Football’s alcohol ban will be lifted in a trial during Women’s Championship matches, with two stadiums taking part in the test in the English second tier.
Booze is prohibited in sight of the pitch in all top five tiers of the men’s game, though allowed lower down the pyramid and in women’s football. Fans taking part in the trial will be able to take their drinks up to their seats while the match is being played.
Alcohol is sold in the concourses of stadiums before and during games but cannot be brought into the stands.
Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, said that the clubs and stadiums taking part in the trial had not yet been confirmed.
“We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season and we’ll see what we learn from it,” she said at Leaders Week London at the Allianz Stadium. “Our fan base and the behaviour is different to the men’s game.
“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”
The proposal is not a new concept, however. Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch broached the idea of fans at League Two sides and below being able to drink inside the ‘stadium bowl’ in her 2021 Fan-led Review.
However, the idea was shot down by police chiefs despite support from fan groups and League Two bosses. The Sun claim that the police’s position has not changed on the matter in men’s football, though they are powerless to stop local forces from preventing such a trial in the women’s game.
In 2023, the EFL’s Head of Security and Safety Operations Bob Eastwood said there was a “lack of evidence” to support the outright ban when giving evidence in the House of Commons during a discussion on football safety.
Drinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the top five male divisions since 1985 and those caught breaking that law can even land three-month prison sentences.
In Scotland, the government confirmed that it was giving “serious consideration” to a decades-long suspension of alcohol in football stadiums. Supporters have been banned from drinking at games completely since 1980 when Celtic and Rangers fans stormed the pitch and threw beer cans during the Scottish Cup final.
“Things have moved on in football and we need to look at this as a way of helping football clubs be able to generate more money,” Minister for Parliamentary Business George Adam told MFR radio station.
“You already have alcohol at football games in corporate [sections], it’s just a case of finding other areas or zones in grounds to do that and make sure it’s a safe and controlled environment.”
Not all who wander are lost and, for Annie Nelson, powerlifting led her back to herself.
The 27-year-old, based in Edinburgh, admits that she has struggled with depression and anxiety in the past and if she hadn’t discovered powerlifting, she would not be the woman she is today.
Nelson has only been lifting competitively for around six years but is already recognised as one of the best in the world.
She has represented Great Britain on a number of occasions and came third in her weight division at last year’s European Open Classic Powerlifting Championships in Estonia before finishing fifth at the IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania in June.
Having started in athletics, Nelson reveals she fell out of love with the sport after five years of training between the ages of 16 and 21. However, the struggles started before she stepped away from track and field.
‘I was actually struggling with depression and anxiety to the point where my training wasn’t making me feel better when I was 19 or 20,’ she says. ‘That made me look at things and think it wasn’t for me, that there might be something else I would enjoy more. So I made the decision to step away from athletics.
Nelson gets ready to lift at the IPF World Championship in Druskinikai, Lithuania
A support team watches carefully as Nelson prepares for another massive lift
Nelson reflects on the scale of her achievement after pushing herself to her limit in Lithuania
‘I always loved the odd strength and conditioning session we did for that so I thought: “Why don’t I do that all the time?” Just lift weights all the time and just do that. I love feeling strong, so I found a coach, went from there and I’ve never looked back.
‘In terms of lifting, it has been great for my mental health. Powerlifting has taught me that I’m strong mentally as well. Obviously it teaches you how to be strong physically, but it also teaches you a lot of resilience, and a lot of my team-mates would agree with that.
‘It teaches you how to come back from things and that really gave me a focus, especially because I enjoyed it so much and never treated it just as a hobby. I knew I wanted to compete straight away and went head first into it all.
‘So that pushed me to keep going, pour all of my energy into it and training was my escape.
‘I always think that failing something gives you another opportunity to come back, to go and prove to yourself that you’re stronger than you were before.
‘It may sound cheesy but it relates so closely to your personal life as well. So it’s like: “If I can come back and be stronger, keep working away on myself, I don’t know where I can go”. I always transfer that over to regular life as well in that I can always come back from hard things and I’ll come back better.’
A contemplative Nelson takes a time out before preparing for her next challenge
Though Nelson has only been powerlifting for six years, already she has received a number of messages from young women thanking her for inspiring them and teaching them that it is OK for girls to lift weights.
