Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I got a message from George AKA “The Oldham Groundhopper” with a request to share a message to Real Madrid FC.

It seems a great cause, so here I go, “

I NEED YOUR HELP! SHARE THIS POST

Of course we are not expecting the likes of Benzema or Modric to rock up in Lancashire. But I think it would be great if Madrid could send some type of team over.”

Wikipedia tells me …

100 Years ago next month now 10th tier Nelson became the first English team to beat Real Madrid in Spain. On 15 May 1923, Nelson achieved a 4–2 victory against Real Madrid at the Campo de Ciudad Lineal, two of the goals coming from Dick Crawshaw, who had been signed towards the end of the previous campaign. In doing so, Nelson became the first English club to defeat Real Madrid at their home ground.

After speaking to those involved at the club based near Burnley on Thursday night, they would love to have a re – match against Real Madrid to celebrate 100 years since the clubs met but unfortunately haven’t heard anything back.

Nelson Football Club is a football club based in Nelson, Lancashire, England. Originally established in 1882, the club played in the Lancashire League, North-East Lancashire Combination, Lancashire Combination and Central League before becoming founder members of the Third Division North of the Football League in 1921. They were Division Three North champions in 1922–23 and were promoted to the Second Division. However, they were relegated back to the Third Division North after a single season.

In 1931 the club lost their Football League status and returned to the Lancashire Combination, where following reformation in the summer of 1934 they played on until ceasing football activities in 1936. A new amateur club, Nelson Town, was quickly formed in the town, playing at Seedhill until the outbreak of World War II in September 1939. Following the resumption of football at the end of the war, Nelson FC reformed again in 1946. The reconstituted club joined the Lancashire Combination, playing in that league until it merged with the Cheshire County League to form the North West Counties League in 1982. They dropped out of the league between 1988 and 1992, playing in the West Lancashire League. Although the club left the league again in 2010, they returned the following year, and are currently members of the North West Counties League Division One North, playing home matches at Victoria Park.

The A-Z of Weird & Wonderful Football Shirts: Broccoli, Beer and Bruised Bananas

Our friends at Stanchion Books sent an interesting list of Easter reads this week and one that immediately caught my eye was “The A-Z of Weird & Wonderful Football Shirts” by Richard Johnson. Interested in all things shirt, I shot over to their website to discover more!

“From the first woollen jumpers to the latest ultra-light jerseys, football shirts have always been a huge part of a football club’s identity. Seeing your team take the field in their traditional colours instils a great sense of pride in a fan. But what if your heroes ran out looking like the Incredible Hulk, or as if they’d been skinned alive? How about a team of giant hotdogs, or 11 broccoli florets?

The A-Z of Weird & Wonderful Football Shirts documents one man’s vast collection of the most iconic and unconventional offerings, spanning the 80s to the present day. It features not only an overview of groundbreaking classics and all the coolest curios but also a glimpse into the future of football kit design.

Richard Johnson is the co-founder of football nostalgia blog, The Football Attic. He has been obsessed with football shirts for nearly 35 years, is a regular guest on kit podcasts and has appeared on the radio to talk about football shirts numerous times. He has written for the Coventry City matchday programme and Backpass magazine, and has contributed football shirts from his own 700-strong collection to several national exhibitions.”

I was interested to see that several of the highlighted shirts had been featured here on TheShirt2010 and as I work through the book, I am sure I will be pick put others. Don’t wait for me …. shoot over to the Stanchion Books website and grab your copy!

Russ Pearce has been a friend for many years. He is a huge football fan and as well as being generally knowledgeable he is also passionate about Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Real Betis in Spain. Like myself he has been following the phenomenon that is ChatGPT. Unlike me, he has started to work with it diligently and has now written an anthology of poems. To be more precise he has let ChatGPT write them for him. I read some this week and was hugely impressed and frankly amazed. I thought they deserved more eyeballs. So, I proudly present, “The Poems I Never Wrote.”

