New digital appointment for Macesport

Macesport today announced the new appointment of Hannah Lupton as Account Manager (Digital).

Hannah (22) will be responsible for the continued expansion of Macesport's sports social media portfolio which services over one million followers.

An honours graduate from Nottingham Trent University, Hannah joins the specialist sports agency from Sky Sports News Radio.

She will be primarily responsible for the development of Vauxhall's Twitter and Facebook activation of their Home Nations football sponsorship of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Macesport managing director Paul Mace said: "We are very impressed by Hannah's passion and knowledge for sport allied to a can-do attitude and keen work ethic.

"Our social media division has expanded rapidly over the past 18 months and there is an ever-increasing demand to service our clients' appetite for social media.

"Our client Robbie Savage now enjoys over half a million Twitter followers and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and vibrant Twitter exponents in the UK.

"We have some great plans for Vauxhall's Facebook and Twitter development and Hannah is integral to those activations."

Hannah - a keen fan of Preston North End - said: "It is a great honour to have the opportunity to be employed by a nationally-acclaimed sports communications agency such as Macesport.

"I love my sport and I love communications.  The chance to be working with such fantastic clients as Vauxhall and their activation of Home Nations Football is a dream come true."

For more information on go to www.macesport.co.uk

Macesport Touch Down as NFL UK Agency

Macesport have touched down as the NFL's new retained UK public relations agency.

The specialist sports communications consultancy has won the tender to provide a full range of sports media and public relations support services to the NFL's in-house UK team for the 2011-12 campaign.

Macesport will have specific responsibility to help promote the forthcoming International Series fixture featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears at Wembley on Sunday October 23.

As well as promoting the Super Bowl to a UK audience, Macesport will focus on maximising television and radio audience figures for NFL coverage cross their Sky Sports, BBC, Channel 4 and ESPN portfolio.

Macesport Managing Director Paul Mace said: "Winning a contract with one of the world's greatest and most successful global sports leagues is a very proud moment for us.

"On a personal note, I have been hugely impressed by the NFL's approach to marketing and public relations for many years.

"As a guest of the NFL over a decade ago, I was able to see their Super Bowl programme in operation at first hand.

"And back in my early days running a communications department at Leicester City, I was eternally grateful for the support the NFL head office and clubs afforded me."

NFL UK Director of Public Affairs David Tossell said: "Macesport have a good knowledge of the NFL and understand our requirements in the UK media arena. As we enter our fifth year of playing live regular-season games and continue to enjoy a broad and deep broadcast presence, we are looking to Macesport to help cement our place as an important part of the UK sports agenda.”

The NFL is the most-watched professional sport in the United States and has played four sold-out regular-season games at Wembley Stadium over the past four years. The fifth International Series game takes place on Sunday October 23 at 6pm. The NFL can be followed in the UK on Sky Sports, Channel 4, ESPN, BBC TV and BBC Radio 5Live and 5Live Sports Extra.

As  Britain's leading independent sports communications agency, Macesport handle sports pr for Vauxhall Motors' football Home Nations sponsorship of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

They also act as the retained agency for leading football events Leaders in Football and the Grass Roots Football Show, Pukka Pies and sports brands including Precision Training, Mantis and ACA Sports.

Macesport also manage media pundit Robbie Savage who is currently in training for this year's BBC hit television programme Strictly Come Dancing.

Macesport Expansion

Macesport have two extremely rare vacancies to join our talented team.

As a result of several important client acquisitions in the past few weeks, our award-winning Nottingham-based agency is looking for two additional account managers.

You'll need to love your sport, have experience in the sports media landscape, be extremely hard-working, enthusiastic and totally committed to the cause.

A strong knowledge of digital sports activation is also desirable.

You'll be working across our diverse sports portflio which includes national associations, national team sponsors, governing bodies, elite athletes ..... and Robbie Savage !!!

