soar magazine issue 15

For all your design and print needs:

or CALL 0116 242 2851

Leicester Printing Solutions

www.soarprint.co.uk

FLYERSBUSINESS CARDS

LETTERHEADSLEAFLETS

ROLLER BANNERS+ MUCH MORE

www.soarmagazine.co.uk

Indoor climbing is one of the country’s fastest growing sports. It’s fun, exciting, everyone can have a go and above all it is safe!

The Tower Climbing Centre based at Leicester Leys Leisure Centre is the East Midlands’ highest and most extensive climbing facility. It provides a number of adventurous activities, climbing and mountaineering skills training and coaching programmes, tailored to all levels.

The Climbing Centre has three climbing areas…

- The Tower 15m lead wall- The Bouldering Wall with an Arch & Cave- The Bloc 5-6m training room with 12 bottom

ropes

Open: Monday - Friday: 2pm till 9.30pmSaturday: 10am till 5:00pmSunday: 9am till 3pm

5

Editor’sCommentAs we approach the festive period and thoughts begin to turn to the New Year and making resolutions, many of Leicestershire’s top clubs will be determined to ensure a fresh start to 2012.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s departure from Leicester City and the subsequent return of Nigel Pearson as manager, kept the Foxes firmly in the national spotlight for a speculation-filled fortnight, but now the message is clear; the team have a job to do and they are fully-focused on just that. Read our take on Pearson’s return and an exclusive interview with City’s man between the sticks, Kasper Schmeichel, in this issue.

Across the road from King Power Stadium, Leicester Tigers are dusting themselves down after a slow start to the season, as many of their players continue to shake off a World Cup hangover. Tom Croft talks frankly to us about both topics while Tigers legend, Dean Richards, a man looking for a fresh start in 2012, provides an insight into his future ambitions as a return to the game beckons.

2012 is clearly a massive year for sport, with the London Olympic and Paralympic Games set to take centre stage. We hear from Great Britain triple-jump legend Jonathan Edwards and Leicestershire-based medal hopefuls, Liam Tancock and Leon Baptiste.

In another bumper issue, we also catch up with Leicestershire’s T20 hero Josh Cobb, hockey starlet Josie Inverdale, Leicester Riders guard Cameron Rundles, Leicester West MP Liz Kendall and one of the city’s most original musical acts, Free Control.

Enjoy your Christmas and have a happy New Year - hopefully with the help of some positive results for our sports teams - and we’ll be back with you in March as the football, rugby, basketball and hockey seasons approach their climax.

LineupSoar Sport 08 Nigel Pearson

12 Lucy Garner

14 Cameron Rundles

20 Tom Croft

24 Liam Tancock

28 ICON: Dean Richards

30 2012: Year of Sport

32 Bex Rimmington

34 Josie Inverdale

38 Josh Cobb

40 Jonathan Edwards

42 Leon Baptiste

Soar Health 46 NHS A&E

48 Dean Hodgkin

49 SAQ® International

50 Fit 4 Football

53 Marc Sagal

56 NHS Stop! Smoking Soar Lifestyle60 Young People’s Awards

68 Free Control

74 InPictures: Nigel Pearson’s Foxes Return

76 SoarPoint: Kasper Schmeichel

80 Liz KendallJon Reeves, Editor

Thanks: Jason Attwood, Leon Baptiste, Tina Barton, Josh Cobb,

John Coster, Tom Croft, Jonathan Edwards, Free Control, Lucy Garner,

Lady Gretton, Dean Hodgkin, Jayne Hough, Steve Humphries, Josie

Inverdale, Chloe Jones, Liz Kendall, Chris Kilby, Pat Kirby, Mark

Meason, Dan Mitchinson, Simon Moody, Alan Pearson, Nigel Pearson,

Tom Rees, Dean Richards, Bex Rimmington, Cameron Rundles , Marc

Sagal, Marianne Sharpe, Kasper Schmeichel, Liam Tancock, Ian Trott,

Surj Virk, Ray Wood, Billie Wright,

Soar Magazine is produced by Soar Media LtdPhoenix Square, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TGT: 0116 242 2851 E: [email protected]

Editor: Jon Reeves Design: Lewis-Ethan HealeyContributor: Chris MortleyAdvertising: Kunal Jogia 0116 242 2851Photos: Soar Photo & PA Photos

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.

Editor’s Comment in association with:


Weddings o Family o Portfolios o EventsCivil Partnerships o Children o Products o Sport

www.soarphoto.co.uk

To request your FREE consultation contact:t: 0116 273 9418 | m: 07944 844 111 | e: [email protected]

Capture the Moment...

Photographers to:

Launch Event

Our photographers pride themselves on a friendly yet professional service.

soarsport

Leicester City striker Jermaine Beckford bursts forward as the Foxes defeat Crystal Palace 3-0 in Nigel Pearson’s first game back in charge.


When Nigel Pearson and Leicester City parted ways in June 2010 there was a sense from people around the club, those in the game and the Foxes supporters that the best man for the job was departing with so much left to achieve.

In the space of two seasons Pearson guided the Foxes back from League One oblivion to challenging at the top of the Championship, narrowly missing out on Premier League promotion.

In football the term unfinished business is used all too readily but where Nigel Pearson and Leicester City is concerned, it is an extremely accurate assessment, even if the man himself is unlikely to provide the media with such an obvious sound bite.

When the 48-year-old former Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough centre back was unveiled by the Foxes for the second time, he

talked openly and frankly about the reasons behind his return and his determination to bring even more success to the club.

“I am delighted to be back here. I like positive pressure. I don’t feel the fact that the expectations are high is going to interfere with how I work. I get a very positive feel for the place. I’ve been here before but that doesn’t mean that things will be exactly the same as they were.

The club is in a different position in terms of ownership. It’s a big challenge and one that I’m really looking forward to.

“I didn’t expect it, I didn’t see it coming, but I’m very pleased to be here. It’s a club which I have an affinity with. I had a very good time here before and I think there is an awful lot of potential for us to achieve the aspirations that the owners have. It’s a very difficult

BACK TO THE FUTURE

“I’m very pleased to be here. It’s a club which I have an affinity with.”

9

SPORT

league and the hardest thing in the Championship is to be consistently successful. I believe we’ve got a very strong squad and it’s a unique opportunity for me and my staff.”

Faced with a very different Leicester City to the one he left 18 months ago, in terms of finances, the board, expectations and playing staff, Pearson remains focused on his abilities and how, alongside his backroom staff, he intends to take the club forward.

“I’m always confident in my own ability and the support staff. I know I’ll have the backing of the board and how keen they are for the club to be successful. It’s a big club with huge potential and the missing ingredient at the moment is Premier League status.

“The ambition of the owners has been reflected in the expenditure, but I am of the opinion that it isn’t just about going out and spending money. Firstly, I have to get the best out of the players here and they have an opportunity to perform and show what they can do. I am sure, if we are in a competitive position in January, the support will be there. With the recruitment policy we have adopted, we always do our homework. However much you spend the same criteria applies in terms of making sure they are the right type of player and people. We will still be that thorough, regardless of the money.”

Members of the local media were certainly kept on their toes by Pearson’s return and the same is likely to apply to the players, but Nigel won’t be making any snap judgements.

“We have a good blend of players here and now it’s about giving

them a bit of leadership. It’s about looking forward and trying to create a spirit within the club in which there is optimism for the future. My timescale might be shorter than the board’s because we want to achieve success.

“It’s very difficult to keep a squad of players happy but they will be treated fairly and if they perform well enough they will retain their place. I go into this with an open mind and people have a clean slate in as much as the onus is very much on the players. This game is about players and my job is to facilitate success out on the pitch and that is the bottom line. It is about playing winning football. When you have good players and they are confident, you will play good football.”

Not one to dwell on positives or negatives from the past, Nigel was keen to emphasise that his only focus is the future.

“The decision that I made 18 months ago was based upon what I felt was right at that time. It hasn’t clouded my judgement in terms of what I feel is the right move for me. I don’t feel it’s in anybody’s interest to talk about negatives. There’s quite a big job to be done here in terms of getting the season up and running, so I don’t want to dwell on the past.

“What’s gone has gone and what’s important now is to move on. The club has moved on considerably and this is another excellent opportunity. There’s going to be a lot of hard work to do again.

“My job is to facilitate success out on the pitch and that is the bottom line.”


I’m not naïve enough to think that things will change overnight.”

When pushed further on the expectations in front of him and the pressures faced by modern day managers, Pearson was more philosophical.

“We’ve got an awful long way to go to earn the right of playing in the Premier League. It is very tough to get there, certainly automatically and the play-offs, as I’ve experienced, can be very difficult. It does appear that these days, if you’re an English manager, you’ve probably got to take a club up to manage in the Premier League.

“I think the average tenure of a Championship manager is less than ten months and those are the sort of conditions we work in. I know what the expectation is here, not just from the owners but from the fans as well. We expect to be successful ourselves.”

Pearson’s expectations are clearly matched by the club’s Thai owners, as well as the Foxes faithful. Unfinished business? A homecoming? Whatever labels are put on his return, Nigel Pearson is unlikely to pay much attention to them. His sole focus is recreating a positive team spirit that ensures a winning identity and future success for Leicester City.

SOAR ARCHIVEBack in December 2008, six months into his first reign at Leicester City, Soar Magazine spoke to Nigel Pearson to assess his early impressions of the club and how he planned to take the Foxes forward.

“I knew it was a big club, with a great tradition, but understood that we were probably in the worst position in the club’s history. However, I took it as a great opportunity to come in and have an influence. As a player, I played against Leicester on numerous occasions and I’m fully aware of what the supporters expect. “First and foremost, this is a results business and throughout the club we have to strive to improve upon what we have started. It’s important that we aim beyond the short-term as well as focusing on the results. We’ll reassess how far we can go as we go along, but of course, we have the infrastructure to support a Premier League side.

SPORT

“It is essential that our preparation is spot on. We focus on all aspects such as recovery, nutrition and the opposition. Our staff are exceptional, but all that matters to most people is what happens during the ninety minutes on the pitch. Crucially, we have attempted to create a culture where everyone feels a part of the success and strives to achieve our collective goals.”

11

If you’re looking to hold a conference or meeting during January, February or March 2012 Leicester City Football Club has ‘THE’ package for you! At only £25 plus VAT per delegate our exclusive “Welcome to 2012” Day Delegate Package has everything you need to ensure your conference or meeting is a resounding success. The package includes:

• Main meeting room hire• LCD Projector and Screen• Car Parking• Freshly brewed tea and coffee served with biscuits• A lunch choice of either homemade soup served with freshly baked bread or Chef’s choice finger buffet• Unlimited jugs of iced water• Freshly brewed tea and coffee served with Chef’s homemade treats

For further information on this package please contact our Venue Sales Team today on 0844 815 7000 option 1 or email [email protected] Offer is valid from Monday 2nd January 2012 until Friday 30th March 2012.

• Terms and Conditions apply.• Offer is subject to availability and football fixtures.

Call 0844 815 7000 Email [email protected] www.lcfcevents.co.uk

CONFERENCESAt King Power Stadium

The perfect package for your event!

ONLY

plus VAT£25


FOCUS • LUCY GARNER • LUCY GARNER • LUCY GARNER • LUCY GARNER •

When Lucy Garner crossed the line to become Junior World Road Race Champion in September, she certainly didn’t do it the easy way. After an early crash left her adrift from the field, the 17-year-old Cosby cyclist fought her way back into contention before a stunning sprint finish sealed first place and thrust her into the limelight.

Cycling is in the Garner family genes and inspired Lucy to take up the sport at an early age, as she explained.

“Both my grandparents were racing cyclists and my dad and uncle did quite a bit as well, so I’ve been

involved in cycling all of my life. I watched a few mountain bike races and decided that I really wanted to get involved with the sport and started racing when I was eight.

“At first, my dad was my main influence but once I joined the Leicestershire Road Club, Graham McLay was a really big influence because he started my training diaries and told me which races to do.”

So did Lucy have a natural talent for cycling straight away?

“No, not at all. I remember going up against the lads and they completely left me standing and I said I’d never do it again because

I was so bad, but I kept going and I’m glad I did!”

In the build up to her life-changing World Championship victory, Lucy relished the opportunity of training alongside some of Great Britain’s most talented cyclists.

“It was a great experience to go out with the whole team amongst the likes of Mark Cavendish and Nicole Cook and they’re people I look up to. Training with Nicole was really, really good.”

Lucy’s memories of becoming World Champion are still fresh, as she recalls battling back from a disappointing start and how she felt after crossing the line.

13

“The race itself was pretty hectic, everything seemed to happen. Once you’re in there you don’t really think about anything. When I did crash, I knew I just had to get on with it, get back on and work towards the bunch. I couldn’t believe it when I crossed the line first, it was mad!

“I was really emotional at the end. I remember seeing my coach jumping up and down and then all the paparazzi coming over. I’ve never had that before, especially after the race, when I’m not looking that great!”

The victory took the talented teenager by surprise even though she was relatively confident going into the race.

“We’d raced against some of the riders before. Two weeks earlier we were against the Canadians and Australians in the Commonwealth Games, and did really well as a team. I knew I could be competitive but I didn’t know who was going to be the strongest in the sprint. Once I got to the last kilometre I thought I might have a chance of getting in the top ten or five, but I never thought of winning.”

So did all the hard hours of training seem worthwhile as Lucy pedalled herself back into the race?

“Definitely. All year that has been my biggest aim because racing on the road is what I like doing the most. Obviously I have been training really hard but on the Olympic Development Programme they have taught us to do everything ourselves. A lot of the other girls who crashed in my race didn’t know what to do with their bikes. As soon as I crashed I knew exactly what to do, so the ODP

brought me on in that way, as well as riding and training.”

A full-time student at Countesthorpe College, Garner is managing her time to ensure that her training doesn’t suffer and she can still enjoy a social life.

“I have got quite a bit of work but I seem to fit it in. I don’t really do that many miles yet. At the weekend I’ll do three or four on Saturday and Sunday. It’s just turbo sessions which last about an hour, or on the road for two hours. There’s a little bit of time for socialising. I like to go shopping, to the cinema and out for meals.”

As a Go Gold Ambassador, Lucy talked about how the funding has benefited her.

“Go Gold have helped a lot with travel expenses and with bike equipment. I’m on a team called Motorpoint and I do get funding from them, but Go Gold have helped with things like inner tubes and other bits and bobs. It’s a really expensive sport because you

need different bikes for different disciplines.”

As well as the confidence her recent success has brought, a dose of realism dilutes Lucy’s future ambitions.

“I’m too young for next year’s Olympics so I’m hopefully going for Rio in 2016. I’m still going to be a junior next year so, hopefully, I’ll be doing all of this year’s races again. I’m going to try and train a bit harder and see how it all goes.”

Despite being one of Leicestershire’s few World Champions, Lucy Garner remains level-headed and focused on achieving even more.

“I couldn’t believe it when I crossed the line first, it was mad!”

SPORT

For more information on Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport’s Go Gold Talented Athlete Fund visit:www.lrsport.org/gogold


Cameron Rundles. Remember that name because if the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders fulfil their potential this year, one thing is for sure; Cameron Rundles will be at the centre of it.

It’s a bold statement considering that the British Basketball League season is a mere few months old and that this is Rundles’ first season playing in it. However, such is the impact that the 23-year-old is making, it is a statement with foundation.

The Minnesota-born point guard became one of North America’s highly-rated youngsters whilst playing for Wofford College, and was one of many new faces brought to Leicester during the summer by Riders head coach, Rob Paternostro. Despite his short time with the team, it hasn’t taken Cameron long to settle into his new home.

“Leicester has been a great place to come. My new team-mates have been great in showing me around. I live with Bradd Wierzbicki and he has been at Leicester Riders before.

