ashbysport

Ashby Aztecs build for bigger and better in 2023

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:50:48 GMT

Like so many community sports clubs, the Ashby Aztecs Basketball Club took 2022 as a year for change, optimism and renewed enthusiasm. With new committee members and a solid coaching structure in place, the 22-23 season promised to lay the groundwork for local basketball to thrive in the coming years.

If there’s one thing the club has learned by this midpoint of the season, it’s that there is no lack of appetite for basketball in Ashby de la Zouch. The Aztecs’ ever-exciting junior programme continues to drive participation for young ballers across the local area, with more than 50 regular players developing their skills on the court. Similarly the senior teams have introduced regular open training sessions, allowing new players to earn their spot on our A, B and C teams throughout the season, or simply providing a first taste of the sport to prospective members.

This season has also seen the club engage even more with the local basketball community. In December, Club Coach Alan Benn organised for a group of more than 30 club members to watch the current British Basketball League champion Leicester Riders in action at the Morningside Arena. Watching top-flight basketball was not only great entertainment for club members and families, but also showed just how far club players can go in the sport, with many Aztecs alumni having forged a similar path over the years.

For now, the Aztecs’ three senior teams continue their seasons in the Leicestershire Basketball League, with regular competitive action delivering a fun and rigorous challenge for veterans and newcomers alike. Whether it’s through a hunger for competition, an opportunity for regular exercise or a chance to meet new people, Ashby Aztecs Basketball Club strives to get the local community active through basketball and highlight, above all, the power of sport and physical activity.

To contact the basketball club check out their website at www.ashbybasketball.co.u k

Why is sport and exercise so beneficial for everyone?

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:35:44 GMT

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4 indoor sports to keep you active over winter in Ashby

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:38:06 GMT

Where has this year gone! We’re getting very close to Christmas with dark nights and cold morning starts. We know it can be tough to get out and about during these dark, chilly months, so here are a few ideas to keep you fit and active in Ashby.

BADMINTON

Badminton is one of the most popular indoor sports in the UK and great for keeping fit, just ask the other OVER 300,000 who play it! This pick up and play sport, is a good choice for those looking to start getting active. It’s also great for playing with friends and family, whether it’s in singles or doubles, it’s great fun for everyone!

Try it at Ashby Badminton Club, who have been awarded Premier Club status by Badminton England. They welcome players of all ages and abilities and are affiliated to the Leicestershire Badminton League and the East Staffordshire Badminton League in which they have several men's and mixed teams. During the season, from September through to mid-May, Club Nights are Tuesdays covering 4 courts and Thursdays (if courts are available, as it is match night), at the well-equipped Sports Hall at Ashby School.

Contact ashbybadmintonclub@protonmail.com for more information.

SQUASH

This is a fast paced sport and if played regularly it has a number of benefits, from improving cardio and agility, to testing hand eye coordination. It’s one of the few sports exclusively played indoors, so it’s great all season round, despite what the cold winter throws at you.

The Squash Club in Ashby is always looking for people to play in their leagues which are open to players of any standard. They play at Ashby Hood Park Leisure Centre and registration costs just £2!

Contact www.ashbysquash.co.uk for more information.

BASKETBALL

Basketball is yet another great sport which is enjoyed indoors, enabling it to be played on even the rainiest of days. This great sport helps to improve your cardiovascular health. In turn improving your circulation and respiratory system. Further ensuring that even without the health benefits which come from being outdoors, this brilliant sport can improve your overall health!

Ashby Aztecs Basketball are a local league basketball club based in Ashby. The club currently competes in the Leicestershire and Rutland Basketball League with 3 Mens teams and 1 women's team. They also provide training sessions for Minis and Junior Basketball. All sessions are overseen by experienced coaches and referees.

Contact secretary@ashbybasketball.co.uk for more information.

BOXING

Boxing can help improve your heart health, body composition, and strength, as well as lower your blood pressure and aid weight loss. Most of all, boxing is a fun way to get some exercise and release stress in a safe and healthy way.

We have a great Boxing Club, Motiv8 who offer Fitness and Boxing classes and courses from Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced to the Semi-Pro & Pro ranks. The coaching team has worked at the highest level in Elite sport, competing and managing at a National and International level.

With small class sizes the team help you find the most suitable programme for your health related goal, providing a welcoming atmosphere to achieve your goals.

Contact Motiv8Ashby@gmail.com to find out more.

Check out all the clubs in Ashby at www.ashbysport.com

SANDS UNITED FC

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:29:15 GMT

Sadly, the death of a baby is not a rare event and every 90 minutes in the UK – the length of a football match - a baby dies shortly before, during or soon after birth. When a baby dies the feelings of loneliness and isolation can be overwhelming and having other bereaved families to talk to is vital, but men can sometimes be overlooked or struggle to find ways of getting support that suits them.

Sands United FC Ashby are a football team that welcomes men, bereaved through child loss, of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels for a kick about regardless of talent level and ability. It is a unique way for dads and other bereaved male family members to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they're ready.

Firemen, plumbers, delivery drivers, care workers, designers and teachers, this United team spirit leaves no one behind in the quest to raise awareness of the support that Sands UK and particularly Sands United FC Ashby offer bereaved men so that others that suffer the same cruel fate have a place to go to talk about and channel their grief.

