Wednesday 22 December 2010

Season's Greetings from Macesport

Merry Christmas from all the Macesport Team

We hope you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2010 has been another busy and exciting year for Macesport and we would like to thank everyone for your support throughout the year.

2011 already promises to be bigger and better and we look forward to playing our part in a big year for sport.

Keep in touch with everything that is happening at Macesport:

Twitter - click here Facebook - click here
YouTube - click here LinkedIn - click here

or just pick up the phone and give us a call - 01159895426

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Kate Dennison Blog

British pole vault record holder and Macesport client Kate Dennison has released her latest blog.

Winter training is now underway following a well deserved break after clinching bronze at the

Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Read Kate's latest blog entry - click here

Follow Kate Dennison on twitter - click here

Become a fan of Kate Dennison on Facebook - click here

Brand Expansion for Precision Training

Britain's fastest growing sports brand is adding to their extensive range.

Macesport client Precision Training will launch their Precision Boxing and Precision Running ranges in 2011.

Precision Training was founded in 2005 with the aim of giving sportsmen, women and children of all abilities accessibility to a range of high-quality professional products.

They have quickly become Britain's number one choice for specialist sports training aids and continue their brand expansion plans with the boxing, running and netball and hockey ranges.

For more information on Precision Training - click here

Christmas Pukka Pies

With all this freezing weather, it's definitely time to be stocking up on your Pukka Pies.

Weekly competitions to win pies are run in Monday's sports section of the Daily Mirror in the 3pm column.

Competitions can be sourced for other media publications - please contact Ben Thompson - click here

And don't forget to check out the latest exploits of the Pukka Pies England Band on their dedicated YouTube channel - click here

One Hundred and Eighty!!!

You know it is nearly Christmas when the darts starts on TV!

And Robbie Savage is a big fan of Phil the Power and the other tungsten warriors!!

In fact Robbie will be at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday evening to watch the darts action unfold.

Last week Robbie teamed up with leading online sports retailer and Macesport client, ACA Sport, to give readers of his Daily Mirror column the chance to win the official Eclipse Pro Dartboard from Unicorn.

For a chance to win the dartboard and read Robbie's column - click here
Robbie Savage is brand ambassador for ACA Sports - click here

Cardiff City Fan wins Savage Night Out

Cardiff City fan Daniel Bacon will enjoy a night out with Robbie Savage after donning a Pinnochio nose and blond wig to impersonate him.

It was all part of the Savage Night competition which took over twitter last week and a celebration for Robbie Savage passing 100k followers on the micro blogging site.

Daniel said it took him by complete surprise when Savage tweeted at him to tell him he had won.

He said: “It was a massive surprise – Robbie has got more than 100,000 followers.

“The video is just about him having a bit of banter.”

Watch the winning video - click here

Robbie, however, got his own back when he called Mr Bacon pretending to be a reporter from the Wales on Sunday.

Listen to the prank call - click here

Robbie Back on Late Kick Off

Robbie Savage will be back as one of the studio team for BBC's regional football series Late Kick Off.
Macesport client Savage, a mainstay of the Midlands show last year, will again be a lead pundit for the 2011 series.

BBC producer John Bray said: "Robbie was great value for us last season. He was a tremendously popular guest and we are delighted to welcome him back again in 2011."

Robbie and the Show will be making their bow on January 17th.

Acclaim for St George's Park

It's that time when the sporting reviews of the year are being broadcast and written.

But one decision which has won uniform acclaim and support has been the FA's decision to commit to the delivery of the new National Football Centre, St George's Park.

Scheduled for completion in 2012, the centre is set to become the new English 'University of Football'.

Earlier this year the country's media were invited to tour the facility.

Check out Daily Telegraph football correspondent Henry Winter's thoughts in his sporting review - click here

Monday 20 December 2010

Maxinutrition Sign High Jumper Steph Pywell

Britain’s most glamorous athlete, Steph Pywell, has signed a new sponsorship deal with Maxinutrition thanks to Macesport.