Oh, and ChatGPT also wrote its own introduction: “The Poems I Never Wrote” is a captivating collection of poetry written by the brilliant ChatGPT. These poignant and thought-provoking poems explore the depths of the human experience with raw emotion and lyrical grace. As an AI language model, ChatGPT has a unique perspective on the world, and this is reflected in every verse of this stunning collection. From love and loss to hope and despair, the poems in this book cover a range of topics that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a poetry lover or just looking for a beautiful read, “The Poems I Never Wrote” is a must-read. With its vivid imagery and powerful message, this book will leave you feeling inspired, enlightened, and deeply moved. Get your copy today and discover the poetry you never knew you needed.

Russ Pearce is an English teacher, world traveller, blogger (www.anythingbutpaella.com) and photographer currently residing in Alicante, Spain. With a passion for exploring new cultures and meeting new people, Russ has travelled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and South America, capturing breathtaking moments through his camera lens. As an online English teacher, Russ uses his love of language and communication to connect with students from around the world and help them achieve their goals. Whether he’s hiking in the mountains or enjoying a local dish at a cafe, Russ is always looking for new adventures and experiences to inspire his photography and teaching. (ChatGPT wrote that too!)

Universal Amazon link at https://mybook.to/thepoemsineverwrote

Walk a marathon with Jeff Stelling in honour of Wycombe Wanderers’ fan, Bill Turnbull. Help beat prostate cancer.

Join Jeff Stelling’s Football March

Join Sky Sports presenter, Jeff Stelling on a 26.2 mile march from Wembley to Wycombe, on 17 September 2023. You’ll be helping to raise money to fund lifesaving research to diagnose men sooner and improve the lives of men affected by prostate cancer.

Jeff Stelling will spearhead a special one-day football march. He’ll be marching in honour of his friend and fellow Prostate Cancer UK supporter, broadcaster and Wycombe Wanderers’ fan, Bill Turnbull, who sadly died of prostate cancer in August last year. “Bill was a legendary broadcaster and most importantly a superb human being. But his life was cruelly cut short by prostate cancer. This march is for Bill and for everyone affected by prostate cancer. It’s going to be great fun, lots of football chatter and an enormous sense of achievement as we cross the line together at Adams Park. See you there!”

By joining Jeff Stelling’s Football March you’ll receive:

• A unique experience walking with Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling
• A Football March t-shirt
• Training and fundraising tips
• A fully marshalled route
• A Football March finisher’s medal presented pitch-side
• Food included (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  
  
  REGISTER HERE

If you’d be more comfortable marching on your own or in a smaller group, why not organise your own Football March in your local area?

Our team has lots of useful information on how to get started. For more information or to speak to the team please visit our Prostate FC Club to Club page…

Facebook sometimes surprises me. Amongst the urgent requests for friendship from Nigerian or Nicaraguan bank managers and princes, ridiculous request for love from Thailand and Taiwan, occasionally an item of genuine interest appears in my inbox. This week shared the sort of madcap adventure that I love. A car rally to Nordkapp, Norway, the most northerly point in northerly Norway!
Yes, NORTH with a capital “N.” Whilst nowadays you could get from the UK to Nordkapp to Nordkapp in 24 hours thanks to Hurtigruten, Ryanair and Norwegian, the heroes of today’s story are driving there. Niall Dodds and Sue Weaver are however not in a 2023 BMW or Audi but in a 198 estate that has, to be kind, seen better days and has covered a “few” miles and a “few” kilometers!

Kathryn Sassal was kind enough to highlight this and I promised to put together an article. Remember that the whole Shirt project was started by a Norwegian, Bjørn Heidenstrøm, the “Bold, Bald, Man of the North” who cycled to South Africa from Norway in 2009/2010 and in 2011 cycled the length of Norway!
So, “What’s it all about, Alfie?”