On the pitch the Ashby team vary from ex semi-pro footballers to players returning to the game after a lengthy lay off to those seeking a weekly distraction. Local ‘friendly’ matches against charity teams prove to be a challenging run out for one and all. From 6 a side to full pitch 11 a side football the club continues to go from strength to strength turning out some great performances over the last few months and giving teams a run for their money making matches feel incredibly competitive whilst keeping them played in the right spirit.

Sands United FC Ashby was started in June 2020 by Matt Buckley, also an expectant father that suffered the same pain and the same cruel fate some time earlier. The work that Matt and the senior team behind the running of the club put in to this brotherhood, this United team spirit is exceptional and whilst they wish and they work for others not to have to go through the same fate as the rest of the team have, they welcome the best band of brothers they wished they hadn’t had to meet.

www.sandsunitedfcashby.co.uk

PACKINGTON TABLE TENNIS CLUB

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 12:18:07 GMT

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Ashby Croquet Club History

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 11:42:50 GMT

Readers may be surprised to learn that the history of croquet in Ashby dates back as far as the 1910s when the Bath Grounds included a croquet lawn amongst other facilities, and a ladies’ croquet club existed there into the 1920s. Meanwhile, croquet was also a part of the sports activities at Ashby Girls Grammar School in the 1920s and 1930s.

Then, after a lull of several decades, the current Ashby Croquet Club was formed in 1985 following a series of weekly coaching sessions at Ashby School. This subsequently led to the construction of three small croquet lawns adjacent to the recently-opened Hood Park Leisure Centre, which became the club’s home for the next fifteen years. During this time the club’s membership grew significantly and soon became a competitive force in both the East Midlands and nationally, winning the National Short Croquet team competition in 1997.

The construction of the leisure centre extension and new indoor swimming pool then enforced a relocation of the croquet club in 2001 to its current venue at Moira Miners’ Welfare Club sports grounds. A national lottery award, plus grants from councils and funding from local organisations and croquet bodies, enabled the construction of two full-size lawns from scratch to tournament standards. With additional funding, we then added a third lawn in 2010, the increased capacity allowing us to stage regular national Croquet Association tournaments at Moira, attracting competitors from all over the country. We have also added four half size lawns on the old bowling green which had been unused for two years.

Meanwhile, the club has gone from strength to strength, and we have won the national inter-club Golf Croquet tournament no fewer than five times between 2010 and 2021.

We now have over 60 members covering all abilities from beginners to international players.

The club has several sessions during the week. Tuesdays from 5pm with a BBQ, Wednesdays from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, Thursdays from 3.00 pm and two sessions on Sunday 11.00am to 1.00pm in the morning and 2.00 pm to 4.30pm in the afternoon.

New players are always welcome, just come down and talk to the friendly members at any of the above sessions.

https://ashbycroquetclub.org.uk/

Reference:

“Croquet in Ashby-de-la-Zouch” Croquet Gazette, May 1986, p12
https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=members/gazette&GazetteIssueNum=185&pup=y

Ashby Sport Focus on Merlin Field Archers

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 11:09:55 GMT

Merlin Field Archers are a Field Archery Club based near Ashby. They were established in August 2017 by Merlin Archery and became an independent club in November 2019. The club is associated to the English Field Archery Association (EFAA) (Governing Body), but also host occasional competitions for Archery GB.

They are based in the Staunton Harold Estate near Ashby. The club has a private car park for members, a practice range, permanent club house and a 28 – target course. Distances range from 10 yards to 80 yards and are permanently marked out. Merlin Field Archers host a selection of shoots including: monthly classification shoots which are open to all members of the EFAA; National EFAA shoots; AGB WA field competitions; and host external club shoots. If your archery club is interested in trying out Field archery, please get in touch.

New archers are welcome to join the club. The first club beginners course will be held on Sat 30th – Sun 31st July. Any new member to the club will also receive an introduction to the course and the EFAA, which includes a safety brief. The club is open 7 days a week to members. They welcome a range of bow types as directed by the EFAA including: Recurve; Compound; Barebow; Longbow; Traditional bows.

If you are interested to find out more about the club or beginners course, please visit the website: www.merlinfieldarchers.co.uk or contact the club secretary via: secretary@merlinfieldarchers.co.uk.

Facts about Field Archery

1 - A typical shot on a “Field” round set at 50yds.

2 - The ideal Field Archery course will be set in woods with steep slopes and as variations in ground as can be achieved safely.

3 - Field Archery is without doubt more physical than target archery, and demands high levels of concentration with a wider spectrum of skills.

4 - The wide variety of terrain, shooting conditions and rounds are the true attraction of field archery.

5 - Archers follow the course in groups of between two and four.

The Return of Ashby Sport Fun Day 2022

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:46:48 GMT

The Return of Ashby Sport Fun Day heralded a huge success with tug-o-war and space hoppers!

Ashby Sport Fun Day returned to the Bath Grounds last weekend - with the annual event praised for getting the town's youngsters active - showcasing nearly 30 clubs that the town has to offer.

Last year, Ashby Sport was set up with a view to bringing the area's clubs together and working as one, rather than being separate.

After first Fun Day was held a year ago, it was adopted by Ashby de la Zouch Town Council and added to the events calendar which has helped the organisers immensely with structure and budget to add more to the event. This year attracted a large crowd, with many fun events for all ages, including a Tug-of -war hosted by Fitness Republic and a fantastic welly hanging competition!

