children have carried on playing basketball and started following the Riders. “We’ve already visited most of the schools in the county now. There wasn’t much basketball provision when we first came so we brought in basketballs. Now a lot of schools in the county have the same balls and equipment that we have.

“When I was in my first year at University and went to watch the Riders, there was hardly anybody there, nowhere near the following that’s building now. I guess it’s the snowball effect of getting kids involved.”

Isaac Westbrooks agreed.

“Throughout the year I see different kids get more into in. At the start they’ll be into it and then they’ve got a basketball. The next time they’ve got a basketball and a jersey. It’s great because they get into it on a personal level as well as just coming to watch us play.”

A regular starter in the Riders first team, the 25-year-old guard explained what he and the other

don’t have all the equipment. They don’t have the baskets, courts, or large open spaces. Really, all we need are a couple of basketballs and a gym, an open space or a hall to make it fun for the kids and do different exercises and activities. It is definitely a good sport for the kids to get into and they all seem to really enjoy it, which is great.”

For more information on Hoops 4 Health visit www.leicesterriders.co.uk

“It’s great to come in and get the chance to speak to the kids about healthy living”

players gain from their involvement.

“It’s definitely fun. I’ve been coaching a long time and grew up coaching in Ireland, so I have a lot of time for kids. It’s great to come in and get the chance to speak to the kids about healthy living, the heart and fitness, and they enjoy the basketball section too.

“I know we’re pretty big in the community and a lot of our fanbase is made up of kids. It’s great for us to show our faces in the schools and gives the kids that personal level for when they come to watch the games.”

Isaac sees basketball as a great game for kids to play inside and outside of school and ideal for inner city areas where playing fields and open spaces are at a premium.

“Some of the schools we go into

Photos: Ville Vourinen


There are many ways of staying active and one of the best is to set yourself milestones and goals to achieve. Why not sign up to one of the local challenges which are coming up in the next few months and give yourself something to train for?

Struggling to stay active? Do you need some motivation?

SPORT RELIEF MILE 2010SUNDAY MARCH 21ST 2010

I n 2010, eight Sport Relief mile events are taking place across Leicestershire, Leicester and

Rutland. To enter, simply visit www.sportrelief.com click on ‘enter the mile’ and search for the location of your choice. The events include a choice of 1, 3 or 6 miles, so you can choose to move more and raise funds for a very worthy cause. The emphasis is on fun, so why not rise to the challenge and be part of something great with Sport Relief 2010?

For more information on your local mile please visit www.lrsport.org.uk

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The national Swimathon, supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care is taking place in a pool near you on April 16th-18th 2010. Why not join the 200 people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who have already signed up to take part in this event? Take part simply for fun or challenge yourself to swim faster, further or longer than ever before.

11 pools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are participating in Swimathon 2010: Evington L.C, Braunstone L.C, Cossington Street Sports Centre, Aylestone L.C, Greens Health and Fitness (all Leicester), Wigston Pool, Hermitage L.C (Coalville), Loughborough L.C and Loughborough University Pool, Harborough L.C (Market Harborough) and Catmose College Sports Centre (Oakham).

TAKE THE PLUNGESo, why not get moving and raise funds for a very worthy cause?

For more information on dates and times, to sign up and to get fundraising visit www.swimathon.org

Coming Soon...Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport will be celebrating and supporting events such as National Family Week, Men’s Health Week, Big Dance and much more. Lots of fun ways of becoming active are being planned to link in with these events.

Visit www.lrsport.org.uk/active to find out how to become active in a place near you!


W ith the aim of engaging young people across Leicester, the STOP!

Smoking service has teamed up with the School Development Support Agency and 2Funky Arts, tasking them to connect with young people and find a new approach. The result was a safe, smokefree and alcohol free night of urban music called ‘What’s the Point!’, held at one of Leicester’s most famous music venues, the Charlotte, on March 5th. It featured local street and urban artists, including rappers, dancers, MC’s and DJ’s, whilst promoting the smokefree message. The SDSA are the leaders of partnerships and projects aimed to improve outcomes for children and young people. Created by the

Department for Children, Schools and Families, and now owned by Leicester City Council, the SDSA look at a number of issues involving young people. Alan Curtis, the Pupil Participation Officer at the SDSA and Will, one of the teenagers working on the project, met with Soar Magazine to explain the inspiration behind the event and what they hoped to achieve. Alan is well aware of the health issues connected to smoking which illustrated his motivation. “Over 300 people die every day from smoking relating illnesses in this country. That’s what the STOP! Smoking team wanted to get across through a form of guerilla marketing.

That’s why we’re doing this event.