In the first instance, drop us an email with cv to our Media and Communications Director Ben Thompson at ben.thompson@macesport.co.uk

Baroness Grey-Thompson to speak at BASL

The 19th Annual British Association for Sport and Law (BASL) conference will play host to a high profile debate on the issues arising from the Court of Arbitration in Sport's decision to allow double amputee Oscar Pistorius to compete against able bodied athletes in the IAAF World Championships in Daegu on the 22nd of September in the Nursery Pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground. One of Great Britain’s most successful Paralympians , Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, will headline a distinguished panel assembled to discuss the Court's ruling and consider its wider implications. Baroness Grey-Thompson will be joined on the panel by leading human rights lawyer Tim Otty QC and the British Olympic Association's Head of Sports Science and Research Dr Marco Cardinale. The London 2012 Olympics will also be high on the agenda at the annual BASL conference as will the issue of corruption in sport. Keynote speakers four time Olympic Gold medalist Sir Matthew Pinsent and Leyton Orient FC Chairman Barry Hearn will be joined by sports reporter, film maker and outspoken FIFA critic Andrew Jennings, journalist and Olympian Matthew Syed and a number of other leading speakers in what promises to be a fascinating day of informed debate. A BASL spokesman said; “Oscar Pistorious’ amazing story has been a hot topic this summer and posed some very interesting questions for sport in general. "For 18 years the annual BASL conference has discussed and debated the issues arising from sport's hottest topics. We are maintaining that tradition this year. “We are delighted to welcome such a high profile group of speakers to the BASL conference to discuss these issues.” The BASL conference is in its 19th year and a limited number of places are still available for more information go to www.britishsportslaw.org

The Pukka Pies England Band on Route to Cardiff

Precision Goalkeeping Make Winning International Debut

Precision Goalkeeping made their full international debut at the weekend courtesy of Republic of Ireland’s Keiren Westwood.

Coventry City keeper, Westwood, helped the Republic of Ireland to a 2-1 win over Macedonia in their European Championship qualifier.

Westwood’s appearance marks the first appearance of Precision Goalkeeping gloves in a full international fixture.

David Sanderson, National Sales Manager for Precision Training, said; “We are delighted Keiren has made his competitive debut for the Republic of Ireland.

“He is an outstanding keeper and we are very proud that he has chosen to wear our gloves both for Coventry and the Republic of Ireland.

“Our debut on the international stage is a landmark step for the brand in what has already been an outstanding year.

“The new range of gloves hits the stores this month and the feedback from the retailers has been very encouraging – it is a very exciting time for us.”

For more information on Precision Goalkeeping - click here

Vauxhall Home International Football

It was a fantastic week for Vauxhall in the build up to what is a busy international football schedule.

The week began with a trip to Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant with England's Glen Johnson and Welsh legend Kevin Ratcliffe.

Tuesday and it was down to Luton for a Vauxhall plant visit with England stars Jermain Defoe and Ray Wilkins.

And on Wednesday Wales midfielder Joe Ledley visited a local Cardiff school.

This week Northern Ireland will be hoping to put Friday nights narrow defeat behind them as they go in search of a win against Slovenia at Windsor Park.

Whilst England will be hoping for back to back victories when they entertain Ghana at Wembley. Macesport facilitated a number of media opportunities last week and Vauxhall received fantastic coverage across all platforms - some of the details are below.

Check out the Football Focus feature with Jermain Defoe - click here

Kevin Ratcliffe calls for the revival of the Home Internationals - click here

Glen Johnson at Ellesmere Port - click here

Macesport provide a full football pr activation service for all Vauxhall's Home Nations sponsorships of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scribes Football Challenge

Football writers in Wales and England are gearing up for the first Vauxhall Trophy showdown.

The scribes from the Welsh and English football writers will contest a friendly fixture on the morning of the European Championship qualifier at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday March 26.

Both teams will be presented with their new Vauxhall playing kits before the game.

Robbie Savage, fresh from undertaking his recent referee’s course, is being lined up for a cameo role as a referee – subject to his BBC matchday commitments.

For more details on all of the Vauxhall activity please contact Ben Thompson - click here

Vauxhall International Week

Vauxhall are lining up a busy week of activity ahead of the next round of international fixtures.

International player visits are being scheduled to Vauxhall’s principal plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port in the countdown to the Wales v England European Championship qualifier.

