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.

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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.

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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.

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BRENTFORD FC LAUNCH £200,000 FUNDRAISING DRIVE FOR GROUND-BREAKING CARDIAC RESEARCH

• Fans can get involved with London Landmarks Half Marathon and Ride London, with places available for fans to support the charity

Brentford FC have teamed up with Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity to raise £200,000 for ground-breaking sports cardiology research.

The world-first research study will be led by Dr Sabiha Gati, Consultant Cardiologist at Royal Brompton Hospital. It is aiming to help identify young people aged 14-35 who may be vulnerable to young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). Despite there being 12 deaths a week due to YSCD in the UK, the prevalence of this issue in apparently healthy, young people and athletes is often misunderstood and misrepresented.  

Dr Gati has observed that there is some evidence that reduced size electrical ‘traces’ of the heart on an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be associated with scarring in the heart muscle, leading to a higher risk of YSCD. The study will seek to identify the prevalence and significance of smaller ECG traces in athletes and non-athletes aged 14-35 years old, which in turn may help to identify young vulnerable individuals at risk of YSCD. The results will create new recommendations and enable more accurate interventions and advice to mitigate YSCD.

If the study reinforces the current hypothesis, it will have an impact on athletes and young people not only in London, but also nationally and worldwide. For example, elite athletes at risk of YSCD could be fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator of the type that Christian Eriksen now has. Outside of elite sport, those at risk could be advised about how to exercise safely and could be more closely and regularly monitored. Close relatives could also be screened, thereby identifying others at risk and reducing the overall incidence of YSCD.

Dr Sabiha Gati Consultant Cardiologist at Royal Brompton Hospital, said: “Some athletes experience cardiac death despite normal, standard cardiac tests – this research will identify vulnerable individuals, identify those at risk, reduce risk of sudden death and ultimately save lives.” 

Nity Raj, General Counsel at Brentford FC and Trustee of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said: “This commitment is the latest step in our mission to improve cardiac health in our community and beyond. It’s another example of the collective power of our Heart of West London partnership in action. Our hope is that this funding, and the support of the Brentford fanbase, will fuel ground-breaking scientific research to improve the chances of identifying vulnerable young people. If we can save one life as a result of this it will be worthwhile.”

The study will be supported by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), an organisation that has worked with Brentford FC for many years, and continues to operate screening days at the club (www.testmyheart.org.uk). Royal Brompton will also collaborate with St George’s Hospital’s Sports Cardiology Unit.

Brentford fans can get involved

Brentford FC will be contributing up to £100,000 in match-funding to the project and is now calling on fans to get involved.

Brentford fans will be offered 12 entries in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which takes place on 2 April 2023, and six entries in Ride London on 28 May. Fans can register their interest by completing the form on brentfordfc.com/fundraising. By fundraising for the Heart of West London partnership, fans will receive an exclusive fundraising package, rewards, and money can’t buy experiences, subject to the level of funds raised by them.

This project forms part of Brentford’s Heart of West London Partnership, launched in October 2022 in memory of Robert Rowan, the Club’s former technical director who died at the age of 28 in 2018 after suffering a fatal cardiomyopathy episode. The Heart of West London Partnership is made up of Brentford FC, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Resuscitation Council UK, Pablo London and A-K-A Day. Together, they are using the power of sport to improve heart health in the local community.

Earlier in the season, to coincide with the ‘Restart a Heart’ campaign, a heart-shaped ‘CPQR code’ featured prominently on the front of the players’ shirts for the Brentford v Chelsea match in October to encourage millions watching around the world to take two minutes to learn the basics of CPR.

In December, Brentford FC’s new training centre, the Robert Rowan Performance Centre, was opened in memory of the Club’s former technical director.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

·           Robert Rowan, former technical director of Brentford FC, tragically died at the age of 28 in November 2018 after suffering a fatal cardiomyopathy episode. Rob’s life was cut short due to an undiagnosed heart condition, and he passed away in his sleep. Rob is fondly remembered by all at Brentford FC and left a lasting legacy thanks to his work in scouting, the recruitment of players and creation of our B Team. The Club is proud to continue campaigning in his honour.

·           Unfortunately, the number of seemingly healthy people dying from cardiac issues in the UK is not as rare as you would think. In fact, in the UK, it is estimated that 12 people, under the age of 35, die each week from undiagnosed heart conditions.

In the London Borough of Hounslow, there are around 21,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases which causes 35 deaths each month.