Children of all ages had a wonderful time on the space hopper race - some were super fast getting to the finishing line!

Kenny Horn, one of Ashby Sport organisers, said: “Last year was a worry with the weather but this time, fortunately, we had a really nice day.

"We saw people turning out in large numbers and we were absolutely delighted.

“With so many clubs participating it illustrates just how many sporting opportunities there are in the town.

"It's an absolute delight to see so many clubs involved, and involving so many kids too.

"Motiv8 did a lot of demonstrations with children, as did Ashby Rugby Club with their mini game too. We even had two cricket matches taking place at the Ashby Hastings ground, both involving juniors.

The day was also attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Ashby who spoke to many clubs on the day.

Mayor Cllr John Deakin said: "This is a very important event for young people to try a sport they have never done before. They might just find a sport which could stay with them for life.”

MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen, also attended the event and was impressed by the number of youngsters taking part.

He said: "It was good to see so many young people there for the second Ashby Sport Fun Day.

"I spoke in Parliament about the debt the country owes to the young people, we really damaged them through the lockdown years, through their education and socialising.

"It's events like these that go someway to thinking we are back to normal.

Special mention goes to The Monkey Tree Restaurant, Ashby Sport’s main sponsor, to whom we are very grateful for their support.

The Fun Day will be back again next year with potentially even more clubs showcasing what they have to offer. In the meantime, check out the website www.ashbysport.com for the contact details of all sports within the town and how to join.

Ashby Sport Focus On: Delta Hawks

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:17:24 GMT

Ashby Sport Focus On: Delta Hawks

For the fifth year the Moira Canal Festival, set in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, plays host to FPV drone racing on May 22nd, with the arrival of the Delta Hawks Drone Racing Club hosting a British Championship Qualifying Race. The FPV bit is the goggles that the pilots wear, that convince the mind's eye that they're actually in the drone jostling for position at high speeds. Of course the pilots aren't in the racing drones, but make no mistake, this is no simulation or video game.

Whilst the pilots are flying down the straights just inches from the ground, the sport's popularity is soaring. The British Drone Racing Association (BDRA) is the body that represents their interests. The BDRA is an important part of the sport as it provides a template for all clubs for safe, responsible and enjoyable drone racing. It's vital, that others such as the many spectators at events come away with a positive impression of drone racing. The BDRA's affiliation to the British model flying association, with an illustrious history in model aeronautics celebrating its centenary in 2022, has been incredibly helpful in that regard. There is far more overlap between drone racers and fixed wing pilots than you might first think. Most of the top drone racers enjoy flying planes and the relaxed sense of freedom it brings.

Delta Hawks are a BMFA affiliated drone racing club based near Breed on on the Hill just outside of Ashby de la Zouch. Formed in 2015 and part of the Delta Hawks Model Flying Club until 2018. They have several active FPV flyers offer a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for all levels of drone pilots and organise race events and practice sessions throughout the year. To find out more visit our website http://www.deltahawksfpv.org

Ashby Sport Focus On: Ivanhoe Archers

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 06 May 2022 12:06:50 GMT

Ashby Sport Focus On: Ivanhoe Archers

Archery has a long history in Ashby. The Bath Grounds Trail tells of recreation facilities including an archery ground when the Baths reopened in 1888, and also includes a photo of Ashby Archers shooting there in the 1950s.

Ivanhoe Archers, Ashby’s current archery club, started as an offshoot from Shepshed Archers in 1990, moving to Ivanhoe College in 1992.

Archery is a sport for all. You don’t need to be fit or strong as you choose the bow and distance to suit you. Ivanhoe Archers has members of all ages (from 8 upwards) and all abilities. We have competitive sorts who take archery seriously as well as those who enjoy socialising as much as shooting. It’s a great activity to do as a family or, alternatively, to escape from the family. Ivanhoe Archers is a friendly club, with members always on hand to offer support and advice.

We hold sessions outdoors all year round on the rugby field at Ivanhoe College and also indoors over the winter at the leisure centre. We shoot weekends and, in the summer, also Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Ivanhoe Archers offers a range of different sessions to suit everyone. From target archery to clout (where you try to land your arrows near a flag at the far end of the field), and fun shoots to competitions.

Before you can join an archery club you have to complete a beginners’ course, to learn the basics of shooting and how to shoot safely. Ivanhoe Archers runs two four-week courses a year and all equipment is provided.

If you fancy trying archery, you’ll find Ivanhoe Archers running have-a-go sessions at the Ashby Show and Jim’s Tractor Run. Additionally, the club holds monthly taster sessions on Tuesday evenings over the summer. Everyone is welcome.

For more information about archery and Ivanhoe Archers or to enquire about attending a beginners’ course, please find us on Facebook or contact pr@ivanhoearchers.co.uk .

Ashby Sport Focus On: Ivanhoe Runners

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 21:50:02 GMT

Ivanhoe Runners was founded in 1985 and now caters for over 180 runners who train from Hood Park in Ashby. They are a friendly club catering for a wide range of abilities, and will often be found in and around Ashby on a Wednesday evening, when they host their led sessions, working on speed and hills. Recently Ivanhoe Runners have been joined by England Athletics coaches bringing further expertise to the sessions.