The UK’s highest ranked female high jumper and Miss England finalist has signed a two year deal with the UK’s leading sports nutrition supplier to be an ambassador for their Maxifuel and Maxitone brands.


Steph recently competed for England at the Commonwealth games in Delhi and has her sights set on the final of London 2012.


The Hemel Hempstead-based company, will provide Pywell with individually-tailored nutritional support to complement her lifestyle, training and competition cycles in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Pywell said; “The build up to 2012 has already started and I have my sights set on reaching the final of our home Olympics.


Maxinutrition are the leading suppliers of sports nutritional products and there was only one choice when looking for nutritional support.”


Sponsorship manager for Maxinutrition, Mark Morgan, said: "Steph is one of the rising stars of UK Athletics and we are excited about being able to help her achieve her goals through our bespoke nutritional support system.”

Steph will join fellow Loughborough based athlete, pole vaulter, Kate Dennison in the Maxifuel stable.

Macesport Managing Director, Paul Mace, said; “Steph’s profile has been raised dramatically by the reaching the final of the Commonwealth games in Delhi and by finishing 4th in the Miss England competition.

“These new sponsorship agreements reflect her growing status and will have a huge impact on her ability to perform in the coming seasons.”

Maxinutrition products are now the choice of over 1,000 elite athletes and professional sports teams including the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Welsh Rugby Union, Fulham Football Club, London Wasps and Northampton Saints, as well as individuals such as Lee Byrne, Ugo Monye, Stuart Broad, Jermaine Jenas and European gymnastics champion, Daniel Keatings.

For further information on Macesport, please visit http://www.macesport.co.uk/

Thursday 16 December 2010

Release the Beast

Brian "the Beast" Jensen is launching his book this week at Burnley FC.

"Beast" is the story of an honest working man's daily life in the world's most prestigious football competition where some players earning millions per week, while others even at this level struggle every day to make ends meet.

It is the tale of Brian Jensen's incredible journey from the tough Copenhagen neighbourhood of Nørrebro to stardom in the Premier League.

A different picture of the world’s richest league emerges from the viewpoint of a club from outside the big cities and how fans’ hero Brian Jensen and a Burnely club steeped in history and tradition ensured that the dramatic 2009/2010 seasons inspired real hope of a better future for an entire area.

Brian Jensen is a member of the Precision Goalkeeping stable a client of Macesport.

Sav Picks up Premier League Trophy

Who says Robbie Savage can't cut it in the Premier League?

The Macesport client had his hands on the Barclays Premier League trophy during a promotional appearance at the Barclays branch in St James Street Derby.

Sav met customers and staff and posed for pictures and signed autographs.

Join over 100k others and follow Robbie Savage on twitter - click here

Follow Robbie Savage on Facebook - click here

Forest Win for Magpie Mace

Macesport MD Paul Mace was the surprise winner of a ..... Nottingham Forest tie.

Paul, an avid Notts County follower and proud lead sponsor of the Notts County Ex-Players Association, landed the prize in his son's junior football club raffle.

"I had thought of donating it back to the club for auction but, on the basis it would not have raised more than 20p ,I've decided to accept it.

"I shall now be sending it as a Christmas present to Matt Appleby of Barclays who has had the misfortune to be a lifelong Forest fan," said Paul.

Michael Gray the Talk of the Terrace

Former England international Michael Gray makes his debut on ESPN Monday night.

Macesport's newest recruit will be appearing as a principal guest on the ESPN football show Talk of the Terrace.

Talk of the Terrace is live each and every Monday evening during the football season from 6.30 offering 90 minutes of lighthearted banter, irreverent features, viewer interaction & VIP interviews.

During a playing career spanning 18 years Michael won 3 caps for England under Kevin Keegan and made over 500 league appearances before retiring at the end of the 2009/10 season.

In previous seasons Michael has written a blog for the BBC, been a commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live and he is looking to expand on his media portfolio following the decision to join Macesport in October.

Follow Michael Gray on twitter - click here

Christmas Stocking Fillers from ACA Sports

If you've been struggling to choose those Christmas presents, maybe Macesport client ACA Sports can help you.