·           Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and it does not discriminate.

·           Heart and circulatory diseases cause around a quarter of all deaths in the UK. That’s more than 160,000 deaths each year, or one death every three minutes. Every five minutes someone is admitted to a UK hospital due to a heart attack.

·           For more information about the Heart of West London and our commitment to changing the game for cardiac health visit brentfordfc.com/heart.

How can fans get involved? 

We are raising funds in various ways. Register your interest:  

London Landmarks Half Marathon (2April 2023) 

·           12 places available 

·           Deadline to sign up 14 February 2023  

·           Registration fee £35 

·           Minimum fundraising £500 

Ride London (28 May 2023)  

·           Six places available  

·           Deadline to sign up is 28 April 2023.  

·           Registration fee £25 

·           Minimum fundraising £500 

Register your interest here – www.brentfordfc.com/en/fundraising.

We also encourage our fans to organise their own fundraising. Simply set up your page and get creative. Fans will receive a Heart of West London message and fundraising graphics to help them promote their event – www.rbhcharity.org/appeals/post?IDAppeal=24bebcdd-dc63-4791-8e0d-822e5da89a8d.

Donate directly – www.rbhcharity.org/Appeal/heart-of-west-london.

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February 4 2023 – game #44 of the season. FC Deportivo Galicia 2 Molesey 2, the home team really did not kill the game off after leading twice and then conceded a last minute penalty. Life …. why we love football. Probably 25+ different London grounds so far in the 2022/2023 season.

Finding out about the games is not the easiest. I am on the mailing list/membership list/ FB/ Twitter of probably 30 or 40 clubs but still I was missing interesting midday U21 games, free to attend friendlies, trial games etc. Frustrating …and then I discovered The London Football Guide It is a real godsend. All games are listed in the top 10 levels and are shown on maps of the area. They are colour-coded by time and date. You can zoom in to pitch views to work out how to get to Rainham Marshes, or The Tropic of Ruislip where there surprisingly several teams/grounds. It’s a fantastic resource and I regularly pick up games that I may otherwise have missed.

James Doe is the owner of the site and describes himself..."I'm a QPR fan and follower of Harrow Borough in the Southern League. In 2010 I set up Non-League Day to help promote semi-professional and grassroots football. I'm hoping that TLFG will help provide a similar boost for football clubs around the capital. I also worked at BBC Sport for 10 years before it relocated to Salford but decided not to go, such was my love of London." 

"This blog aims to promote football in England's capital city. On a weekly basis I hope to list all games taking place inside the M25 motorway within the top 10 levels of the national system and also give a few recommendations of matches that I think could be worth your while. Whether you're a resident, groundhopper or tourist, I hope you'll find it helpful." 

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I first wrote about FC Deportivo Galicia back in 2018. A friend from Spain, Eduardo Cagiago, had introduced me to the club and finding Gillingham a fair trek and Premier League football an expensive luxury I soon started watching them regularly. Since then I have been following them home and away and in fact this season I have not missed a game. As I write this, we sit second in the table of the Cherry Records Combined Counties League One with games to come against the other promotion hopefuls. All is well, we have an excellent groundshare with Bedfont Sports of the Isthmian League so even with a further two promotions we will have a ground acceptable to the leagues (Cherry Records Combined Counties Premier Division and Isthmian League). There is great stability at the club and it survived the Covid seasons when sadly other clubs could not.

It was to this background that an air of excitement went around the ground at our recent game against Rayners Lane when the TV cameras were seen. No, not Unbelievable Jeff or Alan Shearer but the boys from Location Football who were looking to showcase the story of the club in their documentary, “We found the Greatest Spanish Team playing in the UK.” I quickly shortened that to “We found the Greatest Spanish Team” (with apologies to Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid.) James Kirtland and Scott Lavell introduced themselves, “We enjoy sharing our love of football and travel by exploring non-league football grounds and hopefully providing you with some entertainment at the same time. New videos every Sunday, subscribe to be the first to know when they are released!” As anybody who knows me will tell you, I love football and travel so we are kindred souls!

We did not let them down, a composed win against an impressive Rayners Lane and they seem happy with all the interviews. In a nice touch they spoke to all the players and although Anton did a great translation of football terms, the rest of the squad had their 15 minutes of fame too. Koshey, Gabz, Vidal, Milkwood, Orange Boots, Fran and all the rest of the boys opined on all things football and …….. music! Leo Dacabo gave an outline of the club and, well, let’s not comment on the pre-match drink for one player!

