Record World Cup Bonus Increases Risk

Player bonuses at the 2014 World Cup are expected to be at an all time high in Brazil, with total prize money totaling a record $358 million approximately.

World Cup Champions, crowned on July 13th in Rio will pick up a cheque for $35m, with the runners up walking away with $25m whilst the 3rd and 4th placed nations will collect $22m and $20m respectively.

This prize pot, up over $10m on 2010 in South Africa, will see the players prize pool soar to its highest yet.

Germany have confirmed that their players will receive €300,000 each for winning the World Cup and €100,000 if they reach the semi final as they did in 2010.

Managers will also expect to profit from the increased prize fund. In 2010 Jürgen Klinsmann was contracted to earn between $500,000 to $10m from bonuses alone based on the performance of his USA squad.

Iranian President Hassan Rowhani, whose team nearly pulled off a shock result against Argentina last week, confirmed that Iran’s players will receive a bonus if they can progress past the group stages.

With the biggest ever prize money and the complexity of team and individual bonus structures, national associations and sponsors are increasingly moving towards contractual bonus insurance to protect themselves against exposure to successful performance on the field.

Luke de Rougemount, Director at Hedgehog Risk Solutions, commented; “We have seen a big change in the way clubs, governing bodies and sponsors are managing their risk and the World Cup is no different.

“With large sums of money on offer in an increasingly competitive World Cup environment even some of the smaller associations are having to cover themselves for all eventualities – even the thought of winning the World Cup.

“UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations have brought risk management to the fore and it is something the governing bodies are also taking stock in.

“2014 in Brazil is potentially the most open and competitive World Cup of our time and with incentives at a peak that also means increased exposure to risk for all of those involved if not managed correctly.”

Hedgehog Risk Solutions are specialist insurance providers to the sports industry.

Founded in 2009 Hedgehog Risk Solutions provide contingency insurance solutions to cover the financial risks associated with the outcome of sporting results, weather, probability and skill based games.

For more information go to www.hedgehogrisk.com

For more information, imagery or interview opportunities contact:

Hedgehog Risk Solutions Media Centre

Ben Thompson
Account Director
Macesport
ben.thompson@macesport.co.uk
07932005305

or

Emma Hustwait
Account Manager
Macesport
emma.hustwait@macesport.co.uk
07528959140

Hedgehog Sign up Macesport for Sports Industry Campaign

Macesport have been signed up by Hedgehog Risk Solutions to lead their sports industry PR campaign for 2014.

Hedgehog, a specialist insurance provider to the sports industry, have given the brief to Macesport Britain’s leading independent sports communications agency.

Tasked with increasing B2B and B2C brand awareness Macesport will be providing a full press office service for the company that launched their sport specific offering in January of 2014.

Paul Mace, founder and Managing Director of Macesport, said; “We are delighted to welcome Hedgehog Risk Solutions to our client portfolio.

“Financial Fair Play is one of the hottest topics in football at present and it has brought risk management to the fore.

“Couple that with the FA Bonus Insurance Scheme that was introduced in 2012 makes for a very interesting time for this sector.”

Luke de Rougemont, Director at Hedgehog Risk Solutions, commented; “Macesport have an outstanding pedigree within the sports market and we are looking forward to working closely with them in the coming months.

“Whilst covering all sports we have a particular focus on the football market and there is no one more connected in that environment than Macesport.”

Hedgehog joins a Macesport client roster that includes a number of leading international sports brands, sponsors, governing bodies and sporting events.

Britain’s leading sports communications agency handles the sponsorship activation for Vauxhall’s Home Nations football sponsorship and is the retained PR agency for the NFL in the UK.

For more information regarding Macesport go to www.macesport.co.uk

Football Conference appoints Sport Collective for new Title Sponsor search

The Football Conference has appointed Sport Collective to help redefine its entire commercial partner programme and to help source a new title sponsor.

The current title sponsor deal with Skrill is coming