Vauxhall are keen for players to visit their plants and meet staff as they bring their new Home Nations sponsorship to life.

Media opportunities will be available.

Please contact Ben Thompson for further details - click here or call 01159895426

Macesport provide a full Vauxhall Football Media Centre for the sponsorship programme handling all football enquiries relating to the partnerships with England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Leaders 2011 Venue Confirmed

Leaders, with conferences for Football, Sponsorship and Performance, is delighted to announce a return to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC London for a 4th consecutive year.

Taking place on the 5th and 6th of October 2011, Leaders will once again coincide with ‘international football week’ to ensure another sell out event capped at 1000 senior level executives, from a range of different sports, linked to clubs, leagues, associations, federations and brands.

With Leaders in Football, Leaders in Sponsorship and Leaders in Performance running concurrently over the 2 days, there will be an expanded programme of events and numerous networking opportunities facilitated, making Leaders the must attend international sporting event in the calendar.

To register your interest or to find out more about Leaders 2011, please contact one of the team on +44 (0) 207 042 8666 or email - click here

Parents Putting too Much Pressure on Young Players?

Are parents putting too much pressure on young footballers?

Grass Roots Football Show ambassador Robbie Savage thinks so.

Check out Robbie's comment from his latest Grass Roots Football video - click here

Robbie also talks about the great times he enjoyed playing grass roots football.

Watch the video - click hereWatch all of the latest Grass Roots Football Show vidoes on the Official Youtube Channel - click here

Who Would You Play Your Last Game With?

Who would be your ideal midfield partner?

That was the winning question for ACA Sports latest competition on their JustSocca blog.

ACA Sports offered Robbie Savage fans the chance to quiz the Derby County skipper to win a pair of Adidas Predator X football boots.

They received an amazing 600+ entries as fans clambered to quiz the ACA Sports ambassador
Check out the top ten questions and answers - click here

Find out who Robbie Savage would like to line up in midfield with for his last game - click here

Vauxhall Dominate UK Car Sales in February

Vauxhall Motors have dominated the UK car sales just one month after announcing their Home Nations football sponsorship.

Fresh from becoming the first company to be the lead partner of all four Home Nations football associations, the Luton based car manufacturer had an amazing 5 cars in the top ten with the new Corsa leading the way.

The 9812 cars registered was nearly 2300 more than any other car manufacturer.
“Vauxhall is making headway like never before in the British car market.

"Last month proved that we are now capable of attracting more customers than any other manufacturer, and this is down to the strength of our products, their competitive pricing and a warranty on every new car which has the potential to last a lifetime.

"We’re also confident that our sponsorship of the Home Nations football will help us to engage with new customers, who may never have considered buying a Vauxhall before.” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director.

Macesport handle a full football pr service for Vauxhall.

Ahead of the forthcoming March international series of games, please contact Ben Thompson for more details - click here

Sav Signs up for Respect FC

Respect FC made a late swoop in the January transfer window and beat the deadline to sign none other than Robbie Savage.

Macesport client Savage pledged his support for the club following the launch of the club by the FA that is designed to to tackle bad behaviour from fans and players.

“I’m sure many people will be surprised by my latest move, and I know I may not have set the most shining example in the past, but I’ve come to realise that poor behaviour is not an acceptable part of football – be it on the pitches, in the stands or even down the local park.

“My two sons both enjoy the game and it’s my responsibility as their dad to make sure that the environment in which they are playing or watching football is a safe and respectable one. I’ve looked at my own behaviour, now I’m asking others to do the same and join me in supporting Respect FC.”

For more details on the Respect FC – click here

Follow Robbie Savage on twitter – click here

Grass Roots Football Major Signings

Grass Roots Football are set to make a series of exciting announcements starting later this week.
This year’s must attend football event will take place at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th June.

The Grass Roots football family have shown their support since the show launched in 2005 with over 60000 attendees making it is the biggest event of its kind in Europe.

2011 is set to be the biggest yet with the brand new organisers promising more interactivity and insight from some of the most famous faces in football.