Whilst she never set out with the intention to be a light for those to follow, Nelson has not shone away from the opportunity to encourage more women to eat the foods they want to and lift weights.
‘It’s hard for me to wrap my head around that I’ve inspired some girls to get into powerlifting,’ she admits. ‘When I read stuff like that, I get a lump in my throat, especially when it’s a younger female because I know that I could have done with an older female strength athlete, role model, to look at. I was just living in my own little bubble.
‘To think that there are young girls out there that look at me, decide to get into powerlifting and get themselves really strong in what you’d call a male-dominated sport is incredible and I’m really touched that people feel like that.
‘The lifting community is still growing, especially on the female side of things, which is absolutely amazing. There are more and more girls getting involved and I’m the biggest advocate for that.
‘In Scottish powerlifting, the ratio between men and women in the sport is slowly evening out. It’s so important that young girls have the confidence to go and lift weights. I’m 27 now and when I was younger, I was growing up in the size-zero culture.
Nelson and a friend find cause for celebrations in between the rigours of events
‘I remember a quote that was something like: “nothing tastes as good as how being skinny feels” and all these things stick with you.
‘Doing something like this teaches you to eat to actually fuel your body and it’s healthy to put on a bit of weight at times and go to the gym and make yourself really strong. You don’t have to be skinny and not eat — you can fuel yourself, go to the gym and be strong just like the men do.’
Being part of the community and lifting alongside men is another reason why Nelson continues to partake in her sport.
Earlier this year, she deadlifted over three times her bodyweight in front of none other than the World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman.
Having initially struggled with the national limelight, once Nelson took time to process the shock and reflect on what she had achieved, things became normal.
Nelson admits she’s bowled over to be considered an icon for many young people in the sport
‘Lifting in front of Tom Stoltman was amazing,’ she admits. ‘I got invited to the Arnold Sports Festival. He was on the stand with me and it was amazing to deadlift next to him with him cheering me on. I didn’t even plan to go that heavy, we just did it on the day and it was incredible.
‘I had no idea I’d get to the level I’m at. When I got my first call-up for GB, I had a lot of imposter syndrome and that it was maybe a fluke that I’d got there, that I’d done well at selections competition because other people maybe didn’t show up how I thought they would. It took me a while to realise that but the truth was that I deserved to be there and I earned my spot.
‘I’ve had quite a few GB showings now and I’ve appreciated and loved every single one.’
11 first team stars joined up with their respective nations over the past week for the second enforced stoppage of the domestic season – just seven games in.
This stop-start nature is becoming ever-so common, and Rodgers actually reckons modern day football is starting to veer towards being a 12-month sport.
Celtic faced Sligo Rovers in a friendly last week before the gaffer allowed his remaining squad to rest up.
Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have travelled across the world hoping to represent Japan, with Hatate failing to make a single appearance and Maeda being reduced to a small cameo from the bench.
(Image: Celtic TV) Rodgers took the opportunity to chat with Celtic TV and detailed what’s been going on at Lennoxtown since the last competitive fixture against Ross County on October 6.
“The players who stayed back had a chance to recover,” he said. “We played in Sligo midweek, which was a great exercise for us. After that, some of the players got a bit of breathing space to rest and recharge for the next batch of games.
“They’ve been back in training since Monday, and we’re preparing well for the weekend.
“Recovery is as important as training hard, and while the international players are away, we’ll get them back as soon as possible, recover them, and be ready to go again for the busy schedule ahead.”
Many of the Celtic squad didn’t get a substantial break over summer due to the European Championships and then flying out to the United States for their pre-season tour shortly after.
Now with internationals breaks even more frequent since the introduction of the UEFA Nations League, Celtic are faced with seven games with 23 days across all competitions.
Rodgers is lucky that he’s built a large squad that’s been curated ready to deal with competing strongly domestically and in Europe, yet the Celtic boss still believes a packed schedule could become a widespread issue.
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”Yes, there’s definitely more football crammed into shorter timeframes,” he replied when asked if he feels the fixture congestion caused by frequent international breaks is a concern.
“Looking forward, I think football is heading towards becoming a 12-month sport. Players may not get rest in the summer, but at different points throughout the year.
“There are more games and higher demands on players. They love playing, but we want to maintain quality in every match.