He has been able to show me the ropes and he’s still a young guy. I used to live with Rob Youngblood (Riders’ veteran centre) and he showed me the ropes – but he’s an old guy! The city is great and we’ve been out a few times. They party a little harder than I can handle, but I’m having fun and I like it.”

The social aspect is a bonus for Rundles, who admits that he is just happy to be given the chance to play professional basketball.

“I always wanted to play professionally and people will say ‘at least they speak English!’ But to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Everything I have seen I have liked and I’ve not been homesick. I’d be happy to move my family out here.”

There’s no doubt that winning games makes settling into a new home easier – and the Riders have got off to a good start this season, with Rundles proving an influential addition to the team.

“We’re playing well and we have brought in some valuable additions

who have put the stamp on what the season could be worth. Rob (Paternostro) is trying to steadily improve the team because he thinks that this could be a big year for us and I have to agree.

“There’s a belief that we could win something this year. I’m a winner and we have winners in our team. I’ve been lucky in the sense that, everywhere I have been we have won. I haven’t played professionally before, but I would like to win something here too.”

LET’S GET READY TO RUNDLES

Photo : Ville Vuorinen

15

SPORT

Under the enthusiastic Paternostro, Rundles has the ability to work with one of British basketball’s top coaches and a man who knows the BBL inside-out through his time playing as a point guard for numerous clubs.

“Rob is the best coach I have had. I have had some great coaches, but it’s great to play for a point guard that played both in America and in England. There are some similarities to myself; he has the same level of emotion as I do but I think he’s a little rowdier than I am!

“But that’s how I picture myself. I’m enthusiastic, a leader and I want to win and compete. He has shown me a lot of things that have helped my game. He was an under-sized point guard who played overseas and gained experience, so I have been able to learn from that.”

Basketball fans in Leicester are famed for their understanding of the game and the performances of Rundles and co. has seen the John Sandford Centre packed to the rafters for every home game so far this season.

“Our fans are so knowledgeable. I’ve been really impressed and we’ve got the best fanbase in the league. When the fans are in full voice, I admit, I play a little better and I like to bring them into the game. I’m an entertainer, I’m a basketball player and I love to do this. I’d play over here until I couldn’t walk anymore!”

Rundles’ outgoing nature is infectious and he is clearly a player who wears his heart on his sleeve. There is no doubt that he will give everything for the Riders’ cause this season – and is unlikely to stop until he lifts a trophy with his first professional club.

“When the fans are in full voice, I admit, I play a little better.”

Saturday January 28 Sheffield Sharks

Saturday January 28 Glasgow Rocks

All games tip-off at 7.30pm.

Saturday December 10Durham Wildcats

Saturday January 21Milton Keynes Lions

Saturday January 28Glasgow Rocks

Saturday Feburary 4Sheffield Sharks

Saturday February 25Glasgow Rocks

All games tip-off at 7.30pm.

At the John Sandford Sports Centre


One of Great Britain’s most successful athletes and the perfect role model for young sports stars all over the UK, Jonathan Edwards CBE triple jumped his way to Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European victory throughout a glittering career and still holds the 18.29 metre world record for the sport.

In his role as Deputy Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group, Jonathan recently visited venues across Leicester and Leicestershire to experience firsthand the work taking place around the county that has been inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The legendary athlete talked exclusively to Soar Magazine about his Olympic memories and how the spirit of the Games is touching the whole country.

Jonathan, as you travel around the country are you beginning to notice the impact the Games are having? “As part of the original bid team that spoke to the IOC (International

Olympic Committee) about it being a UK-wide games, it’s incredibly exciting to see how that has happened and how individual communities have responded. Outside the regeneration of East London, the key legacy is about getting young people fit and active.

“With any education you need a point of interest and a spark which captures the children’s imagination and the Olympics and the Paralympics provide that. I went to a school that really valued sport, and the importance of giving young people the chance to take part in sport will be the key legacy for me.”

You’ve had chance to meet some of Leicestershire’s talented young athletes, what advice have you given them? “Laura Samuel is a very good triple-jumper, probably knocking on the door of selection for the Olympics. It’s great that these youngsters are involved in the Go Gold scheme, what they’ve achieved is a great inspiration to other young athletes.

“In a sense this is the time that they least need advice from me because

the motivation is so clear. If they’re not going to train like they’ve never trained before over the next six months then they might as well hang up their spikes now and go and get a regular job. I think it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve chatted a bit to the triple-jumpers about that event and what I did at different times of the year.”

It took you a bit longer to claim Olympic gold, did that make it even more satisfying?“It’s about perseverance. I was 34 when I won in Sydney and there was

OLYMPIC FOCUS:WITH JONATHAN EDWARDS

Photo: Neil Hoyle photography

17

a sense of really appreciating what it meant. Having gone to the previous games in Atlanta as a hot favourite and coming second, I knew how easily I might not win, even though I was the number one jumper in the world. When it does come together you realise how fortunate and blessed you are to win an Olympic Games.”

And you’ve still got that world record of course, what does that mean to you?“It means a lot. It’s always been a great feeling to break the world record but to hold it for that long, it’s got to be a good record. It’s something that has stood the test of time. It probably gives me more pride with each passing day and I get more and more attached to it and hope that somebody doesn’t break it. That could happen at any time, there’s a really good

“I’d love to see Phillips win in my event, but not break my world record!”

SPORT

French jumper, a good American and obviously Phillips (Idowu) is very good. It’s a very competitive event at the moment and that can push athletes on to breaking world records.”

Can you describe how it feels when you nail a top jump and is that buzz something you miss? “It feels easy. When you do something well it’s almost as though there is no effort involved and that’s a bit of a curse in a sense. Because it’s so easy you think that if you try a bit harder, you can go further, but that’s not the way it works. Do I miss it? I quite like being retired actually. It’s nice not to have the constant pressure of worrying that my legs are sore, whether I’ve had enough sleep, eating the right food and what my form is like. It’s not that I didn’t love competing but I think I’ve had my time.”

You now do a lot of media work, how have you found that? “I’ve loved working with the BBC and I think it would’ve been hard having had athletics as part of my life for so long to suddenly go to only being able to watch it on television and being very detached from it. So to be right in the middle of it is fantastic.”

Finally Jonathan, who are your GB tips for success next summer?“I think as a sport and as a team, the rowers will be very strong. I think they could be what our cyclists were in Beijing. In individual, I’d love to see Chris Hoy win his fifth gold medal, he’d equal Steve Redgrave which would be amazing, and Ben Ainslie winning his fourth.

“In terms of track and field, Mo Farah has suddenly become a world beater so it would be amazing for him to win gold and I’d love to see Phillips win in my event, but not break my world record!”

Thanks to Inspire LeicesterShire for their assistance with this interview.

Dodgeball is one of the fastest developing sports in Leicestershire. Based at Enderby Leisure Centre, Enderby Dodgeball Club is at the forefront of that development and has gone from strength to strength since being set up by Head Coach Simon Moody in 2007.

Simon explained how the club has progressed as the sport has grown in popularity, with over 50 people, of a mixed age range between 16 and 40, attending weekly training sessions.

“We started off using one court until we were awarded funding from Blaby District Council through the Active Together Scheme earlier this year, which allowed the club to expand. Now we have a development court for new players and an elite playing area for experienced players.

“It was a response to the number of people taking part. It used to be difficult to retain new members because they were playing against guys that had played for ages. With

the new setup it gives us natural progression and our player retention has increased massively.”

As well as getting local people involved in a new sport, some of dodgeball’s finest are drawn to Enderby from all over the country.

“There are players from Warwick, Derby, Leicester and even Imperial College in London – who travel two hours just to train because of the calibre of players we have.”

Simon captains Leicester City Ligers, a team he set up with friends, but over the years, new clubs have also been started.

“Leicester City Ligers has evolved quite a bit. We’ve played in national tournaments, set up by the sport’s governing body the UKDBA, every year since we started. The club is also home to Leicester City Ligeresses and the Bullet Dodgers.”

So do many people turn up inspired by the famous 2004 film starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughan?

“All the time! It’s usually the first thing people say. A lot of us can relate to it and in a way – there’s a bit of Ben Stiller in all of us! It’s a start point for people because they know the rules.”

Billie Wright, coach of the Leicester City Ligeresses, who were recently named Team of the Year at The Blaby Sports Alliance Awards, is determined to develop the women’s game.

“Women’s dodgeball is at a crucial stage but we’re blessed as a club to have fifteen female members. We started the team last year and won most tournaments. The club is committed to developing the female side and aims to double female participation numbers.”

Simon had a simple message to anybody thinking about trying Dodgeball with the club.

“Anyone aged 15 and over can play. The first session is free and it’s a great way to make new friends. It’s about having a good time, getting some exercise and if you want to progress as a player you can.”

Enderby Dodgeball Club train on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8.30pm and 10.30pm at Enderby Leisure Centre.

For more information email [email protected], call 07743098544 or follow the club on Twitter:@enderbydodge

AN ENDERBY STORY

“There’s a bit of Ben Stiller in all of us!”

DODGEBALL:

19

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.comLeicester Warriorswww.leicesterwarriors.comLeicester Lady Hoopswww.ladyhoops.co.uk

BowlsLeicestershire Bowling Assoc. www.leicestershirebowls.com

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

CyclingLeicestershire Road Clubwww.leicestershireroadclub.org.ukSky Ride Leicesterwww.goskyride.com/leicesterLeicester Monarchswww.leicestermonarchs.co.uk

FencingLeicester Fencing Clubwww.leicesterfencingclub.com

FootballLeicester City Football Clubwww.lcfc.comLeicestershire & Rutland FAwww.leicestershirefa.com

DodgeballLeicester City Ligerswww.leicestercityligers.co.uk

GlidingThe Gliding Centrewww.theglidingcentre.co.uk

GolfLeicestershire & Rutland Golf Unionwww.lrgu.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 Clubwww.leicesterhockeyclub.co.uk

Horse RacingLeicester Racecourse www.leicester-racecourse.co.uk KorfballLeicester City Korfball Clubwww.leicesterkorfball.org.uk

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

Martial ArtsUrban 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

Roller DerbyDolly Rockit Rollerswww.dollyrockitrollers.co.uk RowingLeicester Rowing Clubwww.leicester-rowing.co.uk

Rugby League Leicester Stormwww.leicesterstorm.co.uk

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

SailingRutland Sailing Clubwww.rutlandsc.co.uk

SpeedwayLeicester Lionswww.leicester-speedway.com

SquashLeicester Squash Clubwww.lsc.mycourts.co.uk

SwimmingLoughborough University Swimmingwww.loughboroughswimming.comLeicester Masters Swimming Clubbeehive.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/lmscLeicester Penguinswww.leicester-penguins.co.uk

TennisLeicestershire Lawn Tennis Assoc. www.lta.org.uk

Ultimate FrisbeeLeicester Ultimate Clubwww.leicesterultimatefrisbee.co.uk

VolleyballLeicester Volleyball Clubhttp://leicestervolleyballclub.wordpress.com/

Wheelchair BasketballLeicester Cobraswww.leicestercobras.org.uk

YogaBikram Yogawww.bikramyogaleicester.co.uk

All County ActivitiesLeicester-Shire & Rutland Sportwww.lrsport.org.uk

Soar Magazine is not responsible for the content of these websites

E.L. Fencing

E.L. Construction

E.L. Contracts

E.L. Group

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF LEICESTERSHIRE GRASSROOTS SPORT


Standing 6’6’’ tall, Leicester Tigers and England flanker Tom Croft is something of a deceptive athlete. His sizable frame would lead you to believe that his presence is all about strength and power. However, over the years for both club and country, Croft has proven to be one of the quickest and most agile players in his position.

His achievements and longevity at Leicester Tigers excuse you for forgetting that Basingstoke-born Croft is still just 26-years-old. The talented forward already has Aviva Premiership winner’s medals and a Heineken Cup final appearance under his belt, as well as 31 international caps.

Now back with Leicester Tigers after being part of his country’s squad for the recent World Cup campaign in New Zealand, which came to a premature end following a disappointing quarter-final exit at the hands of France, Croft gave Soar Magazine his take on the tournament and outlined his future ambitions.

Tom, a lot has been said about England and the World Cup – but what are your reflections, now that you have been able to take stock of the tournament?

“It was my first World Cup and it was very exciting. It was a good experience, with the atmosphere, the way that it was run and the fact that it was in New Zealand where they are rugby crazy. It was quite an intense environment to be in, but coming back on that plane, it felt like we were coming home early and I think that was the general feeling amongst the boys. As a whole, it was an experience and it was a nice one to have under my belt.”

How did you first get into the sport?

“I started off playing football for my local side. I played that until I was eleven, when the club folded. My dad suggested that I pop up to the local rugby club, which was Newbury Rugby Club. I went and jumped right into it and haven’t looked back. I worked my way

up through the age groups and into trials. At sixteen, I decided to change schools and came up to Oakham School, which has really good links with Leicester Tigers and that’s how I ended up here.

“I went to the same school as Stuart Broad, Lewis Moody and an endless number of international hockey players, runners and sprinters. It’s a very good school which has a reputation for churning out sports people.”

ROARING AMBITIONPhoto: Tigers Images

2121

Growing up, who were your main influences – both inside and outside of the game?

“Within rugby, for my age group, it was Johnno (Martin Johnson), the England captain. When he won the World Cup with England in 2003, I was skiving Geography! Outside of rugby, my dad was quite heavily into cycling so I appreciated Lance Armstrong and watched the Tour de France.”

You’ve spent your entire professional career at Leicester Tigers, talk to us about progressing into the starting XV of one of the world’s greatest domestic clubs…

“It’s what you aim for. As soon as you come to a club, such as Leicester, the aim is to play for the first team, play as well as you can, secure that place and then go on to represent your country. I am exactly where I want to be at the moment. I can’t really imagine myself at any other club and I am very happy here.”

The 2008/09 season has been regarded as your breakthrough year – Man of the Match in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Cardiff Blues and appearances in both the Heineken Cup and Premiership final, was that season the highlight of your career so far?

“That season was massive and it was a big step forward. I’m a player that doesn’t want to be in one place, I want to keep improving, whether it’s areas of my game or being selected for different sides. The Heineken semi-final is history now, but we played in both finals. We lost the Heineken Cup, which would

have been massive. The day after that, I was off on the Lions Tour, so that season really was a pinnacle of my career so far. It’s been and gone now and I can’t keep living off that, I need to keep going and surpass it.”

How frustrating were your knee injuries the following year – and how did you mentally and physically keep yourself going during that time?

“Injuries have been massively frustrating. The season after the Lions came back, I did my medial ligaments. Once I got back and I was fully fit, I unfortunately did it

“Coming back on that plane, it felt like we were coming home early.”

again. It was a frustrating situation, as I missed the entire Six Nations that year after what had been such a high in the summer. It was only at the end of that season, when we went on a tour of Australia, that I started to get back into my stride.

“The following year, I broke my shoulder - but it’s all part and parcel of being a professional rugby player. I think it’s more a matter of how you deal with it rather than dwelling on things. You have to work through it and try to improve your game as much as you can while you are out.”

SPORT

How beneficial has it been having so many internationals at Tigers, especially the England boys?

“It’s been exceptionally beneficial. Ever since I was playing in the academy, there were players like Neil Back, Lewis Moody, Martin Corry, Ben Kay – the list is endless. Leicester Tigers is a club renowned for having international players and it shows when we lose so many players during World Cup years.

“You pick up so many little things from these players, whether it’s things off Backy in the academy about rucks and how to get over the ball, or Johnno and Ben Kay giving you advice on line-outs. It’s a wealth of knowledge to be around and it was nice to be in that environment growing up.”

Away from rugby, what do you like to do to relax?