The video went live yesterday night on You Tube and quickly picked up 600 views. Hopefully the next time the guys come down will be at our promotion party!

Please feel free to subscribe or catch up with them on Facebook or Instagram. All welcome at Hatton Cross. It’s a 5 minute walk from the Tube station with easy free parking. There is a full bar and catering. Admittance is just 5 euros or an incredible 25 euros for a season ticket. Fixtures and full details of the club on their excellent website

Nos Vemos

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Many of you will remember a post about Dave Baldwin at Papilios Creative. It was a pleasure to catch up with him this week and hear what he has been doing with his art business in the last few months.

He tells me that he is slowly working through the stadiums of Europe and was pleased to show me some of his most recent paintings.

I liked a before and after of White Hart Lane and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium whilst his Stadium Of Light brought back happy memories of visiting Sunderland’s home

You can either download your ground if he has already completed a painting or commission a unique painting. You can learn more and see his complete collection at Papilios Creative

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SSC Napoli

In an interesting variation on a theme, SSC Napoli has launched an intriguing limited edition shirt for Valentine’s Day. I was watching the Napoli Cremonese cup match and saw the home side in white shirts with a big lipstick logo. Off I wandered to the official Napoli website to read this…

“In collaboration with EA7, SSC Napoli is adding to its 2022/23 collection with a special jersey dedicated to Valentine’s Day.

The limited-edition jersey will be worn for the first time during Napoli’s Coppa Italia tie with Cremonese on Tuesday 17 January and will also go on sale from 15:00 CET on the club’s web store, Amazon brand store, official stores and a select group of resellers. The shirts worn against Cremonese in the Coppa Italia will also be put up for auction on MatchWornShirt (www.matchwornshirt.com/event/17-01-2023-napoli-cremonese) from 20:00 CET on Tuesday evening until 15:30 on 28 January. All proceeds will go to charity to three NGOs in the local region regarding gender-based violence: Dedalus Cooperativa Sociale, Le Kassandre and Le Forti Guerriere del Rione Sanita.

Dedalus Cooperativa Sociale (www.coopdedalus.it/) has over 40 years’ experience in research, planning and management of services relating to social value, with an involvement in problems linked to exclusion among weak groups, the economy and regional development. Since 2001, it has managed refuge services, psychological support, citizen guidance and active research into women living in suffering. It manages two anti-violence centres and two residential homes for women, who may be alone or have children, experiencing violence and mistreatment.

Contact details: 081 291218 – info@coopdedalus.it

Le Kassandre (www.lekassandre.com) is a cultural association for social promotion that was founded in 2004 by a group of Italian and foreign women from different generations and backgrounds, who were brought together by a desire to combine professional commitments with social issues, particularly relating to gender, equal opportunities and the education and training of new generations. The association offers supportive services to both Italian and foreign women escaping violence through offering refuge, information, individual and group counselling, legal guidance, professional guidance and skills assessments. The association is part of the interinstitutional anti-violence network at the Napoli city hall.

Contact details: 388/0979950 – info@lekassandre.com

L’Associazione Forti Guerriere del Rione Sanità (https://fondazionesangennaro.org/presentazione-dellassociazione-forti-guerriere-del-rione-sanita/) was founded in Rione Sanita in 2019 following the murder of Fortuna Bellisario, a local woman who was murdered by her husband in the presence of their children. The women in the Rione Sanita neighbourhood decided to make their voices heard and rebel against a widespread trend of inter-family violence. Women at the association have been involved in awareness campaigns at schools, prisons and in the local area and have learnt how to be soundboards for other women who would rather engage with individual women than institutions.”

Contact details: 081/19571624 – fortiguerrieree@gmail.com

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Bristol Rovers players and staff have shaved their heads in support of team-mate and promotion hero Nick Anderton as he battles a rare form of bone cancer.

Listen to Nick on You Tube

Club captain Paul Coutts said: “We’ve always been as one in support of Nick. In the blink of an eye, his world’s been turned upside down and this is another way that we can help raise awareness of his condition and raise valuable funds for him and his young family at the same time.

“Some of us have less hair to lose than others and I’m sure Nick’s looking forward to seeing his mates and the gaffer without any!”