In the lighter, warmer months the runners take the opportunity to visit other local spots, such as Hicks Lodge and Albert Village lake. Once a month, they utilise the Tamworth Athletics track for a structured training session led by a qualified coach, away from the distractions of the road. A large contingent of Ivanhoe’s can always be found down at Conkers Parkrun on a Saturday morning, both running, and volunteering in the free weekly event.

And it’s not all about the running! Ivanhoe Runners regularly get together for social events, for food and drink and trips abroad. Some fantastic memories have been made with weekends in Amsterdam, Palma, Budapest and Ljubljana just to name a few.

You may have seen the runners in their trademark sky blue vests on the local racing scene, with the club participating in many local leagues on the road and on the trails. They organise the popular Worthington 5 event that takes place on a summer evening as part of the Burton and District League, taking in the disused railway line of the Cloud Trail for a traffic free out and back route, finishing up at the Malt Shovel in the village. During the winter months, they participate in many cross-country races across the county, giving a different challenge on muddy, hill courses, which are a lot of fun, and always followed up with hot drinks and cake.

A sub-committee of Ivanhoe Runners organises the fabulous Ashby 20 road race, traditionally staged five weeks before the London marathon. The 2022 race will be the 30th anniversary of the actual event taking place, and should be an exciting day with incredible spirit as runners are supported round the undulating course, many as part of their spring marathon training.

You can find out more and get in touch by searching Ivanhoe Runners on Facebook @ivanhoerunnersashby and Instagram /ivanhoerunners

Fun Facts about Running

1 - Usain Bolt is the world’s fastest runner. In 2009, Usain Bolt broke the world record for the fastest 100-meter sprint, completing it in only 9.58 seconds.

2 - Running barefoot creates a more natural running style.

3 - 80% of running injuries are caused by repetitive stress.

4 - Running for just 30 minutes can burn between 200-500 calories!

5 - The world’s oldest marathon runner was 101 years old.

Ashby Sport Fun Day returns this Summer!

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:01:51 GMT

The Ashby Sport Fun Day will return in June - after being adopted as an official Ashby de la Zouch Town Council event.

As well as that, Ashby councillor and chairman of Leicestershire, Dan Harrison, is now promoting the initiative as a platform for future progress for sport in the area.

Ashby's sports clubs were brought under one umbrella last year when Ashby Sport was formed with a view to uniting them in one organisation.

As a result, the inaugural Ashby Sport Fun Day was held on the Bath Grounds last summer .

It was a successful event which attracted a number of local clubs with a ‘come and have a go’ message.

The event will now return on Sunday, June 26, when organisers hope will even better than last year.

Cllr Harrison saw last year's Ashby Sport Fun Day for himself along with Mayor Rita Manning

With the Town Council’s backing , Ashby Sport Fun Day should be a fixture on the events calendar.

Ken Horn, who helped launch Ashby Sport, says the foundations have been put in place for the future with plenty of work going on behind the scenes over the past 12 months.

And Cllr Harrison, a former GB Judo player, hopes it can be the catalyst for an improved sports scene in Ashby.

Ken Told Ashby Nub News: “The backing of the Town Council gives the event authenticity, and provides energy for it.

“To get that backing after one year means we’re in a very healthy position.

Ashby Hockey Club was among those inviting the public to 'come and have a go' last June

“That’s a significant development.”

Cllr Harrison confirmed that the council would also be making a contribution called ‘seed money’ to give the event longevity.

Ken added: “The next significant development is that Cllr Harrison has agreed to be the representation of the Ashby Sport initiative within the Town Council itself.

“That started last year when Dan came to the event and can now hopefully drive the organisation forward at Town Council level.”

Cllr Harrison also a district as well as county councillor.

Even Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen got in on the act when he tried his hand at croquet. Photo: Andrewbridgen.com

Ken said: “The third element to this is that the Fun Day will be held on a Sunday this year, on June 26.

“We’ve had to fit it in around the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and we’ve changed it slightly as a lot of sport takes place on a Saturday.”

Ashby Sport has been promoting sport to young and old over the past year.

Cllr Harrison said: “It won’t just be the young, fit guys we want to include, it’ll be the whole spectrum.

“People who think: “I could have a go at that”. It’s very much sport for all.”

Local dignitaries and organisers lined up before the start of last year's event

Ken said last year’s event quickly achieved some of its objectives.

He added: “This is about increasing involvement and participation in sport.

“Last year, within 20 minutes of the event, we achieved that objective.

“That’s because the Croquet Club announced they had already had two new members!

“I spoke to Paul who runs the Poppy Appeal in Ashby, and he told me the bowls club has 18 new members. So we could see it works.

“Now want to build on that foundation.

“There are now 36 clubs participating in Ashby Sport.

“And we hope around 30 will be part of the Fun Day.”

Ashby Sport is also aware of the new houses being built in the town which will increase the population and potential interest in local sport.

Cllr Harrison added: “This is the growth factor we have to consider, it’ll be a brand new market for us.

“We have to see how we can build this into our community.”

He also hopes that Ashby Sport’s progression can help to improve the facilities for playing sport in the town.

Cllr Harrison added: “We have a lack of amenities here.

“Are there proper venues for sport in the town

“Part of our programme is that we’re desperately trying to find a site that will be able to support some of these things.