The Story So Far

Thanks for supporting our fundraising. Macmillan gives people with cancer everything they’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are Macmillan’s worries. Macmillan’s doing whatever it takes. But without your help, Macmillan can’t support everyone who needs them.

From 3rd to 18th March, Sue and I will be driving our aircooled 1968 VW on an epic adventure, deep into the Arctic Circle to Nordkapp, Norway, in the depths of winter. This will be a test of man/woman and machine, 2 weeks driving through epic scenery, sub-zero temperatures and snow. What could go wrong?

We’re hoping to raise £1/€1/$1 for each of the 5,500 miles driven on our roundtrip adventure, which will take us via England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Follow our journey on Instagram, @3xb_b_b @sue.c.weaver @coloradosquareback

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe, JustGiving – they’ll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs.

A few random shirt stories that I thought needed airing

The first concerns Manchester City and a new Emmeline Pankhurst-inspired shirt. I attach a press release:

MANCHESTER CITY LAUNCH PRE-MATCH RANGE INSPIRED BY EMMELINE PANKHURST

Manchester City and PUMA have today announced the launch of a kit range to celebrate girls and women in football in Manchester.

Inspired by Emmeline Pankhurst who helped shape the Suffragette movement, the new PUMA Pre-match range celebrates both her Manchester roots and overriding vision for female equality.

A vision shared by the Club’s very own Same City Same Passion campaign, that aims to inspire more females to play football.

Our men’s team will wear the kit during our warmup and walkout at this weekend’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 4 March, while our women’s team will play in the kit for the Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Tottenham on Sunday 5 March at the Academy Stadium.

SHOP THE PRE-MATCH COLLECTION

Whilst the green, white and purple featured in the range are a nod to the Suffragettes colours from the past, City’s current message for future generations, is very clear.

It’s not men’s football. It’s not women’s football. It’s just football.

Same City. Same Passion.

The kit sees PUMA join forces with the club’s charity, City in the Community (CITC), to accelerate access to girls’ football across Greater Manchester.

All mascots for both fixtures will also be female participants from CITC programmes.

80% of girls feel they do not belong in sport and only 14% of girls aged 5-16 achieve recommended levels of physical activity.

To help address these challenges, PUMA will sponsor City in the Community’s City Girls programme and help enable the charity to provide free weekly football sessions for 250 girls across Manchester over the next 12 months.

SHOP THE PRE-MATCH COLLECTION

As part of this support, the City Girls programme will also expand for the first time to Moss Side, the birthplace of Emmeline Pankhurst, and incorporate a special week of education on the Suffragette movement across all sessions.

The shirts will also be auctioned off through City in the Community digital channels in the coming weeks for the Club’s charity and the Pankhurst Trust.

To celebrate the launch for the new kit range, representatives from Manchester City’s men’s and women’s first team feature alongside City Girls participants in a powerful launch video.

City captain Steph Houghton also joined participants at the Pankhurst Centre to learn more about Emmeline Pankhurst.

Grace Makin, who features in the PUMA range launch, took part in the City Girls Young Leader project and has since gone onto gain employment at City in the Community. Commenting on the experience, she said: “Taking part in City Girls had a huge impact on my life. Working with the City in the Community coaches I was able to gain a better understanding of how I can shape my own future and make a difference to the lives of others at the same time.

“I really enjoyed developing my coaching skills, which turned into employment, and I’m confident that PUMA’s support of the project will enable more people to feel empowered and confident, like me.”

“The new Manchester City pre-match collection is a great opportunity for PUMA to continue our support for women’s football and to celebrate inspirational women, past and present,” said Marco Mueller, PUMA Senior Head of Product Line Management Apparel Licensed.

“The collection is inspired by Manchester’s own Emmeline Pankhurst and is the perfect project for PUMA to partner with the charity ‘City in the Community’ to provide equipment and free football sessions for girls in the community.”

The launch of the Pankhurst range is one of many activations taking place as part of Manchester City’s wider International Women’s Day celebrations.