“We’ll continue to prepare the players as best we can, motivating and inspiring them to perform well, and so far, they’ve done a fantastic job.”
Rodgers also discussed Celtic’s near-perfect start to the 2024/25 campaign as he side gear up to face Aberdeen on Saturday, with only goal difference separating the pair at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
(Image: SNS Group) The only blemish on last seasons double-winners resume this time around has been a 7-1 away defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
“I’ve been absolutely delighted,” the Northern Irishman stated. “As you said, we’ve played 11 games, won 10, and lost just once to a really strong opponent.
“The unity, the spirit, and the quality within the team have been fantastic. Now, we’re looking to carry that momentum into the next set of games. We’ve got seven matches in the next 23 days, which will be a busy period, but we’re determined to keep things going.”
Allen Stanford, remember that name? No? Not a surprise really.
When West Indians are focused on the biggest party in sport, who has time to remember a man who was a party to the biggest fraud ever perpetrated on West Indian sport?
Fraudster Allen Stanford (centre) celebrates with then Trinidad and Tobago T20 captain Daren Ganga during the short-lived Stanford 20/20 cricket tournament.
On Republic Day, a lady who lives on my street went to the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba to watch Kieron Pollard’s Trinbago Knight Riders take on the eventual 2024 CPL champions, Saint Lucia Kings.
She did not have the slightest idea who Stanford was. But she did not know any more about Johnson Charles or Faf du Plessis.
She was completely in the dark about what the Kings’ victory meant for the home side’s position in the standings. She didn’t care.
“The lime was real nice!” she gushed. “I don’t know when last I had so much fun! Yuh know who not missing CPL next year!”
A patron enjoys the atmosphere at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba during a Republic Bank CPL contest between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on 22 September 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images
So, spare a thought for the American investor who was arrested, charged and sentenced for fraud in 2009. Had he not seized upon the opportunity to cash in early on the T20 craze then sweeping the world of cricket, we’d certainly not have been talking about Aaron Jones all last week.
And there were hundreds of women and children present for the Barbados-born American allrounder’s match-winning innings, although they don’t know the difference between second slip and a half-slip!
Stanford’s Legends tournament, which began in 2006, was short-lived. His idea was to use the renown of the numerous living West Indian cricketing legends and, perhaps by osmosis, raise the profile of each of the participating teams to which he attached these worthy, high-profile gentlemen.
Hell, he went so far as to build his own ground in Antigua, which has now been added to the pool of cricket resources in the region.
contest between the Barbados Royals and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at Bridgetown on 11 September 2024. Photo: Randy Brooks/ CPL T20 via Getty Images
For the first time, the West Indian public was exposed to the American-style franchise model in sport with all its razzle-dazzle and glamour and glitter! And eventually, as we now see every year in the CPL, massive merchandising and fan-based paraphernalia galore.
To fill the gap left by the collapse of Stanford’s initiative, in 2013, the WICB launched the CPL to replace the Caribbean T20 League as the major T20 competition in the region.
Suddenly, players found themselves earning serious money. For young and upcoming players, present and past players alike, there were opportunities for contracts as players, coaches, consultants, commentators and so on.
Since then, franchise cricket has grown exponentially (as Ian Bishop might say) and taken over the world. There are franchise tournaments in all the established Test-playing nations and then some—such as Dubai, Sharjah, the USA and Canada.
Saint Lucia Kings batsman Tim Seifert (below) collides with Guyana Amazon Warriors wicketkeeper Azam Khan during Republic Bank CPL action at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia on 7 September 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen/ CPL T20 via Getty Images
New Zealand’s Danny Morrison and Barbados’ Alex Jordan never cease to loudly remind televiewers—as each franchise-hosting entity competes to outdo all others and grab television attention and its moment in the sun or under the lights—that the CPL is the biggest party in sport.
After 12 editions, they insist, the CPL is now (barring India’s mega-IPL) the most popular and attractive franchise cricket tournament in the world.
Presenter Grace Hayden takes in her surroundings at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on a Republic Bank CPL assignment on 24 September 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images
Fan participation has already grown tremendously. And continues to grow. Team support is now assuming cult-like dimensions, as Guyana Warriors (chicken curry) and Trinbago Knight Riders (curry chicken) in particular have taken their rivalry beyond the boundary and into the stands and streets.