ACA Sports, one of the UK's leading sports online retailers, have had a series of half price offers with their 12 days of Christmas campaign.


A full selection of football boots, replica kits, merchandise and baselayer have all so far been offered at half-price.


Fill up your stockings from ACA Sports - click here

Pole Vaulter Dennison Coaches Journalist

Macesport client and British Record holder Kate Dennison turned pole vault coach for a recent feature with The Times' Alyson Rudd.

Rudd joined Dennison at Loughborough University HIPAC centre for a crash course in pole vaulting - thankfully the crashes were kept to a minimum!

Watch the video exert from the coaching session - click here

Follow Kate Dennison on twitter - click here

Kate Dennison uses products from Maxinutrition - click here

Oh Yes It's Savage Night - Oh What a Night!!

It's one of the hottest Twitter phemonena of the year.

As a celebration for passing 100,000 followers on twitter Robbie Savage has offered his "tweeps" the chance to win a night out with the man himself!

The #savagenight took over twitter on Friday afternoon and was the top trending topic in the UK.

Followers were asked to tweet the reason why they should win the competition in 140 characters or less.
Thousands of entries were received and the top 12 were chosen to produce mini video clips which were released on Robbie's YouTube channel.
Fans will then decide who deserves to go on the 5 star all expenses paid Savage Night out.

Expect another twitter takeover tonight!!


Read more about the #savagenight phenomenon on the UK Sports Network - click here

Follow Robbie Savage on twitter - click here

Friday 10 December 2010

Media Award for Robbie Savage

Robbie Savage is celebrating today after winning a major national radio award from the Plain English Campaign.

The Macesport client has been announced as winner of the Plain English Campaign Best National Radio Programme for his work on the BBC Radio Five LIVE 606 show.

Chrissie Maher from Plain English Campaign said; "Based on public opinion, BBC Radio Five Live is fortunate in having more than its fair share of well-respected commentators, but recent addition Robbie Savage has quickly gathered a growing fan club for his plain speaking.

"I know that some of our sports commentators are probably best out in the game rather than in the studio, but Robbie has won the hearts of people on both counts.

"He understands what he’s talking about and he doesn’t make a big deal about it. He goes on air just like when he is out on the field – straight to the point and no messing.”
Macesport managing director Paul Mace said: "This award is richly deserved for Robbie.

"Underneath the brash exterior is a person who takes his broadcasting duties extremely diligently and seriously.

"He is always willing to learn and puts in a tremendous amount of effort to constantly improve himself.

"He has a unique direct approach which proves extremely popular with the 'man on the street' and this is reflected with the winning of this award.

"Mind you, I am sure he will now be completely unbearable. I've spent 25 years in the media and never won a single award for my use of English so I know I'm never going to hear the last of it from him."

Robbie Savage said: "I'm completely overwhelmed. To think that a boy from Wrexham can win this award so early into my broadcasting career.

"It genuinely is a great honour. I love doing my radio work and know that I've still got an awful lot to learn.

"It's a good job it's for plain English. If it was for plain Welsh, I would have been struggling !!!
Plain English Campaign is an independent, self–funding pressure group based in New Mills, High Peak.

Since its humble beginnings it has grown to become the biggest plain language group in the world with around 50 staff. It has had incredible success in persuading many UK and worldwide organisations to communicate with the public in plain language.

Listen to the latest edition of 606 - click here


Plain English Campaign Media Award Winners

• Web Award: http://www.bupa.co.uk/
• The International Media Award: Korea Herald
• Best National Newspaper: Daily Mail
• Best Regional Newspaper: York Press
• Best National TV programme: BBC Breakfast
• Best Regional TV programme: ITV Granada Reports
• Best National Radio programme: BBC Radio Five Live 606 Robbie Savage
• Best Regional Radio Station: Rock Radio Manchester– (5-word weather report)

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Sav Signs up 2018 Bid Leader

Robbie Savage is flexing his journalistic muscles - as well as those in the centre of midfield for Derby.