“We need to bring all of these thoughts together. At the moment, there’s no feeling of belonging and that’s what Ashby Sport is trying to do.

“But we’re right at the beginning of the story - the town needs better sporting facilities other than gyms. I support them, but people want to do other things they feel happy with. We want to create a sporting community.”

src: Ashby Nub News

Ashby Sport Focus On: Ashby Hastings Cricket Club

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 21:44:04 GMT

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Ashby Sport Focus On: Pigeon Racing

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 18:43:28 GMT

Did you know we have a Pigeon Club in Ashby? I would hazard a guess that most people would answer no to that. In fact there has been a Pigeon Racing Club in Ashby for over 70 years! The club was set up in the 1950’s by several local people, some of whom were:

J & H Williamson from Coleorton.

J Smithard from Ashby as many of you will fondly remember as Smithard’s Bakery.

J Slater who owned the Cycle Shop in Ashby.

K Robinson a miner from Ashby.

P Wainwright, haulier from Ashby.

Mr Marsden the Fishmonger from Ashby.

J Jarvis a miner from Ashby.

The Headquarters originally was held at The Plough in Ashby, but moved a few years later to The Bowling Green and remained there ever since. Due to the locality of Ashby being in the centre of the country, the club can choose to fly their birds North or South. The club originally started off flying North, switched to South in the 90’s and then back to North for 2022. This is mainly due to the issues surrounding the French overseas racing, increased cost imposed by the French Authorities as well as the tight rules and regulations.

The club has always had around 14 members, and this is still the same today even though Pigeon Fanciers generally have declined over the years. The racing season is from April to September each year and they race 12 Old Bird races and 8 Young Bird races. At the moment the biggest threat to Pigeon racing as a whole is Bird Flu: DEFRA have stopped the flyers letting out their pigeons completely. They are confined to the lofts, so racing could be jeopardised for 2022 unless this is lifted early next year.

Should anyone be interested in joining the pigeon club in Ashby, the membership criteria is simple, a potential member has to be voted in by the members and they must use a manual clock. ETS clocks are not allowed in the club. Call 01530 415824 to discuss membership, new members are welcomed.

Ashby & District Flying Club is holding a Special North Road Race from Hexham on 10th September 2022 where the prize money will be £2000. Rings can be purchased now by calling 01530 415824. All details will be published in the British Homing World in 17th December issue.

Fun Facts about Pigeon Racing

1 - Pedigree pigeons can fly further and at faster, more impressive speeds than racehorses.

2 - Speeds of up to 110mph have been recorded by the top racers – that's faster than a cheetah.

3 - Racing pigeons are sometimes called 'The athletes of the air’

4 - In both the First and Second World Wars the pigeon saved hundreds of thousands of human lives by carrying messages across enemy lines.

5 - In the Christian religion the pigeon is both a symbol of peace and of the Holy Spirit.

6 - One racing pigeon recently sold for a staggering $132,517.00! The 3-year old bird was a champion racer, beating 21,000 other pigeons in one long distance race. For this reason he was bought by a British company that breeds racing pigeons for ‘stud’.

7 - There are many theories about how pigeons manage to return ‘home’ when released 100s of miles from their loft but no one really knows how they do it.

8 - Pigeons are considered to be one of the most intelligent birds on the planet and able to undertake tasks previously thought to be the sole preserve of humans and primates.

9 - The pigeon has also been found to pass the ‘mirror test’ (being able to recognise its reflection in a mirror) and is one of only 6 species, and the only non-mammal, that has this ability.

10 - The pigeon can also recognise all 26 letters of the English language as well as being able to conceptualise.

Ashby Sport Focus On: Football

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:26:34 GMT

Football (or soccer as the game is called in some parts of the world) has a long history. Football in its current form began in England in the middle of the 19th century, but alternative versions of the game existed much earlier.

The most common story is that the game was developed in England in the 12th century when playing games that resembled football were played on meadows and roads in England. As well as kicking the ball, the game also involved punches of the ball with the fist. This early form of football was also much more rough and violent than the modern way of playing.

It took a long time for the features of today’s football to be taken into practice. For a long time there was no clear distinction between football and rugby. There were also many variations concerning the size of the ball, the number of players and the length of a match.

The sport was at first an entertainment for the British working class. Unprecedented amounts of spectators, up to 30,000, would see the big matches in the late 19th century and the game soon expanded to other parts of the world. As with many things in history, women were for a long time excluded from participating in games. It was not before the late 19th century that women started to play football. The first official women's game took place in Inverness in 1888.

DID YOU KNOW…

1 - On the evening of 26 October 1863, representatives of several football clubs in the Greater London area met at the Freemasons' Tavern on Long Acre in Covent Garden. This was the first meeting of The Football Association (FA).

2 - In 1888, William McGregor a gentleman from Perthshire and a director of Aston Villa F.C was the main force between meetings held in London and Manchester involving 12 football clubs, with an eye to a league competition. These 12 clubs would later become the Football League's 12 founder members.

3 - The standard length of game in football is 90 minutes. This duration was established for the first time in 1866 when London and Sheffield played against one another. For one reason or another, from here onward, 90 minutes was set as the standard duration for football games.

4 - It was in April of 1877 that a cohesive set of rules for football were finally drawn up and agreed upon.