Keep up to date with all the Grass Roots Football news on twitter - click here

Darren Continues to do Even Moore

Darren Moore has been shortlisted for the PFA Player in the community award.

The Macesport client has been nominated for his work in the Community for Burton Albion and his role as founder of Christian charity Faith and Football.

He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant — a real honour to be nominated in such a prestigious award. I’m really chuffed.

“Obviously, I’m well aware that a lot of players do a lot of sterling work in the community, and to get this recognition is really nice.

“It’s the other side of the game we do outside of football. I believe the football club and the players have a huge impact on the community.”

Moore has recently appeared on BBC’s Late Kick Off Midlands and has a column in the Express and Star.

Follow Darren Moore on twitter – click here

Macesport Apppointed by Vauxhall

Macesport have recently been appointed by Vauxhall to handle the media and PR activation of their sponsorship of the four Home Nations football teams.

Macesport will act as the official Vauxhall Football Media Centre

Check out the news in our local press the Nottingham Post - click here

For more details on Macesport - click here

ACA Sports hit Record Sales with American Sports

American sport replica shirt sales have hit a record high for one of Britain’s leading online retailers ACA Sports.

The rising popularity of the NFL and NBA in the UK has resulted in a surge in orders for American football and basketball shirts – particularly those with the stars of the game named and numbered on the back.

During November and December ACA Sports recorded all time record sales and with Superbowl weekend just around the corner orders are expected to soar for the Kirkcaldy based retailer.

Alistair Cameron, Managing Director of ACA Sports said; “We have a proud tradition in American sports ever since our official link with the Scottish Claymores back in the 1990’s.

“Since then we have always stocked American sports clothing but there has been a significant shift change in the UK fan base in the past year.

“The exposure on Sky Sports and the annual game at Wembley has opened up the game to the masses here in the UK and we are certainly seeing the benefit.

“UK based fans are now far more educated on who the best teams are and who are the big stars and I have no doubt that the rise in social media has played a huge part in this.”

ACA Sports offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of sporting equipment and apparel in the UK.

Stockists of all the major leading sports brands, they offer full ranges across a diverse range of sports from football to darts and cricket to combat sports.

ACA Sports are also official online retailers for Scottish League clubs Raith Rovers, Falkirk, Dunfermline and the Scottish Junior Football Association, and are official retail partners for the Mitre and Precision Training sports brands.

ACA Sports have high-profile footballer Robbie Savage as their official brand ambassador.

For more information regarding ACA Sports go to http://www.acasports.co.uk/

The new ACA Sports blog is available at http://www.justsocca.com/

Jackson Ruled Out of World Cup

Macesport client Ashley Jackson has been ruled out of the Indoor World Cup.

The former World Hockey Young Player of the Year will be kept out of the tournament which takes place in Poznan with a groin injury.

Jackson will also miss East Grinstead's defence of the National Indoor Championship at Wembley Arena this weekend.

Read the full article in Graham Wilson's hockey column in the Daily Express - click here

Join over 1k others and follow Ashley Jackson on Facebook - click here

Late Kick Off for Macesport Duo

Macesport clients Darren Moore and Robbie Savage were the guest presenters on Late Kick Off Midlands last night.

Late Kick Off returned to BBC 1 on the 17th of January and features the Football League clubs in the Midlands plus news and player features from the region's Non-League clubs.

Shown at 1105pm the show is hosted by Manish Bhasin.

Follow Darren Moore on twitter - click here

Model Competitor

With a background in modelling, it is little surprise that high-jumper Steph Pywell is leaping to success competing in an event which requires elegance and poise.

The 23-year-old Sale Harrier jumped to third on the British rankings in 2010.

"I have done quite a bit of modelling for the sportswear and the fitness industry as this suits my look best," Pywell said.

"Reaching the final of Miss England (last year) has definitely brought a lot of enquiries recently. I want to show that it is possible to be both feminine and a successful sportswoman.

"At the moment, modelling is a way of funding my ambitions within athletics and we manage the amount I do very carefully. But who knows, in the future I could definitely see myself modelling more and would love to try my hand at TV presenting."