The Macesport client was on the ball when he noticed the 2018 World Cup bid leader Andy Anson's children went to the same school as his own sons Charlie and Freddie.

So, he put in a call and persuaded Andy to appear as his main guest throughout Saturday's BBC Radio5 phone-in show Six O Six.

"I'm really grateful to Andy for accepting my invitation. He put over his case extremely well on air. Like everyone else, I'm just so gutted that we won't be getting the World Cup for at least another 20 years," said Robbie.

As many of our friends in the media point out, sports stars don't always apply themselves properly in the media (we agree with you, Mr Sale !)

However, we like to think our Macesport sports media stable do it properly.

ACA Sports 12 Days of Christmas

ACA Sports are celebrating a fantastic response to their 12 days of Christmas sale.

The Macesport client, one of Britain's leading online sports retailers, have put together a great list of sports gift products.


Record levels of interest have been reported for the new top-of-the range Nike Mercurial Vapor Safari boots, a variety of NFL shirts, baselayer products and replica football strips.


Check out today's special offer - click here

Robbie Releases his Christmas Singles

Robbie Savage might not be king of the jungle .... yet !

But he is king of twitter and, as an early Christmas present for everyone out there, robbie has released two early Christmas singles.

One is a moving (!!!) rendition of the Barbra Streisand ballad 'Always and Forever'.

And the second, well, listen for yourselfCheck them out on Robbie's new YouTube Channel - click here

Friday 3 December 2010

Grass Roots Football LIVE Extension Plans Unveiled

Grass Roots Football LIVE has been acquired by a group of leading international football consultants.

The group, which includes Joanna Burns who has over the past 12 months been responsible for the organisation and direction of all international events for the Australian World Cup bid team, have today purchased a substantial majority ownership of Britain's premier grass roots football event - held annually at the NEC, Birmingham.

The team, who have extensive experience working with leading football businesses and brands, have exciting new plans for the grass roots showcase.

Burns said: "Grass Roots Football Live is a truly iconic event and one which we are delighted to add to our portfolio.

"Bob Rosen and his team have done a fantastic job to create the concept of the show and establish it as the premier event of its kind on the footballing calendar in Britain.

"With our expertise and resources, we have the ability to further develop the event and deliver an even larger and greater footballing experience for the grass roots game.

"Wherever you go, people talk about grass roots football. Our intention is to build on that platform of passion and commitment and deliver the greatest footballing showcase of its kind in Europe.

“There is a huge appetite among the major brands and governing bodies to become involved in this event and we expect to make some major announcements in the coming months.”

Bob Rosen, a partner at VCM Events and one of the founders of Grass Roots Football LIVE, said: "Grass Roots Football Live is in very safe and experienced hands with Joanna and her team.

"It has been hugely rewarding to create and develop Grass Roots Football LIVE from the mere glimmer of an idea into a major national event.

"This is exactly the right organisation with the right sporting credentials and empathy to take the brand onto the next stage of its journey.

"We have had a great time and would like to place on record our thanks for the fantastic support from the grass roots football family over the past five years.

"We are absolutely certain that the event will grow from strength to strength."

Over 60,000 people have attended Grass Roots Football Live since the first show in London in 2005.

It is the premier destination for the grass roots football family with leading sports brands, governing bodies, coaches and youngsters attending.

Leading names to appear include Graham Taylor, Sir Trevor Brooking, Harry Redknapp, Steve McClaren, Ian Holloway, Alan Curbishley, Chris Kamara, Paul Merson, Peter Shilton, Bryan Robson, Franco Baresi and many others.

The 2011 event will be held over three days at the NEC from Friday June 3 to Sunday June 5.

Steve Chittenden, one of the event founders, will continue in the role of official Show Advisor.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Emirates Date for Schmeichel

Precision Goalkeeping’s Kasper Schmeichel has big cup date at the Emirates to look forward to in 2011.

Leeds United have been drawn away to Arsenal in the third round of this season’s FA Cup, the fixture is due to take place over the weekend of the January 8th.

Kasper launched his new “Schmeichology – the art of goalkeeping” range of gloves with Precision Goalkeeping in November.