5 - In 1958 came the introduction of substitutes. Prior to that players simply had to carry on through injury and illness if they didn’t want their team to be reduced in number in their absence.

6 - In 1970 yellow and red cards were introduced.

7 - The biggest change to football in modern times came in 2012 when goal-line technology was introduced. This system alerts the referee to whether or not the entirety of the ball has crossed the line. It was used for the first time during the FIFA Club World Cup of 2012.

Ashby is blessed with FIVE football clubs for the community to enjoy. All details are listed on the Ashby Sport website, and they would all welcome new members in their clubs. They are:

Ashby Ivanhoe FC

Ashby United CFC

Malborough Rovers FC
Sands United FC

Ethan United FC

Ashby Sport Focus On: Chess

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 11:27:31 GMT

Although it’s unclear, many believe that Chess was invented in India around the 8th century. Then it was known as chatrang, and changed over the centuries by the Arabs, Persians and then ultimately the medieval Europeans, who changed the pieces' names and appearances to resemble the English court.

By 1000 AD, the game had become part of courtly education. Chess was used as an allegory for different social classes performing their proper roles, and the pieces were re-interpreted in their new context. At the same time, the Church remained suspicious of games. Moralists cautioned against devoting too much time to them, and chess was even briefly banned in France.

However the game grew in popularity, and by the 15th century Chess had changed into more like the form we know today. The queen became more powerful in the game, perhaps inspired by the recent surge of strong female leaders. This change accelerated the game’s pace, and as other rules were popularised, common openings and endgames appeared. Chess theory was born. By the nineteenth century, the game had become a fixture of modern European life. Players joined chess clubs, and chess problems became fixtures in major newspapers.

Today, it’s known as a modern game of critical thinking and problem solving. The advent of chess computers that can defeat even the best human players has had dramatic ramifications for the game.

Players can now consult databases of millions of games to identify errors in their own play. This has also allowed players to discover brilliant new moves (called “novelties”) that have never been played before.

Today, no particular school or style of chess dominates. The current world champion, Magnus Carlsen, is famous for playing a variety of openings that keep his opponents guessing.

Fun Facts about Chess

1 - The first international chess tournament was held in London in 1851. This led to the development of modern timekeeping, speed chess variations, and sealed moves.

2 - The first World Chess Championship was held in 1886.

3 - The first undisputed World Chess Champion was the Austrian (later American) player Wilhelm Steinetz.

4 - It wasn’t until the 1880s that white going first was codified in the rules.

5 - The 1972 World Championship match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer has been called the “match of the century” and became a significant event in the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

6 - The postwar period also saw the introduction of online play and chess computers, which developed in sophistication until they were able to defeat grandmasters by the end of the 1980s.

7 - In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue managed to defeat Kasparov, then the reigning champion, in a historic match.

8 - There are some great films based around chess, including ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, a brilliant film well worth watching!

Ashby Ivanhoe Chess Club was founded in 1992 by Geoff Whetton. Originally for people to simply play social chess, but as time went on they decided to enter the Leicestershire league. It’s a friendly club who meet every Thursday from 7:15 onwards at The Ivanhoe Social Club, Wilfred Place, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Sessions last for 3 hours and has players of all abilities and always welcomes newcomers no matter what previous experience they have had.

If you think you might like to give it a try why not join them on a Thursday night from 7:15 onwards. If you would like to know more please contact Neil Roberts on 01530 455957 or 07804 743471 or by email on njhammer@ntlworld.com.

More information can be found here http://leicestershirechess.org/clubs/ashby/ or on their Facebook page.

Ashby Sport Focus On: Tennis

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 13:35:50 GMT

While evidence is sparse, the game of tennis is believed to date back thousands of years. More evidence emerges from around 10th century, when French monks began playing a crude courtyard ball game. This sport, played against their monastery walls or over a rope hung across a courtyard, took on the name je de paume – meeting ‘game of the hand.’ According to this theory, the word ‘tennis’ was coined by these monks, who would shout the word ‘tenez’, the French for ‘to take’, while they served the ball.

Over the next few centuries, the game grew in popularity and was played by the nobility throughout Europe. Some records claim that by the 13th century there were as many as 1,800 indoor courts. It became so popular that several members of the Church, including the Pope, as well as King Louis IV, tried to ban the game but failed.

Tennis started to develop into a professional sport from 1872, when the first lawn tennis club was established. In 1873 Major Walter Wingfield invented a version of Real Tennis that can be played outdoors on a lawn and called it ‘Sphairistike’ (Greek for "playing ball") and first introduced it to Wales. It was played on hour-glass courts on Manor House lawns by rich English people. The first world championship was held in Wimbledon, London in 1877. The sponsors were the All England Croquet Club. Only 22 players entered the Mens Singles, which was the only event. Spectators paid just one shilling to watch the finals. The first winner of this mens event was Spencer Gore.

The recent amazing win by British female Emma Raducanu in the US Open actually began life in 1881 in America, with women being able to take part from 1887.

Fun Facts about Tennis

1 - Before tennis players used rackets, people would use the palm of their hands to hit the ball back and forth over the net. Ouch!

2 - Before yellow tennis balls, they were white.

3 - The origin of the tennis term “love” is unknown.

4 - During a match, a player on average runs 3 miles.