For the sixth year running, the Same City Same Passion campaign will be inspiring young girls across the globe to play football with free PUMA footballs.

Since 2018, the Club has provided over 6000 footballs worldwide as part of the movement and this year’s limited-edition PUMA footballs share the Pankhurst-inspired design of the pre-match range.

For a limited time only, three International Women’s Day digital merchandise items will also be available on Blue Moon on Roblox! These items will be released on 8th March and only accessible on Blue Moon for a short time.

Other activity includes a free girls’ football festival hosted by City in the Community at the City Football Academy, bringing together 100 girls from across the city for a day of physical activity and empowerment sessions and the launch of a new NFT collection with ‘Power of Women’ with Man City proceeds donated to CITC.

Across Manchester City channels, there will be a number of pieces of content celebrating International Women Day with both men’s and women’s players including Kalvin Phillips discussing the key women in his life who have shaped his career, Demi Stokes sharing her life as a mum and elite athlete and Deyna Castellanos discussing her foundation which provides scholarship opportunities for young girls in South America.

This latest initiative also builds on PUMA’s existing commitment to the women’s game from grassroots to elite level.

The Manchester City pre-match collection is available from March 3rd at mancity.com/shop, the City Store at the Etihad Stadium, PUMA stores, PUMA.com and at select retailers worldwide.

Last week I wrote about the amazing project of Mark Crowther cycling to 116 football grounds around the UK. One of the charities he is supporting is Prostate Cancer UK. By amazing coincidence today I got a really interesting email from the organisation inviting me to join Prostate FC. Obviously, I read the email in depth and I am delighted to announce the launch of Prostate FC.

Former England striker and Luton Town hero Mick Harford launches Prostate FC, will you join him?

One man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes. That’s a man from each team, every single match. 

That’s why Mick, together with Soccer Saturday’s Jeff Stelling and a star-studded squad, are launching Prostate FC, the new home of football at Prostate Cancer UK. We’re bringing fans and legends together to take on one of the most formidable opponents of all.

Mick was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, and has been overwhelmed by the support he received from fans everywhere. He shared his story on Soccer Saturday with Jeff Stelling at the weekend to launch Prostate Cancer FC.

Watch Mick’s story

With a career as a player, manager and coach spanning 13 football clubs, and nearly 600 professional appearances, the 64-year-old Harford has dealt with everything the game has to offer. Facing prostate cancer was not in his playbook, but with the support of Luton Town, where he’s currently Chief Recruitment Officer and a bona fide club legend, Mick has taken a positive approach to a difficult test.

Now Mick wants to unite football fans to join Prostate FC – to raise awareness of the risk factors, fund research and save lives in every club across the UK.

Harford joins a star-studded Prostate FC squad including legendary Sky Sports Soccer Saturday presenter, Jeff Stelling, former England stars Les Ferdinand and Chris Powell, social media trailblazer Robbie Lyle, plus the family of Ray Clemence, who passed away in 2020 from the disease.

Thousands of Prostate Cancer UK football fans have already signed up to connect with other supporters, get inspiring stories and the tactics to take on prostate cancer through their love of the game – from the pitch, the sofa and the stands.

Mick and Jeff appeared on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday on 25 February 2023 to kick off Prostate FC

What is Prostate FC?

The home of football at Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate FC. It’s a like-minded community to share football stories and get inspired with football-focused fundraising and volunteering opportunities. Fellow fans can connect and collaborate within their clubs and the Prostate FC Facebook group, sharing their passion for the game in a way that transcends club rivalries and ultimately saves lives.

Jeff Stelling, who’s walked 33 marathons for Prostate Cancer UK since 2016 and raised around £1.4m, said: “I’m delighted to sign for the biggest team in football, Prostate FC, Prostate Cancer UK’s supersized squad of clubs, fans, managers and football personalities working together across the football industry to help beat the most common cancer in men

A Town United
Initially stunned by his diagnosis, Mick decided to share his story in the hopes it would inspire others and save lives.