West Indians in the diaspora now plan and book vacations around CPL time—more and more are following their team through the islands as the competition progresses.
Many fans based in the region island-hop to support their team, gladdening government hearts (do governments have hearts?) with the influx of visitors the tournament brings to their shores.
Saint Lucia Kings supporters cheer on their team during the Republic Bank CPL final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence on 6 October 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images
During the early phases of this year’s tournament in Antigua and Saint Kitts/Nevis, there were many spaces visible in the stands, especially for mid-week fixtures. But later on, the crowds came out, even when the home franchise was not playing.
In Trinidad and in Guyana, there were many full houses. But the games were not without their hiccups.
In Port-of-Spain, everyone knows, parking spaces in and around the Queen’s Park Oval are limited. Patrons complained about having had their vehicles towed while they partied inside.
A Trinbago Knight Riders supporter cheers on her team during Republic Bank CPL action against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Queen’s Park Oval, POS, Trinidad on 18 September 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
In Tarouba, traffic congestion and access and egress issues continue to plague games played at that venue.
In Providence in October, there was the spectacle of the lights going out in a crucial playoff game. The S-word surfaced. No surprise. But not me and the conspiracy, not me and the bacchanal. For me, age is just a number, whether it’s wearing a shoe, a slipper or a sabot!
But the CPL needs to ensure that justice also appears to be done!
Barbados Royals batsmen David Miller (centre) and Rovman Powell (right) console Trinbago Knight Riders star Nicholas Pooran after the Royals’ controversial win in the Republic Bank CPL Eliminator at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence on 1 October 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images
All in all, though, the sponsors can’t complain about the mileage they got from their continuing support of the tournament.
Its Caribbean nature gets pride of place in its official name but on the field it certainly retains a strong international flavour. Although all but two of the franchises are owned by Indian business interests, each team features top international players and coaches from around the world.
Maybe with time, more West Indian business interests will follow the example of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, both of which are owned by wealthy Guyanese businessmen.
Guyana Amazon Warriors fielder Shimron Hetmyer celebrates the dismissal of Saint Lucia Kings batsman Tim Seifert during the Republic Bank CPL final at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence on 6 October 2024. Photo: Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images
We can now hope for more good things from the CPL in the near future. A recent CWI announcement says that the way is now open for leading players such as Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King and Shai Hope to be selected, once available, on the Test squad without having to participate in the domestic red ball season.
Their CPL efforts will qualify them for red ball selection.
“CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue about the realities of the modern game,” CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe told the media. “The players have responded in kind…”
Trinbago Knight Riders batsman Nicholas Pooran flashes his blade at a delivery during Republic Bank CPL action against the Barbados Royals at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on 27 September 2024. Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868
It is a development for which die-hard West Indies cricket fans the world over have long been yearning. Let us hope that before long it brings the kind of red ball results which the fans have long craved.
And that the scores of young and impressionable fans for whom the leading white ball players have become superheroes will find heroes too in the Test arena.
Thanks to the CPL.
Warren Thompson is a Tobagonian by birth, a life-long student of cricket by preference and an economist by profession. His formal training came at QRC, The UWI and the University of Wales but the assets/skills of which this father of three girls is proudest come from the School of Hard Knocks.
Elton Welsby has claimed ‘women commentators are not as good as men’, but the former television presenter wouldn’t ban them from sports broadcasts.
Welsby was best known as a presenter and featured on several popular sports programmes during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, including Match Night, Match Time and On the Ball.
He also made up part of the ITV team that covered both the Euros and World Cups between 1982 and 1992, as well as occasionally covering the Olympic Games, when they were broadcast on the channel.
Welsby certainly knows a thing or two about sports broadcasting, but he believes the industry has taken a turn for the worse.
Slamming the role of female commentators on male events, Welsby told The Telegraph: “I was brought up on Hugh Johns and Brian Moore. They had just the perfect voices for live television commentary.
“The voice would rise with the crescendo of the crowd when the goal is scored. The crowd erupts and they are with them. I don’t think the lady commentators can do that, they don’t have the same voice. But good luck to them.”
He continued: “Maybe half the audience are ladies and they prefer that, it’s just personal – nothing more. If I was head of Sky Sports or BBC Sport or ITV Sport I wouldn’t say ‘ban lady commentators’, they deserve their chance.
