Yesterday, Sunday 11 July, around a thousand females battled it out for first place in the largest women’s and girls’ five-a-side football tournament in the UK. The Victoria Trophy, sponsored by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, kicked off in Nottingham at Clifton Playing Fields to celebrate its 28th anniversary.
This is the second year that Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has sponsored the event and they were performing exciting demonstrations throughout the day to promote the Fire and Rescue Service as a career option for women.
Matt Sismey, Equality and Diversity Officer at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, hopes that this tournament has helped encourage women and girls to consider the Fire and Rescue Service as a possible career option.
He commented: ‘This is the second year that we have sponsored the Victoria Trophy. It is fantastic to see such a high standard of football being played here today by a group of such physically fit and talented players. In the Fire and Rescue Service, you have to have a good standard of fitness, so we have the perfect target audience. It is very important for us to erase stereotypes that the Fire and Rescue Service is only for men, and it was great to see so many of the junior girls taking an interest in our work and watching the demonstrations.’
Nicola Bottomley, a Watch Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, also attended the tournament.
She remarked: ‘The Fire and Rescue Service, like football, has always been dominated by men and we are trying to make women see that this could also be the career for them. The Fire and Rescue Service is a very rewarding job. I never get bored as each day differs from the next, and I love the fact I don’t have to be stuck in an office all day. There are so many opportunities within the Fire and Rescue Service and, with such a variety of roles on offer, I would recommend it to any woman who may be looking at career choices for the first time, or even thinking about changing direction later in life.’
In the Open age group it was the local team that lifted the trophy. Nottingham Forest Ladies were victorious after beating Gloucester City ladies in a nerve racking penalty shoot out.
The results for the juniors were as follows:
Under 10’s Champion: Oadby & Wigston Girls
Under 12’s Champion: Nottingham City Girls
Under 13’s Champion: Denton Girls 2
Under 16’s Champion: Leicester City
There are only two weeks to go until the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, taking place on Sunday 18 July! Those planning to taking part in the Bike Ride are being encouraged to take part to start gearing up now, to make sure they can enjoy the event to the full.
Organisers and local cycling experts are keen to offer preparation tips for all riders who are participating in the Bike Ride. Experienced Pro-rider and over 65 National Champion, Pete Mathews, from Liverpool, has been racing since 1958 and takes part in the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride every year.
He advises: “To ensure a safe and enjoyable Bike Ride, riders need to be prepared for the day. Your bike should be serviced a week or two before the event to make sure you can get any faulty parts repaired. Weather is always unpredictable so I’d always recommend taking a rain jacket and eye protection. Above all don’t forget to wear a hard shell helmet, however experienced you may be.”
The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride will start at Old Haymarket, just outside the Birkenhead Tunnel entrance. The event will feature four rides this year: A challenge ride (54 miles), a community ride (30 miles), a family ride (25 miles) and a sportive route (90 miles).
Simon Wallis, Sustrans Bike it Officer for Merseyside, also offers the following advice:
• Try and build up your stamina by getting out on your bike and doing a little bit and often in the run up to the event. Even if you've not started training yet, every little helps and you’ll find it's easy to get fit on your bike.
• Set your seat at a sensible height where your toes are just touching on the floor. A low seat makes for really hard work on the thighs.
• Make sure you use a bike that you’re comfortable with riding to avoid aches and sores. If possible try and give it a few test runs before the ride. Additionally, you could use a gel seat and wear cycling gloves which are all relatively cheap to buy from a cycling shop.
• Get used to the gears on your bike before starting the race and make those hills easy for yourself.
• Taking part with friends and family can help you maintain an all important relaxed pace.
• Warm up before the ride and cool down afterwards. This is particularly important to first time riders who will be using muscles that they may not normally use.
• Carry a few high energy trail snacks and drink sips of water about every twenty minutes throughout your journey.
• Most importantly, the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is all about having fun. Relax and enjoy it!
Mark Sandamas, Director of Pennine Events commented: ‘Cycling is a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active and this event really does have something to suit all ages and abilities. There is still time to sign up so whether you’re a serious cyclist, or a complete novice, I’d encourage you to get on your bike this summer by joining in the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride.’
The sponsors of this year’s Bike Ride are Liverpool PCT, Active City, Merseytravel & Chester Cycling Demonstration Town.
Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health at Liverpool PCT wants more local people than ever before to sign up to this year’s Bike Ride. She commented: ‘We are urging people to make a healthy change to their lifestyles over a long-term period. By signing up for the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, people could begin an active pursuit that will last for the rest of their lives.’
Entering the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is simple, and if you haven’t entered yet, it’s not too late. Just log on to
www.pennineevents.co.uk to enter online, or to download an entry form for your friends, family and colleagues.