5 - Venus and Serena Williams were the first ever set of sisters to win Olympic gold medals in tennis.

6 - Every year, 24 tons of Kent strawberries are ordered for the Championships at Wimbledon.

7 - Wimbledon is the only major tennis tournament still played on grass.

8 - The first women to play in the Wimbledon tournament wore full length dresses.

Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club is a friendly, vibrant club with a large membership, widely ranging in age, ability and background. They have seven floodlit all weather courts, a resident coach and a modern clubhouse with a licensed bar. The clubhouse balcony affords pleasant views across the Bath Grounds to the countryside beyond and near the eastern boundary of the courts the mighty Hastings tower rises from the ruins of Ashby Castle.

So, if the recent US Open win has inspired you to have a go at Tennis, come along to the club or email secretary.acltc@yahoo.co.uk.

There are a wide range of membership options available. Just contact Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club, adjacent to Ashby Castle, off South Street, Ashby.

Ashby Sport Focus On: Bowls

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 13:21:16 GMT

Bowls, or lawn bowls, is a sport in which the objective is to roll biased balls so that they stop close to a smaller ball called a "jack" or "kitty". It is played on a bowling green and is considered a quintessentially English sport.

The oldest known bowling green is believed to be in Southampton, England and dates at least to 1299, although other greens claim to be older. Henry VIII, himself a bowler, in 1511 banned the sport among the lower classes and levied a fee of 100 pounds on any private bowling green to ensure that only the wealthy could play. Queen Mary took this rule one step further in 1555 and stopped even the poor playing the game at Christmas. This Act remained in place for another three centuries until 1845 under the reign of Queen Victoria when it was abolished. By the early 19th century, many of the inns in England had established bowling greens, presumably as a way to attract customers.

Today the sport is played in over 40 countries with more than 50 member national authorities. The home of the modern game is still Scotland with the World Bowls centre in Edinburgh.

RULES OF THE GAME:

The rules for indoor bowls are simple:

Players must keep one foot on the mat when bowling
The jack must travel a minimum of 23 metres without going over the rink boundaries
Bowls that land in the ditch are considered out of the game, unless they touch the jack before coming to a stop – in which case they are considered ‘alive’ and can still be played
If the jack goes over the rink boundaries, it is replayed
If the jack lands in the ditch it remains in play
In singles and pairs games, each player bowls four times per end; for teams of three, each player gets three bowls; teams of four get two bowls per end.

HOW DOES SCORING WORK?

Generally, the game ends once a player or team has reached 21 points. Games can also be played for 18 or 21 ends, with the highest scoring team crowned the winners.

CHOOSING YOUR BOWLS:

When buying your bowls remember that:

The bowl must not be too large for your hand
A composition bowl is heavier than a lignum bowl
You will need a set of four
The set should be a “matched” set – check by looking for the set number which will be stamped on each bowl
First quality new bowls are expensive, but a good second-hand set can be obtained at a reasonable price.
A full set will have been cut from the same log – they will be identical in weight and balance and any variation in weight due to natural shrinkage of the lignum will be uniform
Well known firms are to be preferred
The advice of an experienced player is invaluable

If you fancy having a go at bowls, you can! You have Ashby Bowls Club right on your doorstep. In fact many of you might have had a go on the Ashby Sport Funday.

Ashby de la Zouch Bowling Club has been established since 1889. The club is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for all age groups and genders and love to encourage new people to play. They have a nationally recognised qualified Level 2 Coach Bowls coach to provide tuition and support for all age groups.

You don't have to be an expert to start playing the game. Ashby Bowls Club hold practise session nights which take place every Friday evening after 6:00pm.

So, if you have a passion to try something new and are looking to join a successful and friendly local team, please get in touch on 01530 417522 or visit www.ashbybowlsclub.com

Ashby Sport Focus On: Croquet

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 11:29:36 GMT

Croquet, also called Lawn Croquet, is a popular outdoor game, played on a lawn or court, with long-handled mallets and the players hit balls through a series of wickets or hoops.

The game evolved from paille-maille (French: “pall-mall”), which was played in France as early as the 13th century and introduced into England in the 16th century. It is thought that the actual game ‘croquet’ emerged from Ireland around 1850 where it was known as crookey, a word meaning ‘as a hooked stick’. The earliest mention of croquet in documentation is in a set of rules written for the game in 1856 by Isaac Spratt. In 1868 the All England Croquet Club was formed at Wimbledon and the very first meeting was held in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire.

In a basic game of croquet, it can be played by two, four or six players. The object of the game is to hit your ball(s) through the course of six hoops in the right sequence in each direction and finish by hitting them against the centre peg. The side which completes the course first with both balls wins.

DID YOU KNOW:

There were teams from 17 countries at the last croquet World Championships
There is a French aperitif called "Croquet"
There are two London streets named after a precursor of the game
Croquet has even been played in Antarctica
Croquet is a 3-dimensional game
Wimbledon was originally a croquet club
A single championship standard croquet ball costs about £100
The Earl of Essex manufactured the "Cassiobury Croquet Set"

If you fancy having a go at croquet, you’re in luck! You have Ashby Croquet Club right on your doorstep.

Ashby Croquet Club was formed in 1985, and since 2001 we have been based within the sports grounds of Moira Miners’ Welfare Sports & Social Club. Their main season runs from April to October, and membership is open to people of any age. New recruits are always welcome, and all members have the use of the equipment as well as access to coaching from more experienced players.