“They wanted us to tackle this in a non-traditional way because they are always looking for new ways to communicate the message. The idea is to connect to places where young people go. We do a lot of work with young people and a lot of it is inside schools, but this is really radical.” Alan is looking forward to the event and hopes that a more relaxed approach, communicating with young people on a different level, will be of benefit. “We’re really excited about the

Smoking? RAP IT UP!

NHS Stop Smoking uses many different

tactics to encourage people of all ages

to kick the habit and they have come

up with an innovative way to communicate their

message to young people across Leicester.

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event and using the Charlotte to host a maximum of 300 young people. We don’t want to put young people off. It’s a balance between young people enjoying themselves and taking this message away. My colleague Juliet and I wanted to think outside of the box and not just lecture about the evils of smoking.” Alan accepts that there are a number of factors involved in teenagers taking up the habit. “People smoke for all sorts of reasons. My experience of working with young people is that a lot of it is about image and peer pressure plays a big part in it. A lot of children’s parents smoke, which means they’re always around it. “All the evidence suggests that the starting age for smoking is the early teens and STOP! Smoking wanted to specifically address young people.” As well as the music, there were posters up at the event and other items, which have been designed by

Several local artists with urban sounds appeared, including MC’s, DJ’s, rappers and a beat box special appearance by ‘Leicester’s Best Dance Crew’, who also were joined by the following artists:

BossmanAimzEkkoKrishnaLeicester’s Best Dance Crew (tbc)

MorganMatthew R RichardsTwisted PennysMierous HennessyNat NayK.Y.2Crew 4UDaydreamTantrumDash AllenLivewireBASEPoetical Son

DJ Cam

young people, alongside De Montfort University. Will, who is a member of the young people’s council, did a lot of work on the designs of the posters, postcards and money tins produced for the event. “Each image has a story behind it. There’s one looking at how much money you’ve spent, one about the idea of drowning in your own tar from smoking and one of a plane with cigarettes coming out the back. We also had money tins made up, showing people how much they’re spending on smoking and how much they can save by giving up.”

“It’s a balance between young people

coming in and enjoying themselves and

also taking this message away”

��HELPING LEICESTER STOP SMOKING

01162954141 STOP!

Speaking before the event, Alan hoped the night would be a great success, and sees music as a great tool to emphasise the stop smoking message. “Other mediums like sport have been used, and used well, but I think a lot more young people listen to music than play sport. It’s a bit experimental for us and we’re not sure what’s going to happen, but all the elements are there for a great success.”

Joe Hanney is a regular contributor and fitness expert to the media and also advises at obesity and weight management clinics. He was the International Personal Trainer of the Year 2008 and an Ambassador of the Special Olympics 2009. He is currently holding regular seminars in and around Leicester.

For more information on Joe contact 0844 8442471, or visit www.resultsweightloss.co.uk

Results Team Performance Training.Strength. Power. Speed. Confidence.As the pioneers of Sports Team Performance Training in the Midlands, Results Weight Loss Gym now offers an innovative approach to training, working on a solid athletic foundation whilst staying focused on each athlete’s individual goals.

THE WORKOUT Consisting of functionally sound movement training, strength training and conditioning with a strong focus on basic and proper technique. The workout becomes progressively more challenging once basic techniques have been mastered. For team training the groups are kept small, to allow maximum individual attention.

SPEED - Acceleration, Deceleration, Linear and Lateral Movement Techniques, Running Mechanics, Footwork EXPLOSIVE POWER - Olympic Lifting, Plyometrics, Medicine Ball, Jumping and Landing Techniques

STRENGTH - Functional Approach, Thorough Instruction, Focus on Upper Body, Lower Body and Core CONDITIONING - Prepares athletes to be game ready FLEXIBILITY - Myofascial Release (Foam Rolling), Various Forms of Stretching, Muscle Activation

INJURY REDUCTION - Identify and Correct Muscular Imbalances, Balance and Stabilisation

NUTRITION EDUCATION - Lessons, Tips and Advice

Our unique programme includes instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear and lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, explosive power development, correct weight training techniques and functional strength training.

Athletes are closely supervised as the coach takes them through an intense 1-2 hour workout and attention is always paid to correct technique and safety.

SESSIONSFor Results Team Performance pre-Season/in-season sessions, we offer group training Monday through to Saturday and you may choose either the 2 day/week or 3 day/week programme.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

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Dean Hodgkin has appeared at fitness events in 35 countries, leading to him being voted Best International Fitness Presenter at the glittering One Body One World awards ceremony in Times Square, New York. He has written articles for many publications, including The Times, Zest, Health & Fitness, FHM, GQ and Men’s Health. Previously employed as a consultant to Nike, David Lloyd Leisure, RAC, Remington, 3-Mobile and Reebok, Dean is now based at Ragdale Hall.