“But it is like watching women’s football or rugby – I choose not to watch it but I don’t condemn them for doing it. It is subjective. That is not getting me in trouble at all.”
Welsby hasn’t been afraid to speak out against the new landscape of sports media, having previously blasted one of his former employers.
During an interview with The Daily Express in 2015, Welsby claimed Soccer Sunday – a programme he anchored for Granada – was “a poor show with poor content and poor journalistic standards.”
But Welsby did admit he wishes he was given a longer shot at the top prior to Sky Sports taking a stranglehold on the industry in 1992.
On his time as a presenter, Welsby added: “In terms of the live football, I think I was cut off in my prime.
“After Euro 92 where I had lived with Big Jack [Charlton] and we were presenting live with no London back-up.
“It was all presented from the ground with me and Big Jack. I felt visually and mentally I was at my prime. I still had eight more years at Granada.
“Who knows? Had ITV still had the exclusive contract, I’m not saying I would be doing it to this day. But there comes a time when ‘are you eye-candy?’ No you’re not. Let’s get someone who is.”
Massillon takes the field against Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Jacques Carter goes airborne over Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, defender Emias Brown in the first half, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble (21) celebrates his first-half touchdown with teammate Chris Fair, left, against Legacy School of Sport Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble runs for a first-half touchdown against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Braylyn Toles runs for a first half gain with defense from Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX’s Roland Etheridge, Friday, October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble runs for a third-quarter touchdown against Legacy School of Sport Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon football coach Nate Moore encourages his team against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble runs for a touchdown against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon takes on Legacy School of Sport Sciences, TX, Friday , October 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble celebrates against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble finds running room against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble runs for a touchdown against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent
Massillon’s Ja’Meir Gamble runs for a touchdown against Legacy School of Sports Sciences (Texas), Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
CARIBOU, Maine (WAGM) – Professional Roller Derby competitions started in the 1940′s and quickly gained popularity. Fast forward to today and it can be hard to find. A group in Caribou has been keeping the sport alive in the County for 11 years.
“In the roller derby scene you basically have blockers and you have jammers. The jammer is the person who’s going to do the scoring for you but the blockers need to protect that jammer, help them make a hole, and to be able to make laps around to score on the other team,” said the voice of the Aroostook Roller Derby Marcel “Megaphone” Bosse.
To be able to compete in this competitive sport takes individual talent and practice. But the team aspect is crucial.
“Well, wherever you go whenever you see one girl you’re seeing at least two or three more and these ladies, there’s also gentleman who participate in the roller derby, they’re very close knit, they all know each other well and they all have to work together. Any other team such as basketball team or football team or any of those teams. Even NASCAR teams, they all have to work together. One member needs to know what the other member’s going to do so they can work together and get the job done,” said Bosse.
The sport of Roller Derby is very fun but there is some danger to it.
“What we do is rough it is slightly dangerous. A fun fact is we had to have Roller Derby legalized in the state of Maine because we are literally assaulting each other. So we had to go in front of a board and get it legalized. So it’s very important that we all get along. You know, there’s very little pettiness and cattiness amongst us we are considered family on and off skates. We get together off skates as much as we do on skates so it is very important,” said Angela “Barrucuda Barbie” McCarty.
Even though Roller Derby is a physical contact sport. The Aroostook Roller Derby league takes precautions.
“The funnest part is that they’re pushing each other around nobody’s hurting each other they all have safety gear on. It’s a contact sport but not a violent contact sport. They’re not allowed to close a fist or elbow anybody or anything like that. It’s a matter of using the hips and pushing people out of the way, basically a shoulder-to-shoulder type thing. There’s contact but not contact that’s going to hurt anybody that’s what they’re trying to avoid,” said Bosse.
The league isn’t exclusive to anyone. They meet 6-8PM on Tuesdays and 9-11AM on Sundays.
“There’s still people almost 11 years later that are like I didn’t know this was around here I didn’t know it existed. It’s like really? Why don’t you come watch I try to get people just to pop into practice all the time because you are free to show up and check us out when we’re practicing so I really want people to know that yes it’s dangerous but that’s why you wear full gear, that’s why there’s seven refs to a game and that’s why there’s so many rules and there’s legal target zones from here to here there’s no hitting in the back. There’s a lot of safety involved,” said McCarty.