“I’m really into my shooting, even if it is just going out and shooting some clays, it’s something that I enjoy. There are a few of the boys who are quite keen to do that. I’ve got my dogs as well, so it’s very much just a relaxed way of life outside of rugby. When I am at home, I don’t really have much to do with sport – I just try to switch off as much as possible.”

Finally Tom, what are your aims and ambitions for the future?

“First and foremost, we’ve got a hole to dig ourselves out of at the moment. It’s just about winning every single game. The present is the most important thing at the moment and what goes on past

“We’ve got a hole to dig ourselves out of at the moment. It’s just about winning every single game.”

that, in terms of club and country, will come as long as you do well now.”

Remaining realistic, yet housing big ambitions, Croft’s determination to constantly improve is sure to be a key factor in Leicester Tigers’ future success – and such is the speed with which he does improve, that success is likely to be sooner rather than later.

SPORT

ONLINE NOW...• Alesana Tuilagi

• Josie Inverdale

• Geordan Murphy

• Rendall Munroe

• Lord Sebastien Coe

• Peter Shilton

LOG ON TO WATCH NOW!

www.soarmagazine.co.uk Photo: Speedo

25

Double world champion, Commonwealth gold medallist and world record holder, Loughborough-based swimmer Liam Tancock is right on top of his game. The 26-year-old, who specialises in backstroke, is one of Great Britain’s major medal hopes for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Born in Exeter, Liam caught the swimming bug from a young age and found he was naturally suited to the sport.

“I started during a ‘Learn to Swim’ scheme. My elder brother Ryan learnt to swim and we all went along as a family. I wanted to learn too, but I was too young at the time. I watched him swim on poolside and I was dying to get in as well. After a year they let me in the pool, so from the age of five I was into it straight away.

“I just loved being in and around water. I’m from the south west so there’s a lot of outdoor stuff to do, with the sea and the beach. I absolutely loved it, joined Exeter Swimming Club and stayed there until I was 18 and started university at Loughborough to further my swimming career.”

Liam talked about his early influences and which coaches have played the biggest part in his development.

“My first ever coach at Exeter was John Randall. He’s still there now and I learnt a lot from him and my current coach Ben Titley at Loughborough. They’ve given different pieces of advice that have made me into the person and the swimmer that I am today.” After dominating junior competitions and achieving success on a national

level, the next progression in Tancock’s career was to join the highly-regarded Loughborough Swimming Team.

“I’ve been in Loughborough since 2003. I came here to swim and study and I’ve now completed a degree in Sports Science. Ben Titley coaches me and I genuinely believe there’s no better place in the world for me, and no better coach to take me to where I want to be. It has a 50 metre Olympic size pool, great gym facilities and a lot of top sports people.

“The set up here is a real team environment. The Director of Swimming, Ian Armiger, is such a great guy and what he’s done for Loughborough is fantastic. I saw what a great team Loughborough was and I wanted to be part of that. I’m still here eight years on. It’s working and producing the results.

We’ve had countless Olympians, world records and every medal that you can possibly get, so that’s pretty cool.”

But what makes the Loughborough Swimming Team so special?

“The atmosphere that is created, a lot by Ian, is fantastic. Success breeds success and everybody here is like-minded, they are all here because they want to achieve things; a degree but also swim as fast as they can. It’s a great group of people and we get more and more people applying each year. We almost need another pool because that many people apply. It’s a great place to be.”

Tancock talked about the dedication required for an average week’s training.

SPORT

“Hopefully I can inspire some people to get in the water.”

Photo: Speedo


“A normal week would be ten pool sessions, each of two and a half hours, three hour and 15 minutes weight sessions and then three or four extra palates sessions, whether it be circuit, core or med ball. In our early season we do things like kick-boxing, ballet, gymnastics, rock climbing; you name it, we do it. As we think outside of the box in terms of our training I think it pushes us to the limit and gets the best out of us.”

An all-rounder who tried most strokes, Tancock soon focused on backstroke but still enjoys competing in other events.

“I have been strongest at backstroke from an early age. I put my name down for everything and competed at a national level for most strokes, but backstroke stole the show really. It was the one that I excelled more in but I’ve competed in the 200m medley in an Olympic final so I’m not too bad at that and I like mixing it up in relays as well.”

So what have been the highlights for Liam so far?

“I’ve had so many, I’m pretty lucky with the way I’ve progressed over the years. You’d have to look at when I first became World Champion, I broke the world

SPORT

record for 50m backstroke in 2009, so that was pretty special. Also, retaining the title in 2011, that was pretty cool, but it’s been a steady progression over the years, picking up medals and breaking records and it’s all been a big high for me.

“I absolutely love it and really enjoy what I do, but I’m looking to the future. I’m really proud of what I achieve but I’m always looking to the next goal, the next target. I will probably look back at what I’ve achieved in the future because I’m so focused on what else I want to do.”

Away from training and competing, Liam is never too far from sporting action and admits that being in a relationship with a fellow swimmer, Caitlin McClatchey, is an advantage.

“I like to catch up with family and friends, go out for a meal and go to sporting events. I support Exeter City and Exeter Chiefs back home. I like to go on holiday when I get a chance. It’s all time dependent really and with the amount of training we do it’s pretty intense. We train for 49 weeks out of the year.

“Caitlin has been to two Olympic Games and I’ve only been to one, and she’s a double Commonwealth medallist and has won multiple world medals. She obviously understands a swimmer’s life, as

it’s not quite a normal one, which is good.”

Feeling in the shape of his life, Liam’s anticipation for London 2012 is tangible and the focused swimmer is determined to realise his Olympic ambitions and leave a swimming legacy.

“The Olympics is the big one. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have the Olympics in your own country and to be at an age when I should be at peak performance is incredible really. I feel really lucky to be at the place I’m in at the moment, to be at the top of the game and loving what I do. Next year is a big target and really exciting.

“I just want to keep swimming fast and keep having fun and I think the rest will take care of itself. It’s a very exciting time within British sport and British Swimming and I’m proud to be a part of it and pushing things on. Hopefully I can inspire people to get in the water and enjoy it as much as me and my team-mates.”

If Liam swims to gold next summer then there’s every chance of those dreams becoming reality.

You can follow Liam on Twitter at @LiamTancockThanks to Speedo for providing images

for this article.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have the Olympics in

your own country.”

27

The only club of its kind in Leicestershire, the Leicester Cobras Wheelchair Basketball Club is something of a sleeping giant. Rapidly growing in size, the club’s increasing number of members is reflective of the growth of wheelchair basketball; and with the 2012 Paralympic Games fast approaching, that development is set to continue.

Regarded as one of the most popular sports in the Paralympic Games, wheelchair basketball encompasses many of the traits of the running game. Speed, agility and upper body strength are all evident in both forms of the sport. However, the fact that upper body strength in wheelchair basketball is distributed between both motion, ball control and the full power of shooting, makes the game an incredible sport to witness, filled with unbelievable athleticism.

Now in their 19th year as an established club, Leicester Cobras have overcome obstacles to become one of the premier teams in the country and boast internationals within their ranks who are preparing to compete next summer.

Ian Trott (pictured above), who has been chairman of Cobras for three

years, provided an insight into the club’s background.

“The club was established in 1992, when a group of disabled friends decided that they wanted to try wheelchair basketball. The club is a registered charity, so as a result, we depend on funding. Any sponsorship that we can get is vital, so we try and run as many fundraising activities as we can.”

SPORT

“We’ve got quite a few people coming from various parts of the country. People come from Oxford and Birmingham to play here, in addition to places like Kettering and Nottingham. One of our junior representatives, George Bates, has been called up to the Great Britain Juniors squad, and one of our female players, Natasha Davies, has been selected to play for the GB Women’s squad.”

Anybody wanting to try wheelchair basketball with Leicester Cobras can contact the club or attend Leicester Leys Leisure Centre for training on Thursday evenings from 9pm until 10 or 10.30pm. The centre also hosts all of the Cobras home fixtures, which are completely free to watch.

For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit www.leicestercobras.org.uk

When Ian was installed as chairman in 2008, Leicester Cobras were playing in National Division Three of the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA). Since then, the team have risen up the leagues – reaching Division One under their current head coach, Mat Foden, at the end of last season. The continued growth of the club’s profile has brought interest from far and wide, as Ian explained.

INTRODUCING LEICESTER COBRAS


In a ten-year playing career, during which he carved out a reputation as the world’s finest number eight, Richards won 48 caps for England and played six times for the British and Irish Lions. Deano answered your questions about Tigers, England and his future... How would you assess England’s World Cup campaign?Greg, Huncote I think the players would’ve been very disappointed that they only reached the quarter-finals and I’m sure Johnno (Martin Johnson) will have been as well. I think a lot of the off-field antics were exaggerated. When you’re in New Zealand you read that Cory Jane was out drinking and quite drunk one night and it didn’t get highlighted over here. You tend to realise that the finger was pointed squarely at the English boys. That’s not to say that it shouldn’t have been. They shouldn’t have been out drinking, they have responsibilities and some of the players didn’t take that on board. I think they’ll be very disappointed

A rugby legend and one of the best players of his generation, Dean Richards MBE is a true Leicester Tigers hero. A league and European Cup winner with the Welford Road giants, the man affectionately known as ‘Deano’ went on to coach the club, leading them to double Heineken Cup glory.

that they didn’t get through to the semi-finals at least.

What did you make of the media coverage of the off-field behaviour? I bet the same went on during your playing days? Simon, NarboroughVery much so. We were equally as bad if not worse than these boys. There was less accountability in those days. We went to internationals as amateur players, but the accountability and the players’ responsibility to people has changed.

How do England move forward now Johnno has resigned?Margaret, LutterworthHopefully there will be changes within the playing squad. A couple of people have come to the end of the line and I think it needs some fresh legs.

What are you memories of your time at Leicester?Mario, LoughboroughListen, from the first time that I ran out for Leicester down in 1982 to when I finally played in 1998, I have

DEAN RICHARDSICON:

29

hugely fond memories of it, I really do.

They were fantastic times. It was a time when you played for the right reasons and living locally and being a local boy was a huge bonus. Quite often you’d be stood there playing and hear a cry from the stands and know who it was and you would be meeting them the following week for a couple of pints, and that’s the way it was.

From the playing point of view, the highlights were winning the European Cup and the league. From a managerial point of view, it would be the first European Cup we won over in Paris.

What makes Leicester Tigers special?Sanjay, LeicesterThe history, the success the club has had and the fact that it used to predominantly have local people playing for the team. The club used to have a real family atmosphere but that’s changed a bit, which is a shame and I think it really needs to be brought back in. With the size of the club it’s very difficult to retain that atmosphere and work has to be done to get it like it was.

But the game itself has changed and the clubs are also a lot more

commercially savvy. I think skill levels have improved and the boys are stronger but I wouldn’t say they are necessarily fitter.

Who were the best players you played alongside?Steph, via emailJason Leonard, Jeremy Guscott, who was always an outstanding competitor with incredible skills. I had some fantastic colleagues on the back row, such as Peter Winterbottom and Mike Teague, It was also fantastic to play alongside people like Johnno and Backy (Neil Back).

Which coaches had the biggest influence on your career?Harry, WigstonThere are a number of people; Jack Howell, Ian McGeechan, Chalky White, Ian Smith, Graham Willars, Paul Dodge, David Matthews and you gleam little pieces from all these boys, sorting the wheat from the chaff. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with people that have set great standards over the years.

Do you feel you have unfinished business with the game, particularly from a coaching point of view?Claire, HinckleyI’d like to get back into the game. I’ve got to see my ban out. I have

ICON:

another eight months to go and when that’s done I’ll be straight back in, at what level, I don’t know but I have ambitions of winning things. I love the game. It’s a bit of a blip. We all make mistakes, but I’ll serve my time and hopefully I’ll be back.

Would you ever consider returning to Welford Road?Ian, Market HarboroughI haven’t even thought about it and there’s a part of me that says you should never go back, but we’ll see what happens.

Dean spoke to Soar at the Tribute to Dean Richards event organised by Champions UK to raise money for Rainbows.


2012 promises to be a fantastic year of sport for the whole of the UK, but as one of the cities most heavily associated with sport, Leicester is set to celebrate some of the standout tournaments and fixtures with a series of special events organised by Leicester City Council.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games standout as the main sporting occasion, but in addition to that global extravaganza, the European Football Championships, featuring England and the Republic of Ireland, will be kicking off in Poland

and the Ukraine, and yearly events like Wimbledon and the Leicester Marathon will also be taking place.

As well as utilising the impressive Big Screen live site on Humberstone Gate in the city centre to screen all the live sporting action, the surrounding area will feature ‘Let’s Get Active’ events with the aim of inspiring people to get involved in regular physical activity by trying new sports rather than just watching them.

In February and March, you can watch England’s rugby stars, featuring many of Leicester Tigers’ finest, get back into competitive action and put the demons of a

disappointing World Cup campaign behind them in the Six Nations.

April sees the screening of the US Masters golf tournament and the celebration of 100 days to go until the start of the Olympics. The torch relay begins its route around Great Britain in May, visiting Leicester two months later. The flame will make its way through the city on July 2nd before finishing up at Abbey Park for a special celebration event.

Other participatory events later in the year include the Race for Life, Sports Fest, Swimathon and Sky Ride. A Full Diary of the 2012 Sporting Events being celebrated in Leicester can be seen on the next page.

LEICESTER’S YEAR OF SPORT

31

Leicester’s Sporting Events in 2012Event Venue Date France Vs Italy 2.30pm (Six Nations Rugby)

Scotland Vs England 5pm

Live Site February 4th

Ireland Vs Wales 3pm Live Site February 5th

Italy Vs England 4pm

France Vs Ireland 8pm

Live Site February 11

Wales Vs Scotland 3pm Live Site February 12

Ireland Vs Italy 1.30pm

England Vs Wales 4pm

Live Site February 25

Scotland Vs France 3pm Live Site February 26

Irish Festival

Wales Vs Italy 2.30pm

Ireland Vs Scotland 5pm

Live Site March 10

France Vs England 3pm Live Site March 11

Italy Vs Scotland 12.30pm

Wales Vs France 2.45pm

England Vs Ireland 5pm

Live Site March 17

Golf event (Masters final weekend) Live Site April 7/8

Swimathon Local Leisure Centres April TBC

100 days to the Olympics, with interactive games Live Site April 18

Team GB Launch Event Live Site May 11

Big Dance Event Live Site May 18

Torch Relay begins in UK Live Site May 19

100 Days to the Paralympics, with interactive games Live Site May 21

Rainbows Walk of Life Citywide June TBC

World’s Sports Day Live Site June 25

Torch Relay Event City Route/Abbey Park July 2

Race for Life Western Park July TBC

Wimbledon Finals Live Site July 7/8

GB Women’s Football Live Site July 25

GB Men’s Football Live Site July 26

Olympic Games Live Site July 28 - August 12

Triathalon Tryout Live Site August 4/7

Sports Fest Live Site August 25

Sky Ride CItywide August 26

Paralympic Opening Ceremony Live Site August 29

Paralympic Games Live Site August 30 – September 9

Leicester Marathon CItywide October 14

SPORT

* Some events are still to be confirmed and are subject to change. For further details and updates during 2012 go to www.leicester.gov.uk/sport

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

The phrase bouncebackability has been overused in a sporting context, so much so that it has been recognised by the Oxford English Dictionary, but it sums up one Melton-based sportswoman perfectly.

28-year-old Bex Rimmington was at the top of her game as a cyclist, representing Great Britain and training in Manchester, until she was hit by two pieces of misfortunate. Firstly her team’s funding was cut before injury struck as she tried to rebuild her career.

Rather than let adversity crush her dreams of sporting success, Rimmington decided to rise to the challenge and refocused her efforts into a new sport. Swapping handlebars for oars, the former swimmer and triathlete took up rowing and is now set to take part in GB trials.