For more information visit www.deanhodgkin.com

Turning the TideIf the gym simply turns you off and you would rather opt for an outdoor activity that could totally transform your body and mind, try riding the waves to a flat stomach, toned arms, shapely shoulders and a huge boost in self-confidence. Yes, sailing has a lot more to offer than just the refreshing feeling of spray covering your face as the wind bellows the sails, sending you flying atop the surf.

Sailing involves a considerable amount of time using your body weight to counterbalance the force of the wind in the sails. This requires you to constantly engage the deep postural muscles such as the transverse abdominus and rotator cuff group (around the shoulder). The result of this is that these muscles become more efficient and can lead to improvements in postural alignment once back on terra firma. Not only will this help to reduce lower back problems but you’ll instantly look a little taller and leaner.

Pulling the rope is a mirror of the rowing type exercises you would perform in the gym and so will serve to tone the upper back and the biceps, helping to shape a strong, yet sleek, upper body.

Constantly having to duck under the sail and move about the ropes is a great workout for the legs. Adverse conditions will have you literally leaping from side to side, providing a greater challenge and thus better results. Don’t worry about the weather – the windier the better.

Should you actually be required to hang onto the ropes and lean out over the side of the boat, you’ll really tax those abdominal muscles and launch yourself on the way to a more favourable mid-section.

The need to wear a lifejacket is both a safety and a sculpting bonus, for carrying extra poundage as you go about your tasks will lead to greater

calorific expenditure. A spot on the waves could be a trump card in your fat-burning armoury.

Finally, fear not if things go belly-up… literally. Should you end up in the water there’s only one option - swim. Since swimming is accepted as the ultimate workout for total body improvements, a loss overboard could end up being your gain!

Luckily, if you fancy dipping your toe in the water, Leicester residents have one of the best locations right on our doorstep, at Rutland Water. Visit www.rutlandsc.co.uk for more information.

The Fat Loss Bible e-book£3.95 from www.deanhodgkin.com

This handbook was designed purely to give you the inspiration, motivation and education to achieve your weight loss goals. Compiled from various expert sources,

the easy-to-read format gives you practical advice that will enable you to understand how to make small changes to your diet that will make a big difference to your shape.

www.soarmagazine.co.ukwww.soarmagazine.co.uk

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soarlifestyle

Talented Leicester musician, Jersey Budd, outside his local pub, the Bulls Head in Countesthorpe

www.soarmagazine.co.ukwww.soarmagazine.co.uk

CURVE SPRINGS IN TO ACTIONQuarantine and Company Fierce

SUSAN & DARRENWed 19 – Sat 22 May, 7.45pm Susan Pritchard is Darren Pritchard’s mother. She is fifty-five and he is thirty. Darren lives at home with Susan, in the house he grew up in. Darren is a dancer. Susan cleans for Darren, and cleans professionally. They dance together at home to Althea and Donna, John Holt and Diana Ross. You’d spot that they were mother and son instantly.

You are now invited to help them prepare for one of their infamous parties, by joining them for a buffet, chat, drink and a dance after the show. Friends and neighbours will pop in via video interviews.

Meet Susan and Darren in a free pre-show dance workshop at 6.15pm that will alter the course of that night’s show. All ages and abilities are welcome. Pre-booking this Experience Curve activity is essential due to limited availability. Please book your place when booking for the performance.

Tickets: £12-£14, concessionary discounts available.

COMPETITIONFor the chance to win two tickets to see Ghost Boy on Tuesday 13 April, 7.45pm, simply answer the question:

Graffiti is another word to describe what kind of art?A. SculptureB. CeramicsC. Street Art

Send your answer, name, address and contact telephone number to Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB or e-mail your answer with SOAR COMPETITION in the subject line to [email protected]

Closing Date 5 April 2010. Terms and conditions: One entry per person. Tickets are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

20 Stories High, Contact and Birmingham Repertory Theatre

GHOST BOYTue 13 – Sat 17 April, 7.45pm Welcome to the Lemonade Estate. A place that people have forgotten, a place where the kids are running wild. Fusing Hip-hop theatre, mask and puppetry with live cello and beatbox, Ghost Boy is a unique, dynamic piece of theatre. The cast includes Tachia Newall (BBC’s Waterloo Road) and Everal A. Walsh (Channel 4’s Max and Paddy).

20 Stories High are one of the UK’s most vibrant and ground-breaking theatre companies, capturing the imagination of their audiences with bold, contemporary tales. Written and Directed by Keith Saha. Designed by Jo Peacock and street artist Sofiski.

Tickets: £10-£12, concessionary discounts available.

Ticket Office: 0116 242 3595Online: www.curveonline.co.uk

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A visually ravishing family fairy tale. Brilliantly inventive it’s guaranteed to capture the imagination of both children and adults. Ideal for ages 8+.