Read the full interview with Sky Sports - click here

Follow Macesport client Steph Pywell on Facebook - click here

ACA Sports Sav Special

Thursdays are now Sav Special days on twitter.

Following the success of the 12 Days of Christmas promotion ACA Sports are now offering a Robbie Savage special every Thursday.

Kicking off the series of special offers which Robbie will tweet every Thursday ACA Sports had a fantastic offer for grass roots football teams.

30 Mitre Dynamo footballs for just £100!!

Find out more - click here

Join over 150k and follow Robbie Savage on twitter - click here

What can you do in 3 and half minutes?

3 and half minutes or 210 seconds - you decide?

You can now have a delicious Pukka Pie on your plate straight from frozen.

Pukka Pies have released the brand new microwaveable pie with a new short crust pastry recipe has been specially developed by Pukka Pies' research team for the microwave.

Macesport have a number of opportunities for competitions and taste testings for the brand new Pukka Pies.

Contact Ben Thompson to find out more - click here

Robbie Turns Down Whitecaps

Robbie Savage will not be joining the Mounties - or the White Caps for that matter!!

The Macesport client met with Whitecaps officials last week to discuss an offer of playing with the new franchise in the MLS.

Macesport MD Paul Mace: "Robbie was very flattered by the presentation.

"The club have made him very welcome but the opportunity to play with Vancouver was one of only a number of options for Robbie."

Robbie will keep everyone posted on his movements via his official Twitter account - click here

Mersey Tigers fail at Final Hurdle

Mersey Tigers will not have the chance of the double this season.

The Precision Training professional partners lost in the final of the British Basketball League cup to Sheffield Sharks at the NIA in Birmingham.

Mersey Tigers, however, currently top the BBL with 24 points - 4 points ahead of nearest rivals Cheshire Jets.

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

For more details on Precision Training - click here

Grass Roots Football 2011

Grass Roots Football have launched their Facebook and twitter pages ahead of the 2011 show.

This year's event promises to be even more interactive and entertaining for the whole football family.

You can now interact with Grass Roots Football and keep up to date with all that is happening ahead of the show at the NEC in June.

Follow Grass Roots Football on twitter @GRFootball - click here

Become a fan of Grass Roots Football on Facebook - click here

Sav Breaks Language Barrier

Roberto Mancini is coming to grips with the Premier League as quickly he is with his mastery of the English language.

And a special one-off interview with Macesport client Robbie Savage for ESPN proved a combination of English, Italian and Welsh !!

The Manchester City boss was interviewed live pitchside by Sav ahead of the FA Cup clash at Leicester City.

Its a suitably Sav-style interview.

Watch the full interview - click here

Sav was also in the ESPN studio for the replay and Manchester City will play Notts County in Round 4.

Leaders Dates Announced for 2011

Leaders, with conferences for Football, Sponsorship and Performance, is delighted to announce its fourth year in London, where its invitation only event will return on the 5th and 6th of October 2011.

The dates will once again coincide with ‘international football week’ ensuring another sell out event capped at 1000 senior level executives linked to clubs, leagues, associations, federations and brands invited to attend.

There will be an expanded programme of events withLeaders in Football, Leaders in Sponsorship and Leaders in Performance running concurrently over the 2 days alongside a series of specific workshops and networking opportunities, making Leaders the must attend international sporting event in the calendar.

If you would like to learn more about Leaders or to enquire about opportunities to get involved in 2011, please contact one of the team on +44 (0) 207 042 8666 or email - click here

Graham Taylor Sports Insight Interview

Precision Training ambassador Graham Taylor has spoken to Sports Insight about his football journey.

The former England manager discusses how training has changed over the years.

"When you compare how players train today with how it was wehn I started, it's a totally different world.

"No one had ever heard of passing arcs, speed ladders, reaction hoops, agility hurdels and all other things Precision Training has developed and modern players now take for granted.

"Precision Training gives the opportunity to youngsters to feel they are training like the professionals, and that is very important.

"Grass roots football would suffer if kids were denied the chance to copy their role models."

For more information on Precision Training - click here

Listen to Robbie Savage on the Phone Everyday!!