As a youngster, it wasn’t long before sport took over Bex’s life, as inspiration came from her own success and that of her idols.

“I was diagnosed with asthma when I was three so I swam to build up my lungs. I threw myself into every sport; cross country, dancing, trampolining and at the age of 10, my swimming took off. I started getting invited to more competitions and started winning. I liked winning and it became a bit addictive.

“My biggest inspiration was seeing the Great Britain 4x400 metre relay team win at the 1992 Olympics and, at school, we used to run around the playground pretending to be them. Then there’s the Hungarian swimmer, Krisztina Egerszegi. She was world champion, Olympic champion and just phenomenal.”

Bex left school for a full-time job, before going to university at Bath and taking up another sporting challenge.

“They had a big triathlon club. I got talent spotted for cycling, so I had a go at that. I was always a great swimmer and cyclist but I could never quite cut it on the run. But my cycling took off so I focused on that.”

Bex rode for the prestigious VC St.Raphael club, raced for Great Britain and joined the Paracyling Academy in Manchester, but with a spot at London 2012 seemingly in the bag, one bad result and an unfortunate accident turned her world upside down.

“We were ranked number one in the world and won a World Cup but ultimately, we didn’t medal at the World Championships and that’s what UK Sport base their funding

STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY

3333

criteria on. It meant I couldn’t live up in Manchester. We were aiming for London 2012 and it absolutely broke my heart. Everything had gone really well apart from the one race.

“I signed with a pro team to race in Europe but, on a club run, this guy fell off his bike into me and I ended up breaking my wrist. I had to go in a cast which meant I lost my contract.”

Despite seeing cycling as her destiny, a UK Sport talent test revealed that Bex had the perfect build for rowing, so she gave the sport a go.

“It was hard at the beginning but a lot of cycling is involved. I can combine the two because it’s all leg strength. A lot of top rowers cycle. I’m still riding every day, it’s a big part of my life and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to give up. Once you start, you can’t stop cycling.

“I was selected for the Nottingham High Performance rowing squad based on how much I’ve progressed this year. I’m training in Nottingham with a couple of GB girls. We’re doing a lot of work in singles because we’re aiming for GB trials but I’ve also raced in doubles, fours and eights.”

Rebecca Romero, who started cycling at the same time as Bex, famously claimed Olympic gold after making the opposite transition from rowing to cycling, which provides a good omen for Rimmington, but does she get the same buzz from rowing?

“Bizarrely yes. You can push yourself so hard and it’s so technical. For every stroke, you have to get a feel for the water and then the power.”

A swimming teacher by trade, Bex just about manages to fit in some relaxation time between work and training.

“Bikram yoga is my biggest relaxation. An hour and a half of that a day is great. It clears your mind and you’re ready to go again.”

Bex is keeping calm about the future but the fire of ambition still burns brightly.

“I’ve got GB trials in December and then hopefully another round in February. If all goes to plan I could be on a European circuit next year. That’s my motivation at the moment. London is very ambitious and I have to be realistic, so, I’m probably looking at Rio in 2016.”

“There are lots of opportunities out there. Don’t sit and dwell on negatives.”

So what advice would Bex give to other sports people who face adversity?

“There are lots of opportunities out there. Don’t sit and dwell on the negatives. It’s going to be hard work but things are always harder at the beginning. Just stick at it and something good will come.”

Someone never likely to dwell on the negatives, rather turn them into positives, Bex Rimmington will richly deserve any success that comes her way.

SPORT

For more information on Bex or to help her with sponsorship visit her official website:www.bexrimmington.com


PRESENTING:

JOSIE INVERDALE

With her father’s passion for sport, it’s no surprise that Josie took an interest in hockey and tennis at an early age.

“My family is really sporty. I’ve been to three Olympics as a spectator and watching the athletes inspired me. I started playing hockey when I was 11-years-old. I used to play a lot of tennis but I tried hockey to be involved in a team sport. I made it up through the ranks, from county to regional and then to England under 16s, 18s and now under 21s. It’s difficult to find time for tennis because my training regime is so specific that my coaches don’t want me overtraining and I don’t want to get injured.”

Josie talked about how growing up as an Inverdale has influenced her sporting career.

“It’s great having my dad involved in sport as I’ve been able to go to a lot of really cool things and meet a lot of people. Sometimes he thinks he knows things and perhaps he doesn’t, but he’s a great influence and definitely positive from a hockey perspective.”

Despite being an avid Chelsea fan, Josie’s sporting hero is Manchester United legend Roy Keane, someone she met thanks to her dad’s connections.

“He’s a bit of a controversial figure but he’s my hero. I was lucky enough to meet him. I went down to Ipswich Town when he was manager

there and had a chat with him. He’s obviously done a few bad things but his attitude and his desire to win is what I want to have.

“I had a one-on-one with him for about an hour and it was incredible. He gave me an insight into his life, what it was like to be at the top of the game and how he dealt with personal issues and the media.”

After captaining England at every youth level, Josie is keen to make an impact on the senior team and is looking to take inspiration from her Leicester team-mates, many of whom are England and Great Britain regulars.

She may not be a familiar face, but one of Leicester Hockey Club’s most recent signings has a name that many sports fans will recognise. Josie Inverdale, the daughter of BBC Sport presenter John, joined the Pukkas from Loughborough University student’s team this summer.

Photo: Andy Smith Photography

3535

“The players have been great and everybody’s been really friendly and accommodating. Hopefully I can take something from all of them to make me a better player. I’m playing at the back and when Crista Cullen - who has been in the world all-star team - is back to full fitness, I will hopefully play alongside her, which will be brilliant for my game.”

As well as playing for Leicester, the 18-year-old has other training commitments and is busy studying at Loughborough University.

“I’m into my second year of a sports science and management degree. I’m part of the national performance programme in Loughborough and train at 7am most mornings with gym and conditioning sessions throughout the day. The coaches know my timetable and we fit training around it. It is tough and the life of a student athlete isn’t the life of a normal student, but I’ve had a great time and I love Loughborough. It’s the best place to be for hockey and for elite sport.”

Before arriving at Loughborough, Inverdale played for Premier League side Reading and she is pleased to have returned to that level with a team viewed as the best in the business.

“I had a season with Loughborough in the National League. Unfortunately we didn’t get promoted but I wanted to play in the Premier League. A lot of teams fear Leicester because we are the best club, pretty much the Manchester United of the hockey world. I wanted to play amongst senior internationals and with a great coach like Chris Mayer. It’s definitely been the right decision.”

Josie explained what it means to play for Leicester and why the club is so special.

“It’s a much more professional outlook and once you’re a Leicester girl, you’re a Leicester girl for life. I definitely get that feeling. A lot of the senior internationals are based at the National Sports Centre in Bisham Abbey but they’ve got a diehard feeling that they’ve got to come back to Leicester. Chris Mayer is the key. They want to play for him and, basically, they want to play in orange.

“I definitely feel part of it already. I’m getting involved with a lot of things in the club. Part of my contract involves coaching the juniors and I’m getting swept into the whole Leicester feeling.”

After already reaching such a high standard at such a young age,

“Once you’re a Leicester girl, you’re a Leicester girl for life.”

Josie is determined to continue progressing to the very highest level.

“The 2016 Olympics is my target. It is gutting that 2012 is a little bit too soon but I’ll be there watching and cheering on my team-mates. The 2014 Commonwealth Games are in Glasgow so that will pretty much be on home soil. If we do well next year, hockey will hopefully get a lot more publicity which would only be a good thing for me and my under 21 team-mates. Hopefully I can have a good season with Leicester and press on.”

Certainly someone to look out for in the future, Josie Inverdale is likely to ensure that her family name remains associated with top level sport for many years to come.

SPORT

For more information on Leicester Hockey Club visit www.leicesterhc.co.uk

After the keenly anticipated return of speedway to Leicester last year, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of a first season back for the Leicester Lions. Numerous riders came and went before Promoter David Hemsley stepped down as Team Manager in July to be replaced by Clerk of the Course and speedway fanatic, Jason Attwood.

Jason (pictured above, centre) explained how his new role with the club came about and how things have gone so far.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. At the start of the season I was the clerk of the course, which I was honoured to do. In the summer I was approached to change my role and become team manager. I had a couple of doubts about taking up the role. My biggest worry was not being the bigger name that the fans would’ve wanted. Other clubs have big name managers, and I was more like a supporter on the terraces.”

Attwood’s lifelong love affair with the sport began watching Leicester at the old Blackbird Road track.

“My dad took me to Blackbird Road in the seventies until it closed. Even when Leicester closed down in 1983, I’ve always kept in touch with the sport, following Belle Vue Aces. I got involved in helping out at Belle Vue as part of the track staff through Gareth Parry, the clerk of the course there. I observed Gareth before completing the relevant course at the BSPA headquarters in Rugby. When this season opened I already had about six meetings under my belt, so I felt comfortable offering my services to Leicester.”

A WORK IN PROGRESS

SPORT

So how has Jason’s first season as manager been?

“When I took over, the team was changing and I managed to bring in a couple of my own riders. You get seven riders and you’ve got to build them into a team, it doesn’t just gel overnight. It took another month or so for it to finally gel, but disappointingly that happened in the last full month of the season when we won our last three or four home meetings, picked up away points and ran teams close. But it’s given the fans something to take away over the winter.”

Jason is hoping to return as Team Manager next season and is determined to take the team forward.

“David Hemsley has said he wants me back next year and I’d like to come back, but there are just a few things that need sorting out before we reach an agreement. With the team I have in mind, I want us to be at least a top six side next year. Anything below that would fall short and I think that’s a realistic target.”

For more information on Leicester Lions visit:www.leicester-speedway.com

Photo:Steve Nicon Photography

Soar Magazine Cricket Advert.pdf 1 22/11/2011 15:22


Mr T20It’s been a pretty hectic few months for Leicestershire cricketer Josh Cobb. After his man of the match performance with bat and ball inspired the Foxes to T20 glory in August, the team travelled to India to play in the Champions League before Josh represented England in the Hong Kong Sixes and played in the Titans of Cricket tournament at the O2 arena alongside the likes of Freddie Flintoff and Adam Gilchrist.

After the whirlwind proportions of his recent career, the 21-year-old is now back in winter training preparing for next season, but memories of that famous Edgbaston victory remain fresh, if a little blurred, as Josh explained.

“I had to watch it back to work out what happened but it started off horrifically for me; out first ball of the day. But the way it finished was something I’ll never forget. I wasn’t expecting to play such a big part with the ball. I knew it would turn during the day and I would probably play some part but we played an extra spinner in the final, so as a third spinner I thought I’d be unlikely to bowl, let alone bowling four overs.

“I like knowing what you’ve got to do and I had a plan. Claude Henderson told me to make them hit square, as the square boundaries were big. They hit square four times, right down Boycey’s (Matthew Boyce) throat and he did the rest.”

And are the memories of the post-match celebrations equally hazy?

“I can’t remember too much. We were at the ground until 11.30pm by the time we’d done the ceremony, interviews and a lap of honour, and most of us had a few drinks in the dressing room together. Back at

the hotel everybody was at the bar, along with a few of the Hampshire lads who made it quite special for us.

“It’s a day I’d love to do again just to remember it more because when you’re in the moment it just happens. As a cricketer, without playing international cricket, to win a domestic trophy is the best thing that can happen. As a Leicester lad, winning it with Leicestershire made it even more special. If you’re going to win one of the main three trophies then you’d take the T20 every time.”

39

Cobb went into last season with renewed confidence after a pep talk from captain Matthew Hoggard and Head Coach, Phil Whitticase.

“It was my first full season playing T20. This year Hoggy and Phil told me I was going to play all the games and that they wanted me to go out there and express myself and have no fear. That’s the best thing they could’ve said for my cricket. I enjoy playing my shots and that freedom was something I thrived on.”

After a disappointing four day campaign for the county, T20 success brought welcome relief for the players, but why did the format suit the team so much?

“Everyone was together, everyone knew their role and after Abdul Razzaq turned up in his first game and got 70 off 30 to win us the game, everybody started to believe we had a lot of match-winners and that belief kept building.”

After lifting the trophy and a few days of well-deserved celebration, it was time for the club to refocus attentions to the Champions League in India, which was something of a mixed experience for Cobb.

“We were treated like absolute kings and everything is put on for you. It’s just a shame that we didn’t have more days to acclimatise and we didn’t play our best cricket. They were probably the worst games we played all tournament. But the whole experience was a taste of what it could be like, so hopefully we can repeat it.”

Recent success has clearly wetted the appetite for further glory and Josh is well aware that he and the team need to improve to achieve those goals.

“Hopefully we can sign some good international players to build on the success that we touched on last year. As T20 champions we want to defend our trophy but nobody’s happy with where we are in four day cricket.

“As a Leicester lad, winning it with Leicestershire made it even more special.”

“I was chuffed with how I played in one day cricket. One thing I can improve on is winning more games. I often got us off to a flier but didn’t go on and win games, leaving that to other lads. I want to take more ownership and try to finish games off myself. In four day cricket, any improvement would be decent, but I want to work on my bowling, bat in the middle order and try to play positive cricket.”

Playing positive cricket certainly served Cobb well last season. Let’s hope both he and the Leicestershire Foxes can maintain the upbeat feel surrounding the club and continue to progress.

For more information on Leicestershire CCC visit:www.leicestershireccc.co.uk

SPORT


Aspiring players from Leicester-based Electricity Sports Cricket Club got to meet two of their heroes at a recent junior presentation evening held by the club.

On November 12th Leicestershire Foxes T20 stars, Josh Cobb and Nathan Buck visited the club’s home ground on Aylestone Road to show off the T20 trophy and present awards to ‘Leccy’ youngsters.

Honorary Secretary, Keith Webster, was delighted to welcome the county stars to the club and talked about the importance of developing young cricketers.

“It’s about giving the juniors at the club something to aspire to and seeing a local lad like Josh Cobb making the breakthrough at

Leicestershire, after playing club cricket in his youth, shows them what can be achieved.

“We’re working hard to develop the younger players at the club and several of them have played for the first team, including 18-year-old Ash Aggarwal who was presented with an award for graduating to the adult first team and scoring two centuries last season. We’re really grateful to the county and both Josh and Nathan. Our players really appreciated seeing the T20 trophy and having their photograph taken with it.”

Electricity Sports field two sides that play in the Everards Leicestershire County Cricket League on Saturdays (Div 4 and 7), as well as a Sunday eleven and a number of junior teams.

For more information on Leicester Electricity Sports Cricket Club visit their official website:www.electricitysports.co.uk

All photos of this event were taken by Soar Photo.

Soar Photo are available for other similar sporting events, as well as sport, portraits, weddings and commercial shoots. For more information visit:www.soarphoto.co.uk

ELECTRIC DREAMS

ELECTRICITY SPORTSCRICKET CLUB

LEICESTER

41

For more information on Soar Photo visit:: www.soarphoto.co.uk


THE PRICE OF GOLDAfter overcoming the barrier of losing his UK Athletics funding, Loughborough-based sprinter, Leon Baptiste, went on to claim double gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

In the 200 metres final, Baptiste stormed across the line ahead of Jamaica’s Lansford Spence and fellow Brits, Marlon Devonish and Christian Malcolm, to ensure England’s first sprint gold at the Games for 12 years, before running the second leg as England claimed the 4x100m relay title later in the competition.

Ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in London, Leon will again have to do it the hard way after recently having his National Lottery funding cut, but that latest knock back is unlikely to discourage the ultra-determined 26-year-old, who became used to adversity from an early age after a promising football career was ended before it got started.

“I was on the verge of being looked at by scouts but a bad knee injury basically ended my career as I didn’t have funding to get the right rehab. It was weird because I couldn’t kick a football but I could run in straight lines. It wasn’t until I was 19 that I had surgery to fix the knee.