Teatro Kismet (Italy)

THE MERMAID PRINCESS

24 - 27 March

TICKETS: 0116 242 3595www.curveonline.co.ukCurve, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB Registered Charity No. 230708

A family searches for meaning and forgiveness after a random attack on their son. A search that brings them face to face with the killer.

Leicester Theatre Trust

THE LONG ROADBY SHELAGH STEPHENSON DIRECTOR ADEL AL-SALLOUM

12 - 27 March

Hitchcock becomes hilarious in this brilliant Olivier Award-winning Best New Comedy direct from the West End.

John Buchan’s

THE 39 STEPS 6 - 10 April

Slimey, squishy fun using actors and jaw-dropping 3D Bogglevision. Ideal for ages 6+

Birmingham Stage Company

HORRIBLE SCIENCE18 - 22 May


Two Leicestershire branches are leading the way and Soar visited the Loughborough bar to meet General Manager, Nick Taylor and hear about the culinary Revolution…

“Some people are unaware that Revolution does food. It’s fresh, seasonal and is prepared on site. As Revolution is also a nightclub, many people don’t understand that we’re open in the daytime.”

Nick is proud of the variety of food Revolution provides, including the healthy options on offer.

“A lot of fresh ingredients go into the recipes for the spring menu, which is themed around Great British bar food. It includes good old fashioned meals, like handmade burgers, pizzas and platters.

Ask people what they think of the Revolution bars

and the most common response is likely to be vodka. That perception is something the chain is trying to change by offering high quality, fresh food and a more family and business friendly atmosphere.

“There will be healthy eating spring specials, including fresh vegetables and seasonal produce. We do five different menus a year, one for each season and then a Christmas one.”

The freshness of the food and providing a classy, yet relaxed dining experience is crucial to keeping customers happy. Nick is confident that Revolution does just that.

CULINARYREVOLUTION

“We offer healthy food, with quite a few salads and low carbohydrate options. We have highchairs and baby changing units, with the aim of being as family friendly as possible.

“With signature dishes like the Vodka Pizza and Vodka Burger, we have something that is exclusive to us.”

Both were sampled by three hungry Soar reporters and the freshness and quality was abundantly clear from the first bite. The vodka taste doesn’t overpower either dish, but adds a little extra to each mouthful.

The pizza was cooked to perfection and generously covered in chicken, chorizo, chilli, balsamic glaze and rocket. The beef in the burger was tender and perfectly cooked, with sumptuous sides, including onion rings and chunky chips.

The Loughborough bar has a capacity of 700, but sees a lot more visitors on a busy Saturday night.

“We advise people to join the guestlist through Facebook, book a table in advance, or simply arrive early to avoid disappointment, as we can be very busy at the weekends. We also encourage people to provide photo ID as we operate an ID scan system that increases the safety of our customers and staff, providing a more enjoyable atmosphere.”

Revolution Leicester

41

Offering more of a premium service is a major factor in targeting the required clientele, as Nick explained.

“We want people to enjoy the food and want them to come back. We are confident about the quality of our products and service, and offer great value for money with our privilege card. Anyone can pick this up for just £4, saving you hundreds of pounds all year round.”

Traditionally very popular with students and young people on a night out, Revolution now has something to offer throughout the day and until the early hours of the morning.

Visitors can eat until the end of the night, and a greasy kebab in the taxi ride home from a club could be a thing of the past, as Revolution offer a take out service for their freshly prepared pizzas.

“We offer our full menu until 9pm and pizzas until we close. These can be taken away until 4am if required and they do that at the Leicester branch as well.”

Aside from student nights on Mondays and privilege card offers such as two for one discounts, Revolution are also hoping to attract

local business people.

The ‘Fifteen Minute Promise’ is an offer for people eating lunch between 11am and 2pm. If the food isn’t on your table within 15 minutes of you placing your order then it comes for free.

“We are targeting business people for meetings and working lunches. If your food doesn’t come within fifteen minutes then it’s free. That’s an incentive for people. They might be in a rush or have important meetings afterwards and cannot afford to wait.

“If you’re on a tight schedule and there’s quite a few of you, you can either call or drop us an email and make payment over the phone too.”

Nick has been with Revolution for seven and a half years, spending

three and a half of those at the Leicester branch and a year at Loughborough, experiencing the transformation of the bar’s image at first hand.

“There have been massive changes over the years. When I started, food wasn’t really something that we did, apart from sandwiches.

“As the company has developed it’s become more food focused. It used to be all about the vodka, now it’s also about the food and the service.”

The spring menu runs from March 14th to June 10th 2010. See page 47 for voucher offers.