For more information on Precision Goalkeepingclick here

For interview requests please contact Ben Thompson – click here

Kasper’s Appearance Causes a Stir

Kasper Schmeichel’s appearance at the STAG show caused quite a stir.

The Leeds United keeper and face of the Precision Goalkeeping range was on the stand to launch the brand new Schmeichology range to the STAG buying group.

Schmeichel has played a major role in the development of the new range of which a number of limited edition gloves are now available.

Speaking following the STAG Show, Precision Training National Sales Manager, David Sanderson, said; "The STAG show was a great success from our perspective.”

"Having Kasper there to launch the new Precision Goalkeeping range caused a lot of excitement around the stand, and we had a great response to the brand new Precision Boxing and Running ranges, which will launch in the new year.”

Adds Sanderson: "We have lots of exciting projects ongoing and that excitement was reflected by the reaction of the STAG members at the show."

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Sidebottom: Ashes Pressure all on Australia

Former England cricketer and Macesport client Ryan Sidebottom believes all the Ashes pressure is on Australia after the first Test.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Sidebottom said; "The pressure’s on Australia,”
“I think it’s been on them since England were over there winning all those warm up matches.
“They’re in great form England. They are not under pressure, they’ve shown that, they are playing well."
Listen to the full interview with talkSPORT - click here

Sav Backs Alzheimer's Society for Football League Vote

Robbie Savage is urging people to vote for the Alzheimer's Society to become the Football League's charity partner for the 2011/12 season.

The Derby County skipper is an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society, which has been shortlisted by the league, as his father suffers from a form of the illness.

Savage said: "I've faced a lot of challenges on the pitch, but watching my father and my hero diagnosed with dementia has been the biggest challenge of my life. I've never felt so helpless.

"Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them. That's why I want everyone to vote for the Alzheimer's Society."

To vote for Alzheimer's Society as the Football League's charity partner - click here

Voting closes 12 noon on Wednesday, 8 December and you can you vote as many times as you like.

Sav Heads to Scotland

Robbie Savage will be making a special guest appearance in Scotland next week.

Robbie - well known for his forthright views on Scottish football - will be visiting Kirkcaldy as a guest of ACA Sports - for whom he is a brand ambassador.

A limited number of interview slots are available with Robbie - who will be at the ACA Sports store on Thursday afternoon, December 9.

Robbie will also be signing copies of his book - Savage!

For interview requests, please contact Ben Thompson - click here

Mersey Tigers Roar into Final

Mersey Tigers stormed into the final of the British Basketball Cup with a resounding second leg win against arch rivals Newcastle Eagles on Friday night.

The Tigers, who are a professional partner of Precision Training, were trailing by 7 points going into the second leg but they dominated the fixture winning 114-85.

Great Britain duo, Nate Reinking and Andrew Sullivan, were to the fore scoring a mammoth 69 points between them.

The Tigers have a little wait to see who they will face in the 2011 Final - last years finalists One Health Sharks Sheffield and Cheshire Jets will battle it out to secure back to back appearances on the 10th of December.

Precision Training are the official training aid suppliers to Mersey Tigers.

For information more about Precision Training - click here

Sports Journalists Awards

Macesport look forward to meeting all our friends in the media at the Sports Journalists Association Annual Awards Lunch next week.

Managing Director Paul Mace and his team will be out in force on the Macesport table at The Brewery, London, on Wednesday December 8.

We look forward to seeing everyone for a pre-Christmas drink.

Connect to Paul Mace on LinkedIn - click here

Sid has the Ashes Vibe

It was been a busy week for Macesport client Ryan Sidebottom as the first Ashes Test got under way.

Fresh from a stint on talkSPORT Ryan also had a chat with the team at Sportsvibe.
Read the full interview - click here

On Saturday morning Ryan was also a guest on the Danny Baker show - which was this week being hosted by Alan Davies.

As is traditional Ryan entered into the spirit of the Sausage sandwich game revealing he is definitely a Brown Sauce man!!

Listen to the interview in full - click here