“I got involved in athletics aged 15 and went from there. If I wasn’t doing athletics I don’t know what I’d be doing. I always loved sport from a very young age.”

As well as having the natural ability to compete in athletics, there were plenty of other factors that inspired Leon to try the sport.

“My first experience of watching athletics was the 1996 Olympics

in Atlanta when Michael Johnson set world records and did the 200 and 400 metres double. Even at such a young age, I knew that he’d achieved something incredible. He was the Usain Bolt of his era and to watch him do that was fantastic. It really inspired me to get involved in athletics.

“Now, it’s the boxer Floyd Mayweather. His professionalism and ability to stay focused is really impressive. My mum’s been a big influence. She got me involved in athletics and took me to the track. My family have always provided good support.

“My old coach, Michael Khmel, has been a big influence over the last

five years. We haven’t always had the best of times but it all came good at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and I owe that guy a lot. It hasn’t been the best of relationships but over the years we worked things out, got a good plan and became successful.”

So what brought the London-born sprinter to Loughborough?

“The facilities are great. I wanted to get away from the London life and focus on my athletics. There have been a lot of successful athletes here in the past so I thought it was a good place to start my career. I’m a London boy at heart but over the years I’ve got used to it. The area I’m from, Enfield, is probably

43

SPORT

43

the size of Loughborough but with triple the amount of people. Here, everything is closed at 4pm!”

The glory of 2010 is still fresh in Leon’s mind and it’s an achievement that gave him great pride, particularly considering the sacrifices he made.

“It was a year where I went up and down and then up again. I started with a big personal best here at Loughborough and then took a dip in form before coming good at the Commonwealth Games. After so many years of trying, all I wanted was to win a medal at a major championship. To win two gold medals was the icing on the cake.

“What I liked about it was that I wasn’t supported by my organisation with funding but I still managed to go out there and perform. I did it the harder way but that puts more fire in your belly. You know money is going to be tight and you’re literally running to survive.

When you’re competing you can’t work, so you’re losing money. You’re running to put money on the table.

“It’s difficult but it makes you want it a little bit more and makes you really hungry inside. Some people go the other way and quit, but I believed I could achieve something and that’s why I continued. It’s not all about funding but it’s great when your organisation is backing you, but that’s another story.”

And it’s a story that has a recurring theme, with Baptiste recently losing his National Lottery funding when a number of new GB athletes,

“I did it the harder way but that puts more fire in your belly.”

born outside of the UK, have been backed.

“Someone told me that I’m the only 100 and 200 metre sprinter to win a global medal at an outdoor championship in twelve years, so it’s disappointing that my country isn’t getting behind me. You look at some of the people they are supporting and wonder why.

“Unfortunately, that’s just how it is and you have to deal with it. It’s frustrating not being backed, but I’ve just got to get on with it. I didn’t have any funding in 2010. I was working nine hours a day in security


on campus finishing at midnight and training full-time, starting at 8am. It was a continuous slog and I did that for the best part of a year. At the end of the day, my mission is 2012 and this won’t take me away from that.”

That dedication and work ethic is sure to benefit Baptiste in the future as he knows exactly what’s required for his performances to improve.

“I’ve only been with my new coaches Kevin Tyler and Steve Fudge for a few weeks and I’m also doing a personal training course. But, a typical training day would be 10am until 3.30pm. Sessions include hill-running, acceleration, weights, circuit training, med ball and all kinds of exercises, so it’s quite intense and almost continuous.

“I’m working on different aspects of my race. Ultimately, for me to challenge the big boys, I’ve got to be quicker over the first 60m, the first 100m and that’s my aim.”

With the biggest competition in sport being held in his hometown next year, Leon is almost exclusively focused on the 2012 Olympic Games.

“The main thing is making the Olympic team and from there I’d love to make the final. It’s going to be really hard because, just being honest and real; the quality of Olympic athletes is at a different level. But it’s something I believe I can do, so I’ll remain optimistic.

“Once you get to that final anything can happen. Look at the World Championships a few months ago with Usain Bolt’s false start, you just don’t know. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

“I’m not looking beyond 2012, I don’t even know what the next championships are after the Olympics. It’s just a case of taking it from year to year, reassessing and going from there.”

A man with plenty left to prove and the desire to do just that, funding or no funding, Leon Baptiste should be one of the names to watch next summer.

“I don’t even know what the next championships are after the Olympics.”

SPORT

45

soarhealth

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCT Cluster has adopted new tactics to keep Accident and Emergency departments free for genuine emergencies this winter.

The launch of a hard-hitting campaign aims to shock people into keeping A&E free for life-threatening cases by making a more informed choice when it comes to deciding what kind of treatment they need.

Leaflets and posters will be displayed in GP surgeries, health centres and community centres across Leicester, Leicestershire and

IS IT REALLY AN EMERGENCY?

Rutland with the ‘Choose Better‘ message.

Members of the public will be able to pick up their own pocket-sized information guides giving details on where to turn when they or a member of their family fall ill this winter.

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Chair of Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group, explained further.

“Choose Better is challenging the public to play their part in keeping A&E free for those suffering from the

most serious illnesses and injuries during one of the busiest times of the year.”

Catherine Griffiths, Chief Executive Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCT Cluster, also gave the campaign her backing.

“Too many people turn to A&E instead of getting more appropriate, quicker treatment elsewhere. By using the right health service at the right time and avoiding A&E for all but the most serious cases, people will be ensuring those with heavy bleeding, broken bones, burns, chest pains and strokes go straight to the front of the queue.”

YOU CAN CHOOSE BETTER

47

HEALTH

PharmacyYour local pharmacy can treat coughs, colds, sore throats, ear or toothaches. You can also get advice on prescription medicines and contraception. All requests for advice are treated in confidence.

Local GPYour GP helps with vomiting, ear pain, sore stomach and back pain that won’t go away. Many GPs offer extended opening hours - evenings and weekends. If you require a GP outside of normal surgery hours call the GP Out of Hours service on 0845 045 0411.

Walk in CentresUse your local walk in centres, urgent care centres and minor injury units for minor illnesses and injuries including deep cuts, burns and strains. Therefore this would be the most appropriate place for

Self Care Very minor illnesses including coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs can all be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

NHS DirectPatients can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, 24 hours a day to get health advice and guidance, or if you are unsure of where to go locally for help.

NHS ChoicesA dedicated website where you can find up-to-date, expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints as well as find your nearest pharmacist, GP, dentist and walk in centres Visit: www.nhs.uk

many sporting injuries for example. You will be seen by an experienced nurse without appointment. X-ray is also available at some locations.

And for Emergencies?

The Emergency Department and 999 should only be used in an emergency, a critical or life threatening situation. Only call 999 in the event of a serious accident or illness which involves traumatic blood loss, chest pain or loss of consciousness.

Blackberry, iPhone and Smartphone users can also scan a special barcode available on Choose Better posters or the websites to carry the information on where to go for medical treatment with them on their phones.

For more information on Choose Better visit:www.choosebetter.org.uk.

So where should patients go instead if they are ill or injured?

FITNESS RESOLUTION

Dean Hodgkin was voted Best International Fitness Presenter at the One Body awards in New York and is a former three-time world karate champion. For more hints and tips on fitness checkout his range of workout DVDs at:www.deanhodgkin.com

Changing your shape in just three weeks is tough. For the plan to work you will have to work harder than you ever have before. Your target is 4 cardio sessions per week ensuring you increase the intensity from week 1 to week 2 and then again from week 2 to week 3 as shown below.

There are four different cardio options and the idea is to select a workout mode and follow the session timings for the appropriate week. These should take around 45 minutes each.

Gym Week 1 (Rower, Treadmill, Cross Trainer, Stationary Cycle)10 mins slow to warm up, 120 secs – moderate and slow, 90 secs – moderate and slow, 60 secs – moderate and slow x 3, 5 mins slow.

Gym Week 210 mins slow, 120 secs moderate and slow, 90 secs fast and moderate, 60 secs - fast and slow x 3, 5 mins slow.

Gym Week 310 mins slow, 120 secs – fast and moderate, 90 secs - fast and moderate, 60 secs – fast and slow x 3, 5 mins slow.

Run Week 1800m jog, 200m sprint, 200m jog recovery x 10, 1,500m jog.

Run Week 2800m jog, Hilly route for 30 mins, 1,500m jog.

Run Week 3800m jog, 400m sprint, 400m jog recovery x 6, 1,500m jog.

Cyle Week 110 mins slow cadence, 1 min moderate and slow x 15, 5 mins slow.

Cyle Week 210 mins slow cadence, 1 min fast, 1 min slow, 2 mins fast, 1 min slow, 4 mins fast, 1 min slow, 8 mins fast, 1 min slow, 4 mins fast, 1 min slow, 2 mins fast, 1 min slow, 1 min fast, 1 min slow, 5 mins slow.

Cyle Week 310 mins slow, 2 mins moderate and slow x 3, 30 secs fast, 30 secs slow x 5, 30 secs sprint, 60 secs slow x 10, 5 mins slow.

Swim Week 1400m breaststroke, 50m fast pace crawl, 50m moderate pace backstroke x 6, 200m breaststroke.



Gym TechniqueOn the rower, start with your arms extended, wrists flat and shins vertical then drive back with the legs, begin to pull the arms and take a slight lean back but keeping your abs pulled in tight.

Run Technique Concentrate on each phase of the movement. Lift the toe, bring the heel to the backside, drive the knee through, extend the lower leg then finally claw back.

Cycle Technique Set the saddle at hip height and the handlebars to give you a hinged position at the hip but not so that you have to round your spine and bend forwards. When approaching a hill, anticipate the lower gear you will need and settle into a rhythm.

Swim Technique On breaststroke, keep a streamlined position by lowering your head on each stroke, so that the water comes just above the eyebrows. Try to take a breath on every third stroke of front crawl.

Don’t wait for the New Year to bring you ‘thinspiration’, you can look great in time for the party season.

Modern technology in sport, from special material for shirts that absorb sweat yet stays dry, to the shape of studs in boots that increase grip, to split second video replays that can highlight mistakes. All of these elements have added to our knowledge of sport.

One area that has dramatically impacted on all sports has been player and team Match Day Sport Performance Analysis, using state-of-the-art cameras and GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) tracking systems. We now have a greater knowledge and awareness of physical activity and the skill of each player for every second of the game.

This information used properly can then determine how we physically, mentally and technically prepare players for their sports. Not so long ago training for football consisted of long slow runs yet modern analysis indicates that football is a multi-sprint activity, that the most successful teams are those that are faster, quicker, more agile and can play for longer at a high intensity.

Here are some interesting figures:

FootballThere are between 1,000 – 1,500 discrete movement changes perr game at a rate of 5-6 seconds. There is a bout of high intensity every 60 seconds and a maximum effort every 4 minutes.

The ball is in play for 60 minutes during a 90 minute game. A player will touch the ball for less than 2 minutes throughout the whole game. A midfielder performs more 270º turns per game than any other position. The average distance per phase of play is 20 metres.

RugbyThe average distance per phase of play is 17.4 metres. A player will cover an average of 6,953 metres during an 80 minute game. Backs perform more sprints whereas forwards spend more time running.

SAQ’s clients have included Barcelona FC, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, the England Rugby Team, Castrol and Nike.

With Alan Pearson, Managing Director of SAQ® International

For more information on SAQ®

International visit:www.saqinternational.com

NetballA shooter will travel 7kms during a game. A centre will travel 8.8kms. A centre will complete more netball specific movements than all of the other positions, averaging 232 sprints per game, whilst a goal defence will average just over 140 sprints per game.

HEALTH

UNDERSTANDING THE SPORT WE PLAY AND WATCH


FIT 4 FOOTBALL ACTIVE 4 LIFE

Football has the ability to inspire thousands of young people to develop a lifelong passion for the sport. Leicester City Football Club in the Community and other local partners are looking to use the appeal of the beautiful game to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The Fit 4 Football, Active 4 Life programme is looking to make the battle against childhood obesity a family affair by educating children and parents about the importance of staying healthy and active.

In partnership with NHS Leicester City and Leicester City Council, LCFC in the Community have set up the FREE community-based health prevention programme for young people aged between 8 and 14-years-old and their families.

The programme includes a range of football orientated fun activities to encourage young people to participate in physical activity and to learn about the benefits. The Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service are also on hand to provide tips on healthy eating, key ingredients, cooking and nutrition.

Fit 4 Football, Active 4 Life is a ten-week programme that includes two 90 minute after-school sessions a week. During each session, Leicester City’s Community coaches deliver fun activities, incorporating fundamental skills connected to increasing levels of activity.

Throughout the programme, youngsters will be rewarded for reaching certain milestones, such as trying new foods, attending sessions and completing activity challenges. Along the way, club representatives, including coaches and players, will

be dropping in on certain sessions to meet pupils and get involved with the activities. The final reward, on completion of the programme, is an invite to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium for a pre-match meal and to watch the Foxes first team in action.

Soar Magazine visited Granby Primary School in Leicester to see the launch of the project and watch special guests, Leicester City Head Chef, Gary Payne and club mascot, Filbert Fox in action.

“The children were very responsive and if we can promote healthy

eating, that’s even better.”

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL!

51

Gary, who was joined in the kitchen by Filbert and two pupils, provided a live cookery demonstration, dishing up an extra-healthy chicken and vegetable stir-fry and a colourful fresh fruit salad, whilst answering questions about his role preparing meals and snacks for the Foxes players. The experienced chef talked positively about the programme.

“The children were very responsive and if we can promote healthy eating, that’s even better. We made some very simple food that can be done quickly and hopefully the children get a lot out of it.

“If they can come home and say to their mum and dad how easy it was to make the food, using basic fresh ingredients, knocked up very simply in 15 to 20 minutes, that’s brilliant. It’s a very good scheme.

“Fast food doesn’t have to mean takeaway, it can be healthy and it’s a lot tastier and obviously a lot better for you. If they can start eating healthily at this age then hopefully they will carry it through.”

Ray Wood (pictured right) from Leicester City in the Community and Aideen McKenna (pictured above), the Clinical Dietetic Manager for Public Health, employed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, also gave talks to the children, explaining more about the project and the benefits of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

Ray, who is the project manager of the Fit 4 Football, Active 4 Life, gave more insight into the visit.

“We did a bit of a workshop to educate the children about healthy eating, before following on with a

“We look at how it’s best to help parents have a balanced diet for themselves and their children.”

programme outside with two of our Football in the Community coaches to do some activities and show the children a bit about what they’d be doing on the programme if they do sign up.

“Although the club is supporting this scheme, it’s not all about football. It’s about getting kids more active generally. It’s a free programme and is funded by our partners. It’s a massive project for Leicester City Football Club and having the Head Chef from the training ground here today, it all links in to what the players eat and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

Aideen McKenna spoke about Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s involvement.

HEALTH

“It’s for families and parents who feel that they could do with a little support regarding their weight or have noticed that their children have gained a bit of weight.

“We know that nationally, lots of children are becoming more overweight and this programme is really about having physical activity element that is fun and getting children more active with less screen time in front of computers. We do things like tasting new foods, food games and providing information to children and parents about how much they should be eating. We also look at food labelling so that parents can know how healthy the food is.

“We can tailor the course to the parents’ needs so they can tell us what issues they have at home with the children, with food and at mealtimes. With some of the age groups that we work with, parents are the main food provider, so we look at how it’s best to help them provide a balanced diet, both for themselves and their children.We know that a lot of childrens portion sizes are quite large and we can provide a lot of information to parents on what is enough.”

After the cookery, pupils were able to try the food and were also treated to a football skills session in the playground, carried out by coaches from the club’s Football in the Community department. Peter Fowler, Headteacher at Granby Primary School, was delighted with the visit from the school’s famous neighbours and talked enthusiastically about embracing the project in the future.