Revolution Loughborough

For further information visit www.revolution-bars.co.uk

Join Revs on Facebook to receive latest offers. Search ‘Revolution Loughborough’ or ‘Revolution Leicester’.

Revolution Leicester. 6b New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TFRevolution Loughborough. 13-14 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1TG


A TASTE OF ITALY


It was the place to be during the halcyon days of the Martin O’Neill era, often packed full with household names such as Izzet, Heskey and Walsh, but Il Baffone sadly faded from the limelight and was neglected. Until now. New owner, Massimo Torre, has overseen a substantial makeover, bringing the venue up to contemporary standards, whilst paying homage to the glory days…

“Baffone is simply about the atmosphere. We produce great Italian food and we are passionate about people having a good time, so that they come back to visit us and tell their friends about Baffone.”

Located on Humberstone Road, Il Baffone is so close to the Cultural Quarter and the bustling shopping areas of Humberstone Gate, Leicester Market and Highcross Leicester. So close, infact, that you can almost smell Naples and Rome wafting out of the kitchen and in to the city.

“I had to get the food right before anything else. Between the Chef, Carlos, and myself, we use the influences of my home city, Naples and my favourite city, Rome, to create an exciting mix of quality Italian food, hopefully just like my mother makes.”

The reference to family is close to Massimo’s heart. From watching, learning and eventually helping his mother to prepare meals for the whole family as a youngster, to creating an authentic Italian menu for the customers he refers to as his ‘family’, there is a genuine enthusiasm for his role and for the restaurant.

“Baffone is a way of life for me. This is not a job, it is true love. During the week, this is a quiet venue for couples, families and friends to enjoy the food. At weekends, it is party time when the Karaoke comes out and the guests become the stars of the show.”

But Massimo has ensured that one star will shine brightest at Baffone. As soon as he took over ownership of the restaurant

he called the venue’s favourite son, probably the city’s favourite adopted son, former Leicester City Captain, Steve Walsh.

“I asked Walshy if he would like to be involved again. I know how much Baffone means to him and how many great memories he has of the place. Having Steve involved is great as the people of Leicester love him and he loves them.”

Walsh will be helping with promotions and marketing, as well as hosting events at the venue. Just one look at the walls tells the story of a proud sporting association for the venue, as City’s Wembley winner explains.

“A lot of the shirts on the walls were donated by friends of mine, former City stars like Muzzy Izzet and Neil Lennon. We also have some unique items such as Kiko’s shirt from our UEFA Cup battle against Athletico Madrid and David Seaman who gave me a shirt for my testimonial year in 1997.

“I had some incredible days and nights here. It was like a second home. We would all pile in on Fridays after training to devour huge bowls of pasta and more often than not we were here celebrating after a victory on a Saturday. I’m sure there’ll be many more nights of

4�

O n October 15th, The City Rooms celebrated their third birthday. The Parmar

family, owners of The City Rooms, rewarded suppliers, staff and regular clients who had contributed along the way by throwing a lavish black tie, six-course dinner and after dinner dancing as a celebration of the venue’s continued achievements.

Following a two year restoration, the historical venue has been brought back to life and business is booming.

First built in 1792, with the intention to be used as Leicester’s inaugural hotel, the venue has had a variety of uses, including coffee house, banqueting rooms and even as the

4�

celebration to come.”

Massimo, who played football in Italy to a reasonable level himself, is keen to see Leicester City return to the Premier League, but it was Napoli and a certain Diego Maradona who ignited his love of the game.

“Maradona was a god in Naples. He changed Italian football forever. If I could be half as good a restaurateur as he was a footballer then Baffone will be a huge success!”

The likeable and engaging Italian may not quite live up to his hero’s status, but the improvements at Baffone are clear to see. New

flooring, refurbished bathroom facilities, contemporary decoration and a new menu, including his own favourites such as fresh mussels, king prawns, fillet steak and a classic Neapolitan pizza, guarantees that every taste will be catered for.

All of which, thanks to Massimo, Walshy and some help from the family, ensures that there’ll be a corner of Leicester city centre that will be forever Italy.

Il Baffone is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12pm-2.30pm and 6.30pm-11pm. Based 10-12 Humberstone Road, Leicester, call 0116 253 7567 to book. Functions and parties available, with Karaoke at weekends.

“Maradona was a god in Naples. He changed Italian football forever. If I could be half as good a restaurateur as he was a footballer then Baffone will be a huge success!”


Jersey Budd has always done things his own way. From leaving school at sixteen to become a plumber, to changing his name by deed poll, the talented Leicester musician is nothing if not determined. So much so, that after a stack of offers to release his debut album, Wonderlands through major record labels, he elected instead to go alone, allowing fans to invest in his band...