Even if you’re worried about the contact, they are in need of referees and other non-skating positions.
“Players are responsible for calling their own fouls and settling disputes.
“This system promotes sportsmanship, honesty, and respect, making the game welcoming and friendly for newcomers,” Bradley said.
Captain for Rotorua Ultimate, Kieran Allen has played the sport for 19 years and is pictured jumping for the disc during a game. Photo / Julie Voss
Bradley said there were close to 3000 players in New Zealand playing in regional leagues linked to NZ Ultimate. Rotorua Ultimate had over 100 players on its contact list, with a core of 30 players regularly playing in social leagues.
“Rotorua’s competitive mixed team placed fifth out of 18 teams at the New Zealand Mixed Ultimate Championship (NZMUC) Division 2 in 2023.
“About 560 players competed in our national club tournaments in 2023 and at the latest World Ultimate Championships in the Gold Coast, Australia, New Zealand was the 10th best country overall,” said Bradley.
The basic skills of the game involve throwing, catching, running and jumping, which makes an easy transition for athletes from other individual and team sports.
The sport has created pathways to national and international competitions, with players such as Kieran Allen, who has been playing ultimate for 19 years and competitively for eight years.
As captain of the Rotorua club, Allen said the best parts of Ultimate were the diversity and inclusivity of the sport, even at higher levels.
“I have played national-level tournaments on the same team as my wife and, when he’s a bit older, I’ll be able to do the same with my son.
“I’ve played tournaments with kids as young as 10 and players in their 50s,” Allen said.
Joining the New Zealand team competing in the World Flying Disc Federation 2024 World Masters Ultimate Championships in the US in November, Allen said it meant a lot to be selected.
“I’ve played for a long time, I have had players who I taught to play move to larger regions and go on to represent NZ, so to be able to finally do it myself is an honour.
Playing competitively for eight years, Kieran Allen has been selected to represent New Zealand in the World Flying Disc Federation 2024 World Masters Ultimate Championships in the US in November. Photo / Julie Voss
“I’m most looking forward to putting on the NZ uniform and standing on the biggest stage at masters worlds against the best players from other countries.”
When describing Ultimate to someone looking at getting into the sport, Allen tells them it is a non-contact, fast-paced sport and a cross between the movements of netball and the plays of American football.
“If you’re looking for a social sport to be able to play with your kid, partner or just by yourself, maybe you want something to be able to put more effort into and be able to compete at a high level, then Ultimate is a great sport to try out,” said Allen.
Rotorua Ultimate Club will be running give-it-a-go sessions on October 14 and 17 at Medical Officers Reserve from 6pm.
Newcomers have the opportunity to try out some basic throws, learn the outlines of the rules and participate in a social game.
There is also the chance to meet current members of the club, who will give guidance on the field, meaning there will be support throughout.
Rotorua Ultimate wants the community to come out, bring their enthusiasm and experience the joy of Ultimate.
Mark O’Mahony’s journey started in Carrigaline before his breakthrough at Cork City. He then arrived at Brighton just under two years ago, and after rising through the ranks at the Seagulls his Premier League debut arrived last season as the 19-year-old was also rewarded with a new three-year deal.
This season, his path has taken him a short drive west to Championship side Portsmouth, where he’s on loan until next summer. It’s still early days, but with two goals in his last two league starts, he’s relishing this new chapter in his career.
So how has he found the Championship compared to U-21 football back at Brighton?
“It’s almost like a different sport at times, it’s completely different,” said O’Mahony, speaking from the Ireland U-21 camp ahead of tonight’s huge Euro 2025 qualifier at home to Norway (7.0).
“The biggest thing for me wasn’t even the playing, it was more the fans, knowing there are so many fans there but it makes it so much better. The physicality and intensity is a lot higher too but I feel like I’m doing well. The biggest thing for me was to learn men’s football.
“You actually get to feel pressure. They tell you there is pressure in Premier League 2 (U-21 league) but it’s not really pressure. Here you are playing with lads whose jobs are on the line at the end of the day. It’s only driving me on because I actually enjoy it, I play better with pressure. It’s a big factor in men’s football when you have fans travelling the country and paying money to come and see you, pressure comes with that, so it has been a massive difference.