“I think the children have been really inspired and it seems a really interesting concept for the school to be involved in. I think the way that it involves the whole family is the way to address these issues. I was really impressed with the cookery

demonstration and the children always love to see Filbert Fox.

“We live in the shadow of Leicester City Football Club and we love to be associated with all these projects and this one is very worthwhile, associating fitness and food, and doing it through a family approach is a great idea. It’s nice that the whole family can come in, even younger children. It’s a great programme, I’m looking forward to it and I’m going to encourage all of the children to join up.”

For more information on Fit 4 Football, Active 4 Life contact Leicester City Football in the Community via email on 0116 291 5223 or [email protected]

HEALTH

Leicestershire Partnership NHSNHS Trust

53

Winning Mind’s clients have included... Liverpool FC, US Army Recruiting,

J.P. Morgan, New York Rangers, Atlanta Braves, the Chris Evert Tennis Academy and the United States Marine Corps.

For more information on Winning Mind visit:www.thewinningmind.com

In this article I’d like to focus on Alignment. You’ll often hear executives say something akin to, “You’re either on the bus or off it.” This seemingly harsh and inflexible sounding line references the importance of having ‘players’ aligned with the objectives of the organisation.

But I believe that the notion of Alignment should extend beyond a mere agreement on objectives. It must incorporate a deeper understanding of, and approach to, how objectives will be accomplished – the tactics or style of play, if you will. And there must also be a commitment to embrace and uphold a core set of values.

There are ‘many ways to win’. Whether you are consensus driven, introverted and quietly confident or controlling, outgoing and over-confident, you can be successful given the right organisational ‘home’ and set of circumstances – one of which is being surrounded by others who can handle your approach, personality and leadership style.

But what also matters is whether the leader is able to get his team to buy into the organisational objectives and how they will

ALIGNING THE STARS

be accomplished. Any lack of alignment will ultimately erode chances of success because at best, synergies will be lost, and at worst, dysfunction will rush in.

Despite certain weaknesses (often referred to as ‘vulnerabilities’), many talented people with all types of leadership issues find ways to be successful. One reason that I believe this is possible has to do with a kind of ‘goodness of fit’ between individual goals, personality, temperament and style, and organisational objectives, values and style.

There were some glaring examples of a lack of alignment at the 2010 football World Cup. Several teams, most notably France but also England, underperformed because the players and coaches did not seem to be in agreement on how they would win. There was no apparent style of play and the players themselves did not seem committed, cohesive or aligned.

Interested in improving cohesion and alignment? I suggest you look at levels of trust, direct communication and accountability. people who feel safe with each other and who are willing to be open and vulnerable will

have set the stage for the kind of straightforward interactions necessary to get the best ideas on the table. And this in turn helps the individual team members hold each other responsible for executing on the game plan.

My challenge to you is to think about your organisation in terms of identity and alignment. What kind of marks would you give for clarity of culture, values and definition of success? What grade would you give for the level of buy-in and commitment to working together to achieve collective goals?

Pay attention to these matters and I guarantee you will see improvement.

HEALTH


The new gym facilities at New Parks Leisure Centre have proved a huge hit with the local community and surrounding areas. The refurbished and fully-fitted fitness suite has seen a substantial increase in visitors and is now busy at various times throughout the day.

High quality cardiovascular equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines are complimented by a well-stocked free weights area, which ensures people of different fitness levels are able to enjoy the facilities.

Set in a bright and contemporary room with flat screen televisions on the walls to entertain users during their work out, the fitness suite is both functional and welcoming.

Facility Manager, Chris Kilby, has been delighted with the increased popularity and the diversity of those using in the gym.

“We’ve seen a massive increase in users from 300 to 400 a month in the older style gym to 1,500 users in the new gym a month, so it’s had a massive impact on the centre and the community as well.

NEW PARKS NEW START

“The new gym has helped put us back on the map.” Chris Kilby, New Parks Leisure Centre Facility Manager

55

“A lot of the local community use the facilities and people that came to use the gym are now using the pool as well. We’ve also got different classes and the squash courts, so the new gym has helped put us back on the map.

“It’s busy in the mornings and in the evenings, and we get a nice spread of usage. We get parents and young mums and there is something for everybody.”

Soar Magazine spoke to two members using the fitness suite, one who has been making the most of the facilities for years and another who was visiting the gym for the very first time.

Sid Jacques Regular user

“I’ve been coming to New Parks for years and I’ve been using the new gym ever since it opened. The facilities are good and you can do what you want. It’s not really a body building gym but it’s got everything you need. I come four times a week and I have noticed the benefits. I’ve trimmed down and I’m moving around more. I feel a lot better and I can still do the things that I want, like playing with the grandchildren.

The All Inclusive Membership Scheme

The council’s state of the art Lifestyle Fitness studios already have thousands of people taking advantage of the ‘All Inclusive’ membership scheme.

This is a monthly contract, payable by direct debit, that offers citywide use of…

• Fitness suites including free personal programmes.

• Swimming pools – including Leicester Leys water flumes

• Group exercise classes – aerobics and Aqua-aerobics

• Ball courts for racquet sports like badminton and squash

For more information on membership or any of the city’s leisure centres visit:www.leicester.gov.uk/sports

To regularly keep updated with all Leicester City Council sport, follow ‘Leicester Sport’ on Facebook and Twitter.

HEALTH

At the end of the day, it beats watching tele!”

Clare Pinnick-Thornton First-time user

“It’s local and has good fees on joining so that was one of the incentives, plus I want to get a bit fitter and lose some weight. The facilities are brilliant, we’ve been shown around and had a look at everything and it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere. You feel quite self-conscious at first, coming into a gym, with the body builders, but it hasn’t been like that at all. It took us a few weeks to build up the courage to come in but once we’ve come in we’ve had no problem at all.”

There are several ways to utilise the facilities at New Parks, including direct debit and casual usage. People can have a free 30 minute induction and then have the option of signing up as members.

Other facilities at New Parks Leisure Centre include two swimming pools, five squash courts and a fantastic astroturf football pitch, and all of these are available to the local community.

lifestylefitness

The programme reflects lifestyle modification – such as relaxation, exercise and nutrition, as well as focusing on:

• Strategies to understand relapse as a process

• How to identify and cope effectively with high risk situations

• Coping with cravings, urges and triggers

• Creating a more balanced lifestyle

• Ways to handle stress and manage anxiety

Pat Kirby, from Stop! Smoking, who runs the group, talked about the benefits of Breathing Space.

“Giving up nicotine is the first step to recovering from addiction, next is the challenge of how to manage the difficult feelings that stress and anxiety create, without resorting to old reactions.

“People in the group may be in the process of quitting or may have already quit but want to avoid future relapse. Many users have adapted their lifestyle, introducing healthy eating and regular exercise.

“Smokers who exercise regularly report considerably more confidence in their ability to refrain from smoking, than those who were not considering a more active lifestyle.”

Breathing Space is an innovative Leicestershire Partnership Trust STOP! Smoking service project that supports people wanting to give up smoking and maintain a nicotine-free lifestyle.

Working in partnership with Leicester City Council and FAB (Food and Activity Buddies), the project offers a variety of activities that are delivered by NHS specialists and partner agencies, and gives users a forum to discuss their experiences with people who understand what they are going through.

MARK’S STORY Mark Meason from New Parks spoke to Soar Magazine about how being part of the Breathing Space group and working with Pat has changed his life…

Three years ago, I was nearly 23 stone so I enrolled in the gym and joined FAB, which helped me with my fitness and pointed me in the direction of the Breathing Space group. I’d had two or three attempts at giving up smoking and each time I failed. I have two children with ADHD so that made it more challenging.

Breathing Space is really good and I look forward to going every week. You meet new people who know what you’re going through and become friends. They support you and give you ideas. The group has helped me learn how to deal with stress, my anger and how to live without a cigarette. If people in the group slip, they’re not judged, it’s just a case of picking up the pieces and starting again.

Pat has been brilliant. She’s supported me with a lot of things. I’ve managed to get my mum to go to the group as well because she’s seen how well I’ve done. She didn’t think I’d ever give up smoking, nor did my dad.

I’d smoked since the age of 10 and, to me; my car wouldn’t start without a fag in my mouth! You think cigarettes help but they don’t, they make things more stressful.

I was a heavy smoker, smoking 40 a day, sometimes more. I was coughing in the sink in the morning, making myself physically sick and could hardly breathe at times. I’ve packed up now for 17 months and I’ve got no intention of smoking again.

I thought about smoking again about a year ago after I’d put some weight back on. I had lost nine and a half stone and I put almost three stone back on. I was disappointed but was encouraged to work on other things, like my fitness. It was just support all the way and that’s what people need.

Giving up was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. This year I did the Three Peak Challenge and that’s nothing compared with stopping smoking. It’s like someone who wants to give up drinking or gambling, it’s so difficult.

The group doesn’t only focus on smoking, it gets people active. I go with my son James to New Parks boxing gym and I’m hoping to do voluntary work there.

BEFORE AFTERI want to give a lot back. I’m officially a carer but I’m looking to get back working in the future. I’d love to be working in sport with disabled children and adults, and children with ADHD, that’s my passion. I’ve now enrolled on the Achieving Health Project, which is a FAB project at Leicestershire College. I am also attending a course to improve my English.

My road to weight loss and giving up smoking has been to do little bits at a time. If anybody out there is scared to go, I would say don’t be. It’s changed my life. Smoking is my past life and I’m never going to do it again. Whilst I’ve got the group’s support, I’ll be fine.

If you want to find out what’s available locally, either for yourself, if you want to stop smoking, or for free training at work on how your team can help to reduce smoking rates in Leicester, call the STOP! team on 0116 295 4141.

For more information please visit our dedicated STOP! Smoking web page at www.soarmagazine.co.uk/stopsmoking

HEALTH

“Smoking is my past life and I’m never going to do it again.”

HELPING LEICESTER STOP SMOKING

01162954141 STOP! Leicestershire Partnership NHS

NHS Trust


Find out more about the work of LRS...

Becoming a Sport Maker will give you the knowledge, information and connections to get better at making sport happen. You will be one of 40,000 like-minded people who are making a difference to the lives of their friends, colleagues or local community.

YYou will be helping to deliver the official London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sporting legacy by helping more people play more sport. And you will be having a good time doing it!

This year, anyone can become a sporting hero. Sport Makers is a new programme to make it easy for you to make sport happen near you – from setting up sport with your mates, like fun runs or five-a-side football, to helping out with local sports clubs.

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY OF BECOMING A SPORTING HERO

Becoming a Sport Maker is easy and the programme is open to everyone aged 16 and over. To take the first step to becoming a sporting hero, visit

www.lrsport.org.uk/sportmakers

The Leicester-Shire & Rutland School Games is a new approach to competitive school sport designed to motivate and enthuse all young people, across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. The School Games is part of a national programme of competitive sport that is open to all young people in every school.

www.lrsport.org.ukFollow us - LR_Sport

Find LRS on Facebook

How to get involved?Speak to your school PE department to make sure they are registered and signed up to be part of the School Games. Find out what opportunities there are for you in a variety of sports / competitions at Levels 1 (within your own school), 2 (against other Levels 1 (within your own school), 2 (against other schools) and 3 (Super Series Finals /Championships).

Register Now! Go to www.lrsport.org.uk/schoolgames to register your school’s interest and be the first to find out more information

Find out more about the work of LRS...

Becoming a Sport Maker will give you the knowledge, information and connections to get better at making sport happen. You will be one of 40,000 like-minded people who are making a difference to the lives of their friends, colleagues or local community.

YYou will be helping to deliver the official London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sporting legacy by helping more people play more sport. And you will be having a good time doing it!

This year, anyone can become a sporting hero. Sport Makers is a new programme to make it easy for you to make sport happen near you – from setting up sport with your mates, like fun runs or five-a-side football, to helping out with local sports clubs.

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY OF BECOMING A SPORTING HERO

Becoming a Sport Maker is easy and the programme is open to everyone aged 16 and over. To take the first step to becoming a sporting hero, visit

www.lrsport.org.uk/sportmakers

The Leicester-Shire & Rutland School Games is a new approach to competitive school sport designed to motivate and enthuse all young people, across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. The School Games is part of a national programme of competitive sport that is open to all young people in every school.

www.lrsport.org.ukFollow us - LR_Sport

Find LRS on Facebook

How to get involved?Speak to your school PE department to make sure they are registered and signed up to be part of the School Games. Find out what opportunities there are for you in a variety of sports / competitions at Levels 1 (within your own school), 2 (against other Levels 1 (within your own school), 2 (against other schools) and 3 (Super Series Finals /Championships).

Register Now! Go to www.lrsport.org.uk/schoolgames to register your school’s interest and be the first to find out more information

soarlifestyle

Free Control talk about their return to the Leicester music scene, on page 68.

Inspirational young people from across the county are set to be recognised at a prestigious awards event taking place in March 2012. After a year when many young people have been in the press for the wrong reasons, the achievements of teenagers who give up their time to help and support others across the county will be celebrated in five separate award categories.

The 2012 Lord-Lieutenant’s Award scheme is open to 13 to 19 year-olds in the city and the county, and people are being encouraged to nominate young people who are making a positive difference to friends and family or their local community.

In these latest awards, extra categories have been introduced to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond

Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In partnership with organisations offering services to young people, including Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council, and with the business community, the awards seek to identify and reward the very best examples of achievement by young people locally.

The award scheme was launched in October by Jennifer, Lady Gretton, the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire and last year’s winner, Amy Turlington.

Amy, 15, won the overall award in 2011 after judges heard how she cares for her mother who has a range of medical problems, set up a number of school clubs, supports other children, raises money for charity and carries out volunteering.

Amy, who attends De Lisle Catholic Science College in Loughborough, praised the awards.

“The awards are a great idea. They really show how, despite what some people may think, there are young people out there making a positive difference to their communities. I would encourage anyone to nominate a young person they know who is doing something extraordinary.”

Young Person of the Year

2012

The Lord-Lieutenant’s

Young Person of the Year

2012

The Lord-Lieutenant’s

YOUNG STARS

Lady Gretton (pictured below), spoke exclusively to Soar Magazine about the history of the awards.

“The whole idea is to acknowledge what young people do. I was at a reception a number of years ago and I was talking to some young people and they told me that they were carers and explained how, if they were lucky, they could get one night out a week. I just thought to myself that it was so different to the image that the press puts out of young people. I thought we should tell people that young people are doing some marvellous things, so we decided to start the awards.

“We’ve had some absolutely wonderful young people nominated and it’s quite amazing what they have done, unbelievable in fact, absolutely super. Some of the stories are totally inspirational. They don’t particularly want any recognition for what they are doing, they just take it in their stride, it’s just normal to them, which is fantastic. They are quite amazing and there are more young people than one realises that are doing absolutely wonderful things and they need publicity.”

The categories for the 2012 Lord-Lieutenant’s Award are:

Young Community Citizen of the YearSomeone whose actions have helped generate pride in their community

Young Innovator of the YearA young person who has inspired others with their creativity and innovation in engineering, technology, music or the arts

Young Volunteer inSport AwardSomeone who has given their time and energy to volunteer in local sport

Young Sports Personality of the YearA young person who has exceeded expectations in their individual achievement or team work

Young Disabled Sports Personality of the YearA young person with a learning and / or physical disability who has exceeded expectations in their individual achievement or team work

There will be a separate award for each category with the winners all receiving a trophy and a prize to the value of £500.

From these winners, one person will be announced as Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year and this outstanding achievement will be marked by the presentation of a special trophy.

The closing date for nominations is January 31st 2012. Nominees need to be aged between 13 and 19-years-old as of March 29th 2012, when the awards ceremony will take place.

Nomination forms and more information can be found at:www.leics.gov.uk/llawards or www.thejitty.com.