“I just wanted to get an album out, but the industry can be full of bullshit. People want one smash hit and then to send you out with writers or something like that. I don’t think people believed in me, but that was all I needed in terms of motivation.”

Budd has used that motivation to great success during a tour of the UK and more recently Germany, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. As his stock rises beyond humble beginnings in Countesthorpe, so too does anticipation for his second album.

“There’s a song called ‘Your Love Is My Release’, which is like a Velvet Underground number, a bit rockier and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I’m going for a heavier sound. I don’t want to talk in clichés,

BUDDING TO BE THE BOSS

but it reflects another chapter in my life. Last year I split up from a relationship. I’m not suddenly ‘woe is me’, writing silly love songs, but I’ve used that to inspire me and get going.”

That inspiration to write meaningful, hit songs was evident in the dreamy melodies of ‘She Came Back’, through to the gutsy beauty of ‘Visions of You’, which have earned Jersey’s band the mutual respect of

the public and critics alike. Being inspired is admirable, but how does the 25-year-old channel those thoughts in to lyrics?

“I write personally. Weller, Springsteen and Dylan were very much about politics and social issues, where as Lennon wrote about his own experiences, like in ‘I’m So Tired’. I don’t know enough about politics, so I write about how I feel.”

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One thing that Jersey didn’t feel like doing was hanging around at school any longer. Never a trouble-maker whilst in education, he was lured in to the working world after seeing older friends with cash on the hip, as well as the excitement for the life he was yet to taste.

“I loved Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ album and the song ‘No Surrender’. In particular the lyrics, ‘We busted out of class had to get away from those fools, we learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school’. That’s what my dad drilled in to me. My mum encouraged me to do my homework, but my dad wanted me out playing with my mates.”

He must have known something. Countesthorpe’s environment would appear to be a catalyst in helping to produce talented musicians, including Leicester’s finest, Kasabian, as Jersey explains.

“There must be something here, or in the beer at least! Tom (Meighan) used to do Karaoke in here, but perhaps it’s just a coincidence, I don’t know. They are the greatest band in the world, yet you still see them around Countesthorpe which I’ve got a lot of respect for.”

That’s not the end of Jersey’s links to the anthemic four-piece either.

“We used to play with John Meighan, Tom’s brother, who is a fantastic musician. Kasabian have always helped us out. When someone like Serge (Pizzorno) gives you the belief to go out and do it on your own it’s amazing. He set us up with our manager, Mikey, in London about four years ago and it’s been unbelievable since. We’ve played the Albert Hall, Glastonbury and toured Germany.”

Despite the thrill of tours across Europe and beyond, Budd is proud of Leicester and the people close to

him. A big fan of Leicester City he’s made it along to as many games as possible this season.

“It’s home, my roots and means everything to me. I love the club and the city. The next album, whether consciously or not reflects that, especially through a song, ‘The Homecoming’, which I wrote on the way back from London.

“Leicester is a great city, with everything you want and people don’t seem to realise it. I love the place. We were voted one of the

most miserable places to live in the UK. Do me a favour!

“Those close to me would never allow me to become big time or get above my station. It’s like ‘Shameless’ in The Bulls Head at times, but I love all that!”

The idealistic Budd does himself a disservice. Dressed casually in jeans and t-shirt he insists that we meet in the Bulls Head pub. Being interviewed after finishing a frame of pool with the landlord, whilst slurping a mug of tea, are not the actions of someone who believes their own hype.

“I’m not that bothered about the fame and fortune. I smashed my old man’s car on the way to the Sun newspaper in London, so my first aim is to buy him a nice motor. That’s the dream, to treat him and my mum. As long as I can make a living from music, I’ll be happy.”

Anonymity may not be easy though, especially with a name like Jersey Budd.

“My old man has a nickname for everyone and he called me Jersey, after Jersey Joe Walcott, the boxer. When I started as a plumber, everyone would call me ‘bud’ so it just stuck. Definitely more rock ‘n’ roll though isn’t it?”

The change cost Jersey £11, with another £70 or so required for his passport. A bold move, but not exactly surprising for someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. So what was the inspiration for the motto on his website ‘Take a stand but never stand alone’?

“That came about from Tom, who wrote a song including the lyrics ‘Jersey Budd, come on take a stand’. There’s no great philosophy behind it, but it’s personal to me.”

Here is a modern musician with


honest, old-fashioned principles, merged with a contemporary approach to his industry. Referring to an incident with a representative from one of the record labels that were interested in him, you get a sense of those principles.

“For some bloke in a suit to tell me that a song I loved wasn’t good enough for my album was unbelievable. But things like that drive you on and as long as the fans like it that’s all that matters.”