“No matter how old you are or where you play, there’s always going to be pressure on you. Look at the best players in the world, (Cristiano) Ronaldo is 39 and still plays under pressure. That’s why the loan this season was all about these experiences, you don’t get it at academy level.”
Portsmouth’s Fratton Park may only hold just over 20,000 spectators, but O’Mahony has found it a particularly special place to perform.
“I wasn’t expecting the atmosphere to be that good. When I came on (for my debut) I was like ‘f*****g hell’,” smiled the Corkman, who made three Premier League appearances last term before netting his first senior Brighton goal in League Cup action last August.
“It’s different to the Premier League, but for me, I think the atmosphere is actually better than a lot of the Premier League. The fans are unbelievable. They live and breathe the club. I never really knew it beforehand, how big it is here.
“I have been told all about it (Portsmouth’s ‘glory years’ in the top-flight from 2003 to 2010). They showed me videos of (Thierry) Henry saying that Fratton Park was one of the best places he’s ever played at, Alex Ferguson said something similar too. I don’t think I have ever been in a stadium like it. When you stop to look around and see 21,000 people watching you, there’s no room for hiding. It’s class.”
Being able to handle the pressure will be key over the next few days as Jim Crawford’s U-21 side look to qualify for Euro 2025 in this final window of the campaign. A win over Norway at Turner’s Cross tonight would secure a November play-off and set up a winner-takes-all clash with Italy next Tuesday.
But this evening, O’Mahony will hope to make his first U-21 appearance in his old stomping ground, only a short hop from the family home.
“It would be a nice one, hopefully I can get a goal and three points. I’ll have family there and friends. I can’t wait,” he added, with three U-21 caps to his name to date.
“It helps the fact it’s in Cork. I love it. Playing for Ireland at Turner’s Cross, having grown up there and supported (Cork City) there, it’ll be a nice feeling to have. We know what’s on the line and know if we can go through, we can create history. We fully believe we can go and do it.”
‘The Phenom’ hasn’t fought in the last 18 months and fans could be forgiven for assuming that the 47-year-old is done with fighting – but they’d be mistaken.
Belfort hopes to spearhead a new combat sport that will combine MMA and boxing rules to create the ultimate viewing experience for fans.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Vitor Belfort wants Tommy Fury to help him launch a new sport
Tommy Fury is the man he wants to face in the sport’s historic debut.
“If I can point to one fight that really interest me today, Tyson Fury’s brother,” Belfort told Inside Fighting.
“I would love to fight him with gloves where I’d be able to grab and get a hold of him.
“I always wanted to bring what’s next with a vision of combat sports.
“Boxing is a great thing, but if you can bring a sport where you can bring the best of both sports with one ruleset, I think people will have the fight of their lives.
“That is what I’m looking to present to the combat sport fans… The problem is a lot of people don’t want to risk what they have. People are very afraid of risking what they have rather than looking to the future and seeing it as an investment.
“The future of combat sport is bringing MMA and boxing under one ruleset together.”
John Fury and Tommy Fury. IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
Vitor Belfort has deep respect for Tommy Fury and his family
Fury has spoken about becoming a boxing world champion, but he’s spent his entire career to date competing on reality TV shows and facing off against influencer boxers.
The 25-year-old boasts a perfect 10-0 record and holds wins over KSI and Jake Paul but often faces unfair comparisons to his former heavyweight world champion brother.
Belfort is a big fan of ‘TNT’ and thinks he would make the perfect dance partner.
“The story of the Fury family, I really have so much respect for this family,” he explained.
“You know, coming from the father to Tyson and Tommy. Tommy is a great athlete, he defeated Jake Paul. Of course, he’s much younger than me but that [fight] would be an honour.
“For me, I’m at a stage of my life where I don’t want to compete against someone I don’t admire or I don’t see a level of how we can make something to bring to the masses and [multiple] generations.
“One year before he was coming to this Earth, I was a world champion.
“My dream is to put this sport together where we would be able to fight with rules that combine MMA [and boxing]. I’m not gonna elbow. I’m not gonna doing anything besides punching, but I would be able to grab him in the clinch, punch in the clinch and dirty box.
“It takes one person to say yes so we can become the biggest history fight for years from today. He would be a guy I would love to have the honor to step in the ring and do something like that with.”