So, if you have a passion to try something new and are looking to join a successful and competitive local team, please get in touch on enquiries@ashbycroquetclub.org.uk

Introductory sessions are also held - usually in May and June, where the lawns are open to the public to try the game. They can also organise taster sessions at other times, just ask!

**SAVE THE DATE** A Festival of Sport

Ashby Sport Funday

Saturday 3 ^rd July 2021 10am till 4pm

The Bath Grounds, Ashby de la Zouch

Free entry

Ashby Sport Focus On: Netball

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 14 May 2021 11:25:35 GMT

Netball was derived from Basketball and first played in England in 1895. Since then, the popularity has grown (a lot!) and is now played by more than 20 million people in more than 80 countries. If you really get to love the sport there are four major competitions that take place internationally: the quadrennial World Netball Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the yearly Quad Series and Fast5 Series. In 1995, netball became an International Olympic Committee recognised sport, but it has not been played at the Olympics as yet.

A few FACTS about the sport:

It’s played by two teams of seven players
Each player has their own position and can only move in certain areas of the court
Only two players - the goal shooter and the goal attack - can score and they must be inside the goal semi-circle
A match is split into four quarters of 15 minutes
Players are not allowed to run when they have possession of the ball

If you fancy having a go at netball, you’re in luck! You have Ashby Netball Club right on your doorstep.

Ashby Netball Club originally started as a Back to Netball group but changed their name in 2011 to include everyone, not just people getting back into the sport. They play in the NWL League and in the Loughborough Town Netball League and have a good mixture of players with ages ranging from 16 to 50+.

So, if you have a passion for netball or just fancy trying something else and are looking to join a successful and competitive local team, please get in touch on ashbynetballclub@hotmail.com

You can come along and join one of the training sessions. Ashby Netball Club train on Fridays 6 - 7.30pm in the Sports Hall at Ashby School, Leicester Road Campus, Ashby-de-la-Zouch (outside courts in the summer).

They would love to attract new people to the sport - so get in touch and see if it’s for you!

Ashby Sport Funday

Saturday 3 ^rd July 2021 10am till 4pm

The Bath Grounds, Ashby de la Zouch

Free entry

A Festival of Sport

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:15:35 GMT

Ashby Sport Funday

Saturday 3 ^rd July 2021 10am till 4pm

The Bath Grounds, Ashby de la Zouch

Ashby Sport is proud to present the first Ashby Sport Funday held on The Bath Grounds. This is a chance for all sports to get together in Ashby and showcase what they have to offer to the community. The day will celebrate the diversity and opportunity presented by the many sports clubs in the town.

We are delighted to have over 35 clubs listed on the website and most of the clubs are actively taking part in the event. We have activities like rowing challenges to snooker tables and chess games as well as a real live Cricket game taking place.

Food and a fully licensed bar will be available at Ashby Hastings Cricket Club.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to try hockey or bowls, croquet or archery, you can come and have a go in a safe fun environment. You don’t have to be any good, there is no right or wrong, just a chance to have a go.

There is no charge to the public for this event, it is brought to you free of charge by the volunteers at Ashby Sport and delivered in partnership with Ashby de la Zouch Town Council.

Please come along and support the initiative - social distancing will be in place when and where required.

See you on 3rd July!

Fund for UK’s Smallest Sports Clubs in Financial Difficulty Due to Open Shortly

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 15:49:23 GMT

Grassroots sports clubs across the UK can apply for unrestricted grants from 12 April 2021.

The £4 million Clubs in Crisis Fund aims to support the UK’s smallest sports clubs that are at risk of closing their doors for good due to the impact of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fund is only available to sports clubs and organisations that are working in the sport for development sector, ie those that intentionally use sport to deliver wider social outcomes, usually through third sector and voluntary, community and social enterprise bodies.

To be eligible, clubs must provide clear evidence of how they use sport to help young people develop life skills, employment opportunities, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour or tackle mental health issues. The funders are looking for organisations that operate mostly in disadvantaged communities, often working collaboratively with other partners to meet local need and may offer cross-sector activities.

Grants of £2,021 will be available to help with core, programme or capital costs.

Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit clubs or organisations with an annual turnover of less than £75,000 that intentionally use sport to deliver wider social outcomes. First priority will be given to clubs with an annual turnover of up to £25,000; then to those of up £50,000; and finally for up to £75,000.

The fund is being administered locally around the country by the UK Community Foundations network. Groups must apply via the relevant Community Foundation in their area. Please note that each community foundation will have their own application process and applicants should check the details and application deadlines on their relevant community foundation website.

The Clubs in Crisis (#ClubInCrisis) Fund is being provided jointly by Flutter Entertainment's sports funding scheme Cash4Clubs and by charity Made by Sport, which aims to champion the power of sport to tackle social issues.

Commenting on the new fund, Made by Sport’s Chair, Justin King, and Flutter CEO, Peter Jackson wrote in a recent article:

“Access to sport can be life-changing for young people in so many ways, so we owe it to ourselves to give them the best shot at success. If we don’t, then many of the UK’s vibrant local clubs may disappear and with it, the joy, happiness, and personal well-being it brings to so many around them.”

The fund opens to applications on 12 April 2021.