Those fans that purchased ‘Wonderlands’ can expect much the same from album number two, with the obvious comparisons to ‘The Boss’.

Visit www.jerseybudd.com for up-to-date ticket and album information.

Thanks to Glen and Liz at the Bulls Head, Main Street, Countesthorpe for staging the interview with Jersey. Call 0116 2774510 for function hire and live bands.

“There’s no drastic change in me. I can see where the Springsteen connection comes from, but I won’t be swinging guitars around! People want to lose themselves in the music. He did that and I’ll be trying to do the same. I can’t wait to get back out there and go for it. If I can be half as good as my heroes that will be fine.”

You know what, he might do just that. Either way, Leicester can be proud of Jersey Budd, the man who changed his name and his career, but never lost sight of his dreams.

Those close to me would never allow me to become big time or get above my station.

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2-4-1PITCHERS(excludescelebrationpitchers) Offer subject to availability. This offer may be withdrawn at anytime. All rights reserved. Valid until 30 April 2010. Not in conjunction

with any other offer. This voucher can only be used in Revolution Leicester and Loughborough. We remind you to drink responsibly.

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SAVEMONEYNOWCut out the vouchers below and hand them to a member of staff to take advantage of these fantastic offers!

MONDAYS2-4-1burgersalldaylong

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WEDNESDAYSSteakNightfrom2pmSteak&drinkforjust£7.95**choose from a bottle of Peroni, a small glass of house wine or any soft drink

Revolution Leicester. 6b New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TFRevolution Loughborough. 13-14 Baxter Gate, Loughborough LE11 1TGwww.revolution-bars.co.uk


Words by Jon Reeves

the soarpointwith Vanessa Hawkinsand Lucy Brown

49

A team full of internationals, four Leicester players represented Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and many will have London 2012 in their sights. In January, Leicester became the National Indoor Champions at the finals in Nottingham. Two of the stars from that famous victory, captain Vanessa Hawkins and Lucy Brown, spoke to Soar Magazine about their achievements, the media’s coverage of hockey and their hopes for the future of the sport...

Jon Reeves: Tell us a bit about how you got into hockey... Lucy Brown: It was at school I played hockey in P.E. and my teacher set up a hockey team. I was playing a lot of squash at the time and she suggested I try hockey. I had to make a choice between the two when I was about 14. I chose hockey because it’s so much more fun being part of a team, especially when you’re part of a team that wants the same thing.

Vanessa Hawkins: I began playing in the last couple of years of primary school. We started having hockey lessons and I picked it up quite quickly and carried on playing at senior school where I had some great coaches. I’ve always been sporty and used to play football before I started hockey. I’m from Lichfield originally and Leicester were the best nearby club and I wanted to play for the best, so that’s what brought me here.

JR: Did you have any sporting heroes when you were younger or anybody that inspired you to get

soarpointLeicester Hockey Club is one of the most

successful women’s teams in the country. Currently leading the way in the National

Premier League title race and on an impressive unbeaten run, Leicester have finished top of the Premier League pile three times in the last five years and five times in total.

involved with hockey? VH: For me it’s former England and GB player, Jane Sixsmith. We’ve got a similar background. She’s from near to where I’m from and used to play for a nearby team. Also, Jane Swinnerton who played for England and Britain.

LB: If I was going to say one person I’d probably say Jennie Bimson (Leicester teammate). I’ve always looked up to her, she’s an absolute legend, an Olympian and I’ve always wanted to be as good as she is.

JR: Do you think hockey gets enough recognition from the media? LB: No, not at all. The girls that are centralised in the England team at the moment live down at Bisham Abbey and they train full-time, more than Premier League footballers

do. They get enough money to live off but nothing more. They don’t get the financial benefit or enough media coverage, which is wrong because if you actually watch the game played at the highest level, it’s really fast, enjoyable and exciting.

The National Indoor hockey had some good coverage on Sky and a lot of people hadn’t seen hockey on TV before. I know England Hockey had to pay Sky so that they would have it on TV. Obviously, I’m biased because I really enjoyed it, but more televised events is key.

VH: If I’m being honest, hockey doesn’t get enough media coverage. Shorter skirts would definitely help! But seriously, I think success attracts the media. It was great that the National Indoor Championships were on Sky as it gave people the chance to see world-class players on the big screen. With the men’s and women’s national teams improving, it is generating more interest from the media and coming up to London 2012, hopefully that will continue.

JR: Tell us a bit more about winning the National Indoor Championship...VH: It was fantastic and a bit unexpected. In the past we’ve probably not taken the indoor game that seriously. It was a fantastic experience and an honour to lift the trophy. The indoor game is really different. The pitch is smaller and the pace of the game is much


quicker. Your skills have got to be perfect too as you don’t get much time on the ball.