Alternatively, call the Lieutenancy Office at County Hall on 0116 305 6060

LIFESTYLE

“We’ve had some absolutely wonderful young people and it’s quite amazing what they have done.” – Lady Gretton

Soar Magazine was invited to Caterpillar’s Desford facility for the presentation of the company’s 250,000th Backhoe Loader machine.

To celebrate this milestone, the machine’s new owner, John Goodrich of CF Jordan came all the way from Texas to collect the keys.

Caterpillar currently employs over 1700 people at its Leicester facility, which boasts an 80% export rate on all machines assembled at the plant.

Caterpillar has had roots in Leicester for more than 55 years and the Leicester base was the first major company facility to open outside of the United States.

Having manufactured lift trucks since 1976, Caterpillar’s Leicester plant was chosen to assemble the new 416 Backhoe Loader in the summer of 1983. On September 7th 1985, Caterpillar launched its first commercially available Backhoe

Loader - a 416 built at the Leicester BCP facility, which was sold to a customer in New Jersey, USA. The machine was co-developed by a core team in Peoria, Illinois and the manufacturing business team in Leicester.

In the last 26 years Caterpillar’s share in the Backhoe Loader industry has grown considerably. This unique machine has become a vital product in the Caterpillar BCP portfolio. The Cat Backhoe Loader has evolved throughout this time, providing customers with a solution to their ever growing needs.

Since manufacture of this product began in 1985, Caterpillar has gone on to produce five series of Backhoe Loaders, each more innovative than the last. In comparison to other leading manufacturers over the last 25 years, the CAT Backhoe Loader has sold just under a quarter of a million units worldwide, taking considerable market share in a relatively short amount of time.

This demonstrates how Caterpillar Backhoe Loaders have been received as one of the best machines in the industry.

Speaking at the event, Robert Droogleever, Managing Director of Caterpillar in Desford was pleased with the landmark and also looked to the future with optimism.

“This is one of the main events for both Caterpillar and this facility and we are very, very proud to have produced and sold the 250,000th Backhoe Loader. This machine was a game-changer from a product perspective.

“We hope to produce more next year. Our order book is fairly strong. Governments may not be spending money on new projects, but maintenance work is still needed. Backhoe loaders are still needed because there are still projects out there.”

For more information on Caterpillar and the Backhoe Loader visit www.Cat.com

CATERPILLAR’S 250,000th BACKHOE LOADER MANUFACTURED IN LEICESTER

Physiotherapy & AcupunctureFor appointments call or text:

07884493809

www.walk-inphysio.co.uk • [email protected]

11am - 5pm at Leicester Market

Clothes

and much more!Phones

Food

ChristmasShopping

DVD’s

at Leicester Market

Find us on Twitter & Facebook. Search ‘Leicester Market’

Outdoor MarketMonday - Saturday: 7am to 6pm

Indoor MarketTuesday - Saturday: 8am to 5pmVoted Britian’s Favourite Market 2011

Leicester Market

Leicester's leading entertainment venue

demontforthall.co.uk0116 233 3111

chriS aDDiSOnWed 15 Feb Tickets £20 + £1.50 bkg fee

Mon 23 Jan Tickets

£27.50 + £1 bkg fee

STeWarT LeeThu 15 MarTickets£17.50

Dave SpiKeyThu 16 Feb

Tickets £18.50

Sat 14 Jan Tickets £20 £30

Sun 12 Feb Tickets £14children £13.50

BiLLy cOnnOLLySun 15 Jan

Tickets £35 + £2 bkg fee

JaMeS MOrriSOnMon 6 Feb

Tickets £28.50 +

£1.50 bkg fee

KULvinDerghir Live!Sat 10 MarTickets £25

SpagheTTi WeSTern OrcheSTraWed 7 Mar

Tickets £17.50 £19.50 concs £16 £18

SOLD OUT

094.Sharpideas SoarMag 170w x240mm _soar 14/11/2011 11:13 Page 1

11am - 5pm at Leicester Market

Clothes

and much more!Phones

Food

ChristmasShopping

DVD’s

at Leicester Market

Find us on Twitter & Facebook. Search ‘Leicester Market’

Outdoor MarketMonday - Saturday: 7am to 6pm

Indoor MarketTuesday - Saturday: 8am to 5pmVoted Britian’s Favourite Market 2011

Leicester Market


Based in Leicester’s continually evolving cultural quarter, one sandwich shop is the standout venue when it comes to breakfast and lunch-time meals for nearby workers and those passing through town. With contemporary and clear branding and a menu filled with diverse and delicious dishes, deli-ish provides fresh, good quality food at an extremely reasonable price.

From melts to wraps and jackets to salads, the trendy city centre venue, satisfies all tastes and budgets and is regularly used by Soar Magazine’s team, with Friday morning breakfast proving particularly popular at Soar Towers.

Good Food To Go

As well as an on-sight dining area, deli-ish provides freshly prepared food to takeaway and has a thriving breakfast and lunch trade. More than just a sandwich shop, deli-ish boasts a wide array of wraps, jacket

potatoes, cooked breakfasts, melts, fresh soup, toasted sandwiches, fresh coffee, teas and even hog roast themed snacks.

Managing Director, Tom Rees and his partner Marianne Sharpe (pictured above) have 20 years of experience working together in the catering industry. Starting with Rum Runner, now called the Bowstring, on Braunstone Gate they then managed Barceloneta before opening their first business, Croques, on Loseby Lane.

The next step on their catering journey was to open deli-ish on Rutland Street. Tom revealed the reason for that change of direction.

“We had Croques for eight years and won several awards, including the Leicester Mercury’s Battle of the Butties, when our ham, salad sandwich was named the best in Leicester. We wanted to improve our brand and image and that’s when we came up with the concept of deli-Ish. We chose Rutland Street because of the re-development in the cultural quarter and the amount of offices nearby.”

Despite the wide variety on the menu, including many items unique to deli-ish, quality remains at the forefront of everything produced. But which dishes tend to be the most popular?

“Wraps and toasted sandwiches are our best sellers. Our wraps are like parcels because they have so much filling.

DELI-ISHOUS

Our toasted sandwiches have three layers and are packed with cheese and filling. We also sell a lot of jacket potatoes and hog roasts.”

December sees the return of the store’s fantastic festive menu, which includes roast turkey and stuffing sandwiches and jacket potatoes containing turkey, pork, chipolata sausage and gravy.

The Big Breakfast Deal

Deli-ish offer a great value Big Breakfast Deal. Choose any breakfast item and a regular hot drink and pay just £2.

Breakfast items include: Thick sliced bacon in a roll, best quality Leicester Market Sausage in a roll, two slices of thick toast with any topping and a bowl of freshly made porridge.

Hot Drinks include: Cappuccino, latte, fruit or herbal tea and English or Earl Grey tea.

Tom is proud of the quality of the food served as part of the deal.

“I feel we offer one of the best breakfast deals in town. We have really good quality bacon and sausages that are fresh from

Leicester Market. People realise that it’s cheaper for them to pick up their breakfast here than doing it at home, and without the hassle. It’s really good quality food, well prepared and well cooked and an absolute bargain at £2.”

Spreading the Brand

Following the success of the Rutland Street venue, Tom and Marianne have recently opened up a second store across town on Bede Island. Tom talked about the recent addition to the deli-ish family and how they intend to make it a success.

“We’ve had a few new ideas. One of our best-sellers is a retro fish finger sandwich. At the moment, 90 per cent of our trade comes from nearby offices and call centres. The student market is also one that we can tap in to.”

As well as maintaining their high food standards, value will continue to be just as important to Tom’s plans for the new store.

“We’re looking to put a meal deal together at the new store, where it will be a sandwich and two other meal deal items for £2.50. That could be a drink, crisps, cake, chocolate or a piece of fruit. That

A second deli-ish has opened on Bede Island.

means people could get breakfast and lunch for £4.50.”

So how would Tom sum up what’s on offer at both stores?

“People know that if they come to deli-ish for their breakfast or lunch, they will be served within five minutes, everything is freshly made on the premises that morning and the prices are affordable. We offer great quality food at a great price, with great service.”

After trying the majority of items from the deli-ish menu, and there are plenty to try, all the staff at Soar have to agree.

Deli-ish also provide outside catering for business meetings and conferences. Menus including their full buffet service are available in store or on the company website:www.deli-ish.co.uk

Contact Details: deli-ish Sandwich Shop6-8 Rutland StreetLeicester, LE1 1RA Tel: 0116 262 8674

deli-ish Sandwich Shop24 Western BoulevardBede IslandLeicester, LE2 7BUTel: 0116 255 7057Email: [email protected] 67


In the highly-commercialised market place of modern day music, it’s proving increasingly difficult for artists with integrity and originality to reach the audience their talent deserves.

But one Leicester-based band with genuine depth are quietly making their mark. A five-piece, who have been together since 2008, Free Control comprise of bass guitarist Oliver Bloor, drummer Paul Cole, guitarist and vocalist Greg Shute, Flautist and vocalist Sally Hossack and Mike Sole on keyboards.

Previous comparisons with Moloko, Morchiba and Massive Attack suggest a flavour of what Free Control produce but beyond that, the band has its own unique style and identity, comfortably performing upbeat full throttle numbers as well slowing down the pace to reveal the raw talent of their musicianship.

The haunting yet melancholic nature of lead-singer, Sally Hossack’s voice compliments this perfectly, ensuring a sound with both richness and subtlety.

In 2009, Free Control appeared at Summer Sundae, adorning the main stage at Demontfort Hall and making an instant connection with the crowd. Regular gigs in Leicester and London followed and now, after a year dedicated to writing, recording and refining existing songs, as well as crafting new ones, the band are set to return with a bang. 2012 sees the release of a new five-track EP, entitled Extended Play, which will be available for download from January 28th. Extended Play will also be showcased at an intimate January launch gig in the unique surroundings of The Guildhall.

Soar Magazine caught up with guitarist Greg Shute and

lead-signer Sally Hossack to find out about the band’s latest material and what else is in the pipeline for the talented quintet.

Who are your main musical influences?Greg Shute: We all have an eclectic taste, everything from classic rock to free-form jazz. Hopefully our music is a culmination of the best

FREE CONTROL

of these influences but I would describe it as a kind of alternative, progressive, trip hop. My personal influences most relevant to Free Control include Pink Floyd, Unkle, Radiohead and Massive Attack.Sally Hossack: I am fascinated by lyrics, and artists like Kate Bush and Ricki Lee Jones have affected the ways in which I sing and write.

You’ve had a bit of time out but been back in the studio recently, how has that been?GS: In August we spent some time in Seamus Wong Studios in Leicester, recording tracks for the EP. The whole process was really enjoyable; lots of late nights spent playing music.SH: Fantastic. Time away from gigging was useful as it allowed us distance from the music to produce in a studio, which is different from the live performance environment.

So, what can we expect from Extended Play? GS: We wanted to try and get a good mix of songs. Two tracks have been recorded in demo form before but we wanted to record them properly as our sound has developed. The other tracks are regulars in our live set and have been honed. The newest track,

‘Strawman’ reflects the direction we’re going in, but I wouldn’t say it’s a new sound, just an evolved one.SH: It’s the best I have ever heard these songs sound, they are truly crafted. Paul Warrener at Seamus Wong Studios created a massive drum sound and I think our recordings benefited from his advice and the recording space. It is being mixed by John Meredith who understands how we feel about our music.

Which other Leicester-based acts do you rate?GS: By the Rivers are doing really well, bringing reggae back in a big way and I’m also a fan of Dead Slow and NFQ. SH: The music scene in Leicester is thriving and diverse. I really rate NFQ and Martha Bean. By The Rivers are making great waves and These Furrows are a fantastic live act.

What does music mean to you?GS: I don’t know what I would do without it. Music is able to convey so many emotions and people rely on it whether they realise it or not. It’s around us all the time and all of our lives are touched by it. SH: Everything. My life would be incomplete without making and playing music, it makes me proud to play or record and I’m miserable without it.

LIFESTYLE

“I would love for people to be really moved by our music”

Guitarist: Greg Shute

Lead Singer: Sally Hossack

Finally, what are your hopes for the future?GS: To keep writing and performing music for as long as possible. I hope that people enjoy listening to what we create. To know that our music connects with people is what we strive for.SH: I would love for people to be really moved by our music, enough to allow us to do it all of the time. I think touring with this band would be amazing for us all, the amount of writing we could do if we worked together more would be immense.

Download Extended Play

Track listing: Strawman The Balloon YTYKS Witness Start Again

Available at the end of January from iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and other online retailers.

For more information on Free Control, The Guildhall launch event and other upcoming gigs, visit their official website:www.freecontrol.co.uk or check out their Facebook page.

69

The Active Together Workplace Challenge is aimed at organisations in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland and offers 3 innovative programmes to stay active:

1) Activity Log - register your activity over 8 weeks to win prizes! Launching 16th January 20122) Competition Programme - compete with other workplaces in sporting tournaments!3) Business Games - a new one day sporting event for 2012. Enter a team with your colleagues and get involved!

For further details visit www.lrsport.org.uk/goldchallenge

The charity challenge where you take on Olympic or Paralympic sports to raise money for charity. Choose one of three fantastic challenges and be part of the excitement around London 2012! Gold Challenge can help us to increase participation in sport and enable local people to be part of London 2012.

AdultsThree Challenges:1. Olympic/Paralympic Sport Challenge2. 2012km Challenge3. Gold Challenge in a Day

Youth & Family (aged 7+)Three Challenges:1. 2012 km Challenge2. Olympic / Paralympic Sport Challenge3. Family Activity Challenge

In the run up to the games, Inspire Leicestershire will be encouraging as many people as possible to make a ‘Pledge for 2012’, which is your opportunity to do something which you are inspired to achieve.

Think of what the Games will mean to you. Is it sport, volunteering, being a spectator, taking part, cultural aspects, welcoming visitors to the UK, coaching or helping others to take part in sport?

Now what will your 2012 pledge be? Taking up a new sport, supporting a community group, walking to work, taking up a new hobby, being more active, eating more healthily, working harder for exams, volun-teering to support others, giving up smoking?

Follow us - InspireLeics Find Inspire on Facebook

What will your New Year’s Pledge be?For more inspiration go to www.inspireleics.org.uk and make your pledge today!

www.workplacechallenge.org.uk

Make your New Year’s Resolution a lasting legacy of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games!

The Active Together Workplace Challenge is aimed at organisations in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland and offers 3 innovative programmes to stay active:

1) Activity Log - register your activity over 8 weeks to win prizes! Launching 16th January 20122) Competition Programme - compete with other workplaces in sporting tournaments!3) Business Games - a new one day sporting event for 2012. Enter a team with your colleagues and get involved!

For further details visit www.lrsport.org.uk/goldchallenge

The charity challenge where you take on Olympic or Paralympic sports to raise money for charity. Choose one of three fantastic challenges and be part of the excitement around London 2012! Gold Challenge can help us to increase participation in sport and enable local people to be part of London 2012.

AdultsThree Challenges:1. Olympic/Paralympic Sport Challenge2. 2012km Challenge3. Gold Challenge in a Day

Youth & Family (aged 7+)Three Challenges:1. 2012 km Challenge2. Olympic / Paralympic Sport Challenge3. Family Activity Challenge

In the run up to the games, Inspire Leicestershire will be encouraging as many people as possible to make a ‘Pledge for 2012’, which is your opportunity to do something which you are inspired to achieve.

Think of what the Games will mean to you. Is it sport, volunteering, being a spectator, taking part, cultural aspects, welcoming visitors to the UK, coaching or helping others to take part in sport?

Now what will your 2012 pledge be? Taking up a new sport, supporting a community group, walking to work, taking up a new hobby, being more active, eating more healthily, working harder for exams, volun-teering to support others, giving up smoking?