The players decided to go bald on the 16th of January – Nick’s shirt number – at a Bristol hairdresser who supports rivals City and not Rovers, further proof that the footballing and city communities are coming together to offer their support. So, a BIG shout out to all at Bristol Barber Company

Rovers, City and indeed any/all football fans are also invited to shave their own head in solidarity.

You can make a donation HERE – all funds raised will go to Nick and his young family. It was nice to spotlight Bristol Rovers again as I had fond memories of them from when I cycled around the UK. They even had me on the pitch being interviewed

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Sustainability

I received an interesting discussion of the important subject of sustainability from our friends at Teeemill this week. I thought it deserved sharing.

What does true sustainability look like?

You might already know we do things differently than business as usual, where 60% of clothing is made out of plastic and 99% is never recycled. Using natural, organic materials, renewable energy and sustainable packaging is part of the solution. But how about this thing called #circulareconomy that everyone is talking about? It is a fundamentally different model that looks set to change everything, and it’s built in to every product your brand sells via your store. So what does circularity look like and what does it mean for you? Find Out Now

Only printing what you need, when you need it We only print your products once they’ve been ordered so there’s no waste from speculative mass production. Modern applications of tech, such as robotics, are key to making this system work. The cost savings from the efficiencies created by this technology can be reinvested into our facilities, and working conditions. Consequently the environment in all our factories is clean, light, modern and positive. It also means we can invest in sustainability projects that cost a little more, like using only paper packaging and organic cotton. Watch: How T-Shirts Are Made

Powered by sun and wind. Clean, renewable energy is a vital tool to reduce the worst effects of climate change. Throughout our supply chain, renewable energy is used. Our manufacturing operations run on solar power and, in India, the factory owns two wind farms and a 150kw PV array. Renewable energy is affordable, reliable and something we are committed to using. It’s a big player in making us, and your store, carbon neutral. More About Carbon Neutrality

All natural materials. Your products are made from natural materials, like GOTS certified organic cotton and come with an OEKO-TEX’s Standard 100 certification too, so no hazardous chemicals are used or discharged during printing. Organic cotton is better for the producers and the ecosystem in which it is produced. Instead of toxic pesticides and fertilisers, co-planting and insect traps are used along with the special ingredient – cow poo. It encourages biodiversity and leads to the extra soft feel of your products. Order a sample to see for yourself. Feel The Organic Softness

Designed to be remade Because we know that all your products are made using natural materials only, it’s easier to remake them into new products when they become worn out – that’s what we mean by ‘circular supply chain’. Each product is designed to be sent back to us and the material is reprocessed, respun and made into new products, saving 95% of the carbon and water it would take to make one raw product. We call this programme Remill®. Your customers can find instructions for how to send products back on the care label inside every product. Discover Remill

Water clean enough to drink Wastewater from dyehouse effluent is a major source of pollution in the clothing industry. Where your products are dyed, the water is recovered, cleaned and recirculated. At the end, the water coming out of the filters and going back round to be reused again is crystal clear, literally clean enough to drink. Don’t believe us? Just watch…Join Us For A Drink

Plants, not plastic Plastic is made from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and it takes hundreds of years to break down when thrown away. By 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. That’s why we use a rip and splash-proof mailer bag made out of paper instead. It’s printed with this fun marine print, perfect for hosting colouring competitions or upcycling and featuring in your photography. Share Photos Of Packaging

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As regular readers of The Shirt will know, I have been a long-term supporter of Prostate Cancer UK. It is a cause near to my heart. As such , I am pleased to forward this ….

Thousands of people, across the nation, will be committing themselves to walk or wheel 11,000 steps a day throughout March. They’re doing it to represent more than 11,000 men who die from prostate cancer every year – and you can join them!

SIGN UP NOW

Five fab reasons to sign up:

👕 Get a FREE t-shirt to don as you take on the challenge
📲 Daily support and encouragement from a community of marchers
👣 March your way! Get your steps in any way you choose
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Challenge yourself or get friends involved for some friendly competition
💙 Raise lifesaving awareness and funds to beat prostate cancer

SIGN UP NOW

March the Month is a challenge everyone can get involved in. If you want to take on more or less than the 11,000 steps, you can adapt this goal to suit you. 

Help raise lifesaving funds, get active and walk your way

Frankie, Tia and Charlie
March the Month Team 

SIGN UP NOW

Copyright © 2023 Prostate Cancer UK, All rights reserved. Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887. Registered office: Fourth floor, The Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QN VAT Registration Number: 905 9415 18

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