LB: We don’t get to play in front of crowds like that very often. When the lights went down at the Trent FM Arena I had really bad butterflies in my stomach! It was really good fun and to win it with my best mates made it even more special.

JR: Tell us a bit about the stature and success of the club? VH: We’ve got a great tradition and have had some great players over the years. All the coaches at the club at all levels do an excellent job to help the club keep its tradition of success and there’s a great junior set up as well.

LB: The club’s got a great tradition of winning and that’s something we’d like to carry on. I look around

at our squad and it’s unbelievable. When you’re in the changing room and you look up and see people like Crista Cullen, Chloe Rogers, Jennie Bimson and Macca (Hannah MacLeod), you think ‘bloody hell I’m lucky to be in the team.’

JR: There must be a real competition for places but a good team spirit as well? LB: Without a doubt, there’s a lot of banter that flies around. We just have so much fun and that’s part of the reason we do so well.

VH: The team spirit is great and there is a fantastic atmosphere at training and at games. We really are all the best of friends and that definitely helps us on the pitch. Training is never any lighter than matches. In fact, our training sessions are probably more aggressive!

JR: Are the 2012 GB Olympics something you’re aiming for and do you expect a few of your teammates to be involved? LB: It’s difficult because they’re centralised so the girls in the England set up now are kind of established there. I had a taster of how challenging European hockey is two years ago when we competed

in Cologne and would love to help Leicester make history by winning that competition.

VH: I first played for England representative sides when I was 12 and went on to play at under 16, 18 and 21 level. I was also capped 15 times for the senior side. When my opportunity with England came, the programme got more intense and I had a lot of work on with my finals at University. I think I’ve probably missed that opportunity with England now unfortunately.

JR: Has hockey changed a lot in the last decade or so?VH: The fitness and the body shape of the girls has definitely changed. All the girls are slender and there’s no fat on them at all. There’s much more focus and determination, and the girls dedicate their lives to playing the sport. The professionalism of the game has developed unrecognisably over the years.

Photo: Ady Kerry

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soarpointLB: If you look at the average person that played hockey when I was at school, they were big girls and perhaps not as fit. It’s all based on speed and stamina now. You can be the best player in the world, not be fit enough and not get into our team or the England team. Playing on the synthetic pitches changed the game massively and made it considerably quicker.

JR: Do all of the girls have full-time jobs alongside playing? LB: The England girls play hockey four or five days a week and some of them work part-time as well. Although they get pay from their centralised contracts, it’s a shame that with hockey being an amateur game they have to work and can’t concentrate on the sport full-time. I work in marketing for Red Bull. When I first started working I was always absolutely knackered. I don’t have to miss many games as I work Monday to Friday.

VH: It is frustrating to miss games

due to work commitments, but it’s very rare. I work for a sports clothing company called Under Armour. Which reminds me, I’ve got to say a quick thank you to our sponsors, Pukka Pies, for their fantastic support.

JR: What are your thoughts on Leicestershire? LB: I’m a southerner originally from Chichester but I went to Loughborough University and after finishing I stayed up here for work. There was one point I probably would’ve moved back home if it wasn’t for playing for Leicester. I live in Nottingham, but we spend a lot of time in Leicestershire and it’s lovely.

VH: I live in Nottingham too, but Leicester is a great place and it’s an excellent place for sport. There are top sides like Leicester Tigers. We attended the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards recently and you realise just what a great place Leicestershire is for sport.

To follow the progress of Lucy, Vanessa and Leicester Hockey Club, visit www.leicesterhc.co.uk

Photo: Ady Kerry

JR: The team has enjoyed an incredible unbeaten run. That must be great for confidence? LB: Each week is another challenge and a potential banana skin. It’s about getting the mental approach right and making sure we play the way we have been.

VH: I think that once you get into the habit of winning, anything else is simply not good enough. The expectations are now so high going into every game and the pressure to win is even higher.

JR: What are your ambitions for the future? LB: To win every competition that Leicester enters, to play the best that I can and if I got another England call-up, that would be great.

VH: For me it’s to win the European Cup. If you ask any player, playing European hockey is the most enjoyable part of the game. You’re playing against the best players in the world with your teammates. It’s a massive focus for Leicester to win the next Europeans.


inpictures

Photos: Leicester Mercury. Event production:

The 13th Leicester Mercury Sports Awards were held at the Walkers Stadium, on Thursday January 21st, with Leicester Tigers’ Tom Croft and England’s Nicky Shaw named sportsman and sportswoman of the year, respectively. The Neville Hamilton Award, presented by his family, went to Special Olympics Leicester.

Pictured below are the great and good of Leicestershire sport from grassroots to professional level. Congratulations to them all.

soar magazine 08

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