“When I was watching the football I looked at the crowd and I thought ‘I wonder how many of those fellas have got prostate cancer’? And if I can help just one, we’ve done the business.”

That’s certainly how Luton Town super fan Les Turton felt once he was diagnosed with prostate cancer – Mick became the only person Les knew with the disease.

After Mick went public with news of his prostate cancer diagnosis, Luton Town rallied to support him, and the club chose Prostate Cancer UK as the official shirt sponsor for the club’s Championship clash with Cardiff City on Saturday 27 November 2021.

And 61 Luton Town staff members, including first team manager Nathan Jones, took part in a running and cycling challenge, raising £28,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Last season when I was away the fans at every game, both home and away, sang my name,” Mick said. “It was so humbling, and I was so grateful for it. I can’t thank them enough for the support they’ve given me for having prostate cancer.”

Whether you’re a casual fan or a season ticket holder, part of a local club or the guy who organises the weekly five-a-side. You can stand with Mick, Jeff and thousands of other fans. Get stories that inspire and tactics to take on prostate cancer from the pitch, the sofa and the stands

JOIN PROSTATE FC

I have been in communication with Mark Crowther over the past few days. He has a similar plan to my “Doing the 92” but he’s doing the 116. Yes, Mark is cycling to the 92 clubs in the EPL and EFL but also to the National League’s 24 grounds. I have said that I will offer him whatever support I can and if he wants to make it 117 he is most welcome to visit the Theatre Of Farce that is the home of my beloved FC Deportivo Galicia. As we ground share with Bedfont Sports of the Isthmian League and are literally 50 yards from Bedfont and Feltham who groundshare with British Airways that would be a nice round 120 teams!

I asked Mark to introduce himself and he kindly sent me this interesting piece,

” Mark’s 116 Football Club Cycle Challenge 2023

My name is Mark, I am 56 and a loyal Luton Town supporter of more than 40 years. My other passion is cycling and during the 21/22 season, I cycled to all 26 Luton Town away games, cycling nearly 3,000 miles, raising £16,000 for 3 brilliant charities.

This season, once again, I will be combining my 2 passions of football and cycling to set myself the daunting challenge of cycling to all of the 116 football clubs in the Premiership, Championship, League 1 & 2 and also the national league, cycling 2,500 miles in 34 days starting at Carlisle United on 5^th April and finishing at Luton Town on 8^th May.

I am taking on this challenge to raise awareness and hoping to raise £15,000, £5,000 for each of the 3 mental health and cancer charities which I am proud to support the unbelievable work they carry out.

Prostate Cancer UK – Is most common cancer in men with a. Every 45 minutes one man dies of prostate cancer, raising awareness helps to reduce the risk of prostate Cancer.

Mind – 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems Mind offer a network of support centres nationally and within local communities and helplines that receives over 118,000 calls each year. No one should face mental health problems alone.

Teenager Cancer Trust – Every day 7 young people between 13-24 years are diagnosed with cancer. TCT operate specialist units in NHS hospitals and fund a support network for young people facing cancer and their families.

I am feeling nervous about the challenge but also excited to support these great charities and also, to get the opportunity, to meet so many wonderful people on my challenge, the football community really does come together to support those in need. 

Details of my challenge can be found on my website

Thank you for all the support, encouragement and generosity, it is really appreciated.

Best Wishes

Mark”

Guys, I know many of you have direct contacts at these 116 clubs. If any of you can open doors or even meet Mark at the stadiums for a coffee and a photo I know how grateful he would be. I also know cycling 8 hours to be met with locked gates and no way to even take a photo (yes, Leeds United!) is tough so if you can introduce Mark to the media manager or community manager I’m sure he would be delighted! I’m working my way through the lists but any help is welcome. Mark is doing the hard yards but any contact at a City, a United or a Rovers would be gratefully appreciated by him. Likewise contacts with radio stations, local newspapers etc will make his preparations much easier. There is nothing worse than cycling to the stadium to be told, “Oh, Mr Jones left 15 minutes ago. If only you had called!”