Follow us - InspireLeics Find Inspire on Facebook

What will your New Year’s Pledge be?For more inspiration go to www.inspireleics.org.uk and make your pledge today!

www.workplacechallenge.org.uk

Make your New Year’s Resolution a lasting legacy of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games! AWARD WINING PUB / RESTAURANT

& PREMIER ACCOMMODATION

9 Bennetts Hill, Dunton Bassett, Leics, LE17 5JJ | Tel: 01455 209 786 - 07980 603 214

Come and Host Your Christmas Party at the DBA

• Warm, Friendly Atmosphere

• HUGE Selection of Fine Wines

• Award Winning Chinese Restaurant

• Premier Accommodation

• Superb Sunday Carvery

Set in the heart of rural South

Leicestershire, the Dunton Bassett Arms

is a warm and welcoming pub, with log

firesandfinerealalesaccompaniedby

anextensivefinewinelist,thefantastic

contemporary restaurant and premier

accommodation offers a unique festive

treat for you and the family this Christmas.

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY CARVERY SERVED 12 - 4PM

WWW.DUNTONBASSETTARMS.CO.UK

New Year: Black Tie Event, Ticket Only, £10


LIFESTYLE

docfilm – THE SEQUEL

The second Leicester

docfilm Festival will take

place in January 2012 at the

Phoenix Square Film & Digital

Media Centre in the heart of

Leicester’s Cultural Quarter.

The documentary festival, which is being organised by the Citizens’ Eye Community News Agency, starts on Friday January 20th with an education day for local schools who have the opportunity to take part in workshops and find out how to capture their own 2012 experience.

Dogwoof Popup Cinema will be partners of the second docfilm Festival and will include previews and classics from the Dogwoof catalogue. Highlights include a filmmakers Speedmatching event, a 15th British Silent Film Festival matinee showcase, Reportage Club and extensive workshop program.

The main film program starts on the Friday evening and continues across seven screens throughout the weekend, showcasing several films, including:

Tabloid Blood in the Mobile The Green Wave Vanishing of the BeesA Small Act BudrusInterruptersBurma VJ Mugabe and the White African Restrepo The Prison Where I Live Countdown to Zero

Individual film tickets cost £5, with a three-day festival ticket priced at £15, and can be purchased at the Phoenix Square ticket office.

For more information call 0116 242 2800 or visit: www.docfilmfestival.co.uk

somewhereto_ is a nationwide project that helps young people find the space they need to do the things they love within sport, culture and the arts.

Run by Livity, in partnership with Channel 4, the project is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to help build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK.

The aim is to help improve the lives of thousands of young people and create thousands of success stories, today and in the future.

Hollie’s somewhereto_

17-year-old young reporter, Hollie Sturgess from New Parks, talked about how somewhereto_ helped her set up a Paralympic themed event at Phoenix Square in Leicester.

I knew somewhereto_ would be something that I wanted to get involved with and began thinking about how I could benefit from it after being introduced to the project by Tina Barton, a regional coordinator. After some careful thought and planning I decided to put on a one year to go to the London 2012 Paralympics event because I think the Paralympics doesn’t fully receive the attention that it deserves.

I chose somewhereto_ as it was easier for me to find a space for my event without the hassle of contacting venues and then facing the disappointment of not being able to use a space; especially as young people are not always welcomed by lease holders. Yet

somewhereto_ helped my vision come alive and secured Phoenix Square’s café.

My experience was amazing, everything ran incredibly smoothly, the staff at Phoenix Square gave me a lot of freedom, knowing my plans in advance, and overall I couldn’t have asked for anything more. somewhereto_ makes dreams come true. Let’s spread the word about somewhereto_ and really make use of the spaces in our city.

If you’re aged between 16 and 25-years-old and need a space for the things you love, contact:[email protected]: @somewhereto_EM

We are always looking for additional spaces. If you want to give your space for a young person to hold their somewhereto_ please call Tina Barton on:07521 289520.

Hollie Strurgess with triple Paralympic gold

medalist, Kenny Churchill

73



After the high-profi le departure of Sven-Goran Eriksson and two weeks of speculation, Nigel Pearson was off icial ly unvei led as Leicester City manager on November 16th, signal l ing the start of his second spell in charge of the Foxes.

Leicester City Vice-Chairman, Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Raksr iaksorn, and Chief Execut ive, Susan Whelan, were del ighted to f inal ly get their man and formal ly presented Pearson to the media at King Power Stadium.

Soar Photo extensively covered the big day and captured al l the act ion from the f i rst game of the manager’s second spel l in charge, as the Foxes romped to a 3-0 v ictory over Crystal Palace…

In association with:

INPICS

7575

For more information on soarphoto visit:: www.soarphoto.co.uk


the soarpoint with KasperSchmeichel

77

Very much his own man, Kasper Schmeichel is determined to leave his own football legacy, but comparisons with his father Peter are natural. Similarities in their playing style, physical appearance and ability to pull off lightning-quick reaction saves are evident when watching Kasper in action, but when meeting the 25-year-old, his firm handshake, confident body language and steely determination to succeed are just as reminiscent of his father.

Still relatively young for a goalkeeper, Leicester City’s first choice between the sticks has already experienced plenty in his career and has chosen Leicester City as the next destination of his football journey.

Soar Magazine caught up with Kasper at the club’s Belvoir Drive training ground as he assessed his first six months at King Power

Stadium, tolerated our inevitable questions about his father and talked with confidence about what the future holds for him and Leicester City.

Jon Reeves: Firstly Kasper, how would you assess your time at Leicester City so far?

Kasper Schmeichel: I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been good. I’m settling in and starting to find my feet so I’m enjoying being here. My form has been ok but there’s always room for improvement. Generally speaking, it’s been ok but I’ll keep working hard to improve.

JR: At the start of the season It was pretty much a new back five of players. It was always going to take a bit of time to gain that understanding?

KS: That’s the way it is. As new players you have to get to know

how each other plays and I was lucky that I played with Millsy (Matt Mills) before, as I knew him from Manchester City, but on the whole I think we’ve gelled quite well.

JR: It’s been an eventful few months, with Sven-Goran Eriksson leaving and now Nigel Pearson coming in as manager. How has it been from the players’ point of view?

KS: It’s a bit different but as footballers we’re paid to play football and not really make decisions, so we just get on with it. The new gaffer has come in and he’s been a breath of fresh air. He’s really enthusiastic and he’s a winner and that’s what we want.

JR: It’s been an inconsistent start but is promotion still on the cards?

KS: One hundred per cent. There are over 25 games left and it’s still very early days and everything is possible.

JR: What are your earliest memories of football?

KS: I just always watched football. Obviously from the day I was born it has always been in my family and has always been a big part of our lives, so for me to get involved was just the natural thing.

I started quite late and didn’t start playing properly until I was about 14. I didn’t become a goalkeeper until I was 15. I was a striker but goalkeeping came naturally to me

SOAR POINT

‘The Great Dane’, ‘Manchester United’s best ever goalkeeper’, ‘The Premier League’s number one’, and the ‘finest keeper of all-time’. When all of these phrases have been used to describe your father, it’s never going to be easy to follow in his football footsteps.

“My form has been ok but there’s always room for improvement.”


and I got to the point where I had to decide which position would get me the furthest and it was always goalkeeper. It wasn’t a conscious decision to be like my dad. For me, football has got to be enjoyable. It’s obviously more enjoyable when you’re winning things and that’s still the case.

JR: You were a Manchester United fan growing up and would’ve been about 12 when your dad left the club, how did that make you feel at the time?

KS: I wasn’t disappointed when he left. What better way to play your last three games than picking up three trophies, including the biggest one of the lot? It was the perfect way for him to end his Manchester United career.

JR: People compare you to your dad, but what similarities do you see between the two of you, as goalkeepers and as people?

KS: I don’t know, I let others decide.

JR: But there must be some attributes or characteristics that you’ve taken from him?

KS: He was a winner. I hate losing as well so that’s probably the main thing.

JR: How did signing for Manchester City come about?

KS: I was playing back home in Denmark and I got the chance to come and train with the Manchester City first team for a couple of weeks and they offered me a contract. There were good and bad times

but I made some very good friends there and I still keep in touch with a lot of people that work there. I have mixed emotions when I look back at that time.

JR: You made your Premier League debut for Manchester City against West Ham United as a 20-year-old (pictured above), what are your memories of that experience?

KS: It was a bit of a whirlwind. It was mad. At such a young age you don’t really get time to think and now, looking back, you know what a big thing it was. When you’re young it just happens and you take it in your stride. It was brilliant and acts as an incentive to get back there. JR: You gained a lot of first team experience out on loan and have had a couple of moves before joining Leicester. At which club would you say you developed as a player the most?

KS: Notts County, definitely. That was a fantastic year and I learned

The ‘perfect’ ending: Schmeichel senior’s last

game for Manchester United

79

so much. It was great to go into a team that had so much spirit even through a lot of adversity but it all came together at the end. I still had two years left on my Manchester City contract and I had a great life there. I trained all week and had the weekends off but that’s not what football’s about for me. Football is about playing and I’d rather go out and play every week than just pick up my wages, I don’t think that’s right.

JR: What was the motivation behind signing for Leicester City? KS: It was the opportunity to join a club going forward, that was progressing and wanting to go places. You can see by all the facilities that it’s all geared up for us to reach the Premier League and we’re all fully committed to doing that.

JR: How do you relax away from the game and what have you made of Leicestershire?

KS: I spend all my time with my family, with my little boy and enjoy watching him growing up. I live about 40 minutes away, which isn’t too bad, so I commute. I lived in a hotel in Leicester for a while, while my house was getting ready and it’s a nice place, with nice people and everybody has been really friendly. I’m thoroughly enjoying being here.

JR: Finally Kasper, what are your remaining ambitions in the game, I guess a senior cap for Denmark is up there?

KS: Just to become the best I can be. I’ve never been called up

properly for Denmark so I don’t know what the script is there. At the moment I’m focusing on playing week in, week out and that’s the most important thing for me.

A man who has already experienced so much of what the beautiful game has to offer, Kasper Schmeichel’s determination to maximise his potential can only be good news for Leicester City.

SOAR POINT


WEST END GIRLA member of Ed Miliband’s modern-looking Shadow Cabinet and Labour MP for Leicester West, Liz Kendall is a politician with a bright future. Born in Hertfordshire, the 40-year-old was elected to serve her constituency in 2010.

Soar Magazine met the Shadow Minister for Care and Older People at her Narborough Road office to talk about her career so far, her political vision and how she hopes to make a difference, both locally and nationally.

Liz was surrounded by politics from an early age and the passionate views and principles held by her parents and one former Labour leader, left a lasting effect.

“My family was really involved in our community. My first ever protest march was for a zebra crossing in the village. Mum was a governor at my local primary school and dad became a councillor. Election Day was really exciting and we always talked about politics. My dad was keen to make a difference where we lived. He was

very hardworking and believed you should give something back.

“I remember feeling devastated the morning after the 1992 election when Neil Kinnock lost. At that point I thought, ‘it’s not just enough to talk, you’ve got to make this happen yourself’. He battled to turn us into a party about ordinary people wanting to get on in life and understood what we needed to do to get into government. I was always a big fan of his.”

Despite her early influences, Kendall didn’t go directly into politics but soon felt compelled to run for election.

“I wasn’t involved in politics at university. When I left I began working for organisations developing future NHS and social care policy. Then I ran a charity called the Maternity Alliance, before working for a couple of politicians. There are lots of different ways to change the world but ultimately, I thought, ‘put your money where your mouth is and put yourself forward.’”

Liz decided to put herself forward in Leicester, a city she’d developed an affinity for.

“I was born and brought up in Watford but I knew people from Leicester and I absolutely love this city because it is so diverse. I wanted to represent a place that I had something to offer. I live just off the Narborough Road, my office is here and I love it. You feel like you’re at the heart of everything.”

The 40-year-old explained what makes her tick politically and how she intends to make a difference.

“By meeting people and seeing what I can do to help. A lot of Neil Kinnock: Liz Kendall’s political idol

81

LIFESTYLE

people are worried about politics, the economy, jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. Those are absolutely huge issues and I think that the government is getting it wrong. We’ve got so much going for us here, we’ve just got to give people the right chances.

“I am most passionate about the beginning and the end of life. For me, giving children the best start is at the heart of it. Too often it’s birth not worth that determines how far you get in life. What brought me into politics is that ordinary people should have the same chances as the better off in society.

“Caring for the elderly is one of the issues that we haven’t got to grips with as a society. So many people are living longer because of medical advances and sometimes the very old have very serious problems. It is serious that the government is cutting local council budgets by 27 per cent. The biggest discretionary spend of any council is social care so that is going to be affected. Now people with only very critical needs are given help.”

In October 2011, Liz became part of a new look, more contemporary shadow cabinet that features eleven women and is one of the youngest in the Labour Party’s history.

“We’ve had very open discussions. Ed Miliband is serious about being an effective opposition, which means absolutely holding the government to account for the mistakes they are making but also offering cross-party talks on things like social care and putting party politics aside. I feel very privileged to be part of that and that Ed thinks I can contribute.

“Ed is so passionate and committed. He has a clarity of focus in what he believes but at the same time has an openness, and that’s a really good combination.”

In terms of the Kendall combination, the friendly but extremely focused politician clearly has her own clarity of focus, influenced by a determination to help her party reclaim power and credibility, as well as improving life for her constituents.

“I’d like to get rid of this government and I’d like Labour to

get people’s trust back and make even more progress than we did on giving everybody a chance in life. I want to do what I can for where I live and there is a lot to do.”

For someone who has already achieved so much those ambitions are sure to help Liz Kendall continue to make a difference.

For more information on Liz Kendall visit www.lizkendall.org

“I absolutely love this city because it is so diverse.”


You canchoose better

Many patients can be treated elsewhere. The Emergency Department is for real emergencies only. Please play your part. Visit www.choosebetter.org.uk to find the right place for treatment. Local libraries hold leaflets.

Find out more

The Emergency Department is for serious and life threatening conditions: Heavy bleeding, broken bones, burns or scalds, chest pain, strokes.

Should havecalled NHS

Direct

Unsure or confused about

an illness

Should be at thePharmacy

Painful cough

Stomach ache

Should be atthe GP

Minor cuts

Should be at theUrgent Care Centre,

or Minor InjuriesWalk-in Centre

Unit

Should have

Sore throat

treated themselves

cabinet

at home from

their medicine

Should have

been at

the frontof the

queue

Severe chest pain

Leicester_Portrait_240x170.indd 1 09/11/2011 10:21


Visit our new showroom with over 75 displays, including up to 65’’ TVs from Sony,Panasonic and Samsung. Free 5 year guarantee on most televisions when bought in store.

King Richards Road Leicester LE3 5QGTel: 0116 242 1365 • markselectrical.co.uk

Samsung Series 4UE19D4003 LED Television

SOAROFFER PRICE £139.99Currently £30 cheaper than Currysand £25 cheaper than Comet

• 19’’ Charcoal Black• Oval Stand• HD Ready• Freeview• Guarantee - 1 year parts and labour

Hotpoint AquariusFDL570X Dishwasher

SOAROFFER PRICE£279.99 Currently cheapest in the UK by £30 • Stainless Steel• Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) - 850 x 600 x 600• 12 Place Settings• 7 programmes, 5 temperatures• LED Programme Progress Indication• 9 hour delay start• Guarantee - 5 years parts and 1 year labour

SOAR MAGAZINE READER OFFERTo purchase either item at the listed price bring a copy of this advert into the store or call and quote ‘Soar’. Offer only redeemable once per person.

FREEDELIVERY

soar magazine issue 15

Documents

climbing centre

leicester tigers

leicester city

leicester printing

ukindoor climbing

climbing areas

leicester leys leisure

extensive climbing facility