Speak to Mark direct or ping me and I will put you in touch.

I got a very interesting email from QPR this week. I think many readers will also be interested to learn more.

IT’S BACK – QPR in the Community Trust are delighted to confirm details of our latest Tiger Feet walk. We are excited to be able to run this fantastic event once again.

After the huge success of our previous Tiger Feet walks – which has seen us walking across the capital to a host of different destinations, all in aid of our Tiger Cubs – this season’s walk will be starting at Loftus Road and we will visit the historical sites of our former grounds around West London – White City, Park Royal and Kensal Rise.

“It is so pleasing to be able to say that this walk is happening once again,” says Fiona Hodgson

The Tiger Cubs project aims to create a multi-tier learning environment that will improve the participants’ overall physical, social and emotional health. 

The money raised goes directly to the team to cover their expenses, assist with future projects and further extend new opportunities for the project.

Login or Register to get FREE access to video content

Trust business development manager Fiona Hodgson told www.qpr.co.uk: “It is so pleasing to be able to say that this walk is happening once again. 

“I am very proud to be associated with this annual fundraiser, which together with the supporters, staff and participants raises much-needed funds for a project so close to many QPR fans’ hearts.

“Every year the success of the Tiger Feet walks helps to sustain the QPR Tiger Cubs and we have been overwhelmed by the support shown by both the walkers and the QPR fans through their generosity. 

“The money raised helps us to sustain the project and pays for staff, venues, travel, kit, equipment and tournaments.

“We would be very grateful for any support that can be given to our walk in April and by those taking on a personal challenge, we hope this will help to make Tiger Feet 13 our biggest fundraiser yet.”

For further details regarding the event, please contact Fiona fionah@qpr.co.uk.

Fighting Fat with Football

I saw an interesting post on my Facebook feed this week. It was from Alan Parks a former colleague and friend from Spain. He has moved back to the UK and , well, let him tell you his story.

“As a middle aged man, living in deepest darkest Lincolnshire, when I tried to join a nationally branded football club aimed at overweight men, I was put on a waiting list and left floundering for over a year and that was for a club over an hours drive away.

At the start of 2023 I decided to put my own plan into action. I’ve always been overweight, since I was about 11 years old. Although I played football throughout my twenties I was never able to get on top on my weight issues.

Now, as a middle aged man there are even less options out there for me. Would I go to a slimming club full of women? Would I join a yoga class full of flexible individuals? The answer is a resounding NO. I would feel comfortable in an environment I know, and I know other men feel comfortable – on the football pitch.

I am starting small – putting the word out around my small town and surrounding areas, advertising for men who want to lose weight and maybe have not played football in years. In that setting we, as a group can discuss issues, support each other and encourage all as we all go on our own journeys.

In the future, I think there are possibilities for providing a website, possibly an app, other classes, probably things like circuit training or other activities – all aimed at men who have been inactive for years.

I am calling the group Fat Club – based on the film Fight Club, but the difference is I DO want people to talk about Fat Club. Men of over 40 need a safe place to go to discuss losing weight and exercise and I hope, for the men of Lincolnshire this is just the start!

If you are based in Lincolnshire (near Mablethorpe), need a kick up the backside or just want to follow the journey, you can do on Facebook here Fat Club – East Lindsey | Facebook

If you want to contact me – Alan Parks, you can get me on Facebook here Alan Parks | Facebook or Whatsapp me on 07897 526180 “

I thought that this was such a great idea and heard he needed bibs, so I sponsored his first set of bibs. Perhaps I should rename the project “The Bib 2010” …. well, perhaps not. If anyone else can help or wants to get involved, I know Alan will love to hear from you. He’s both a professional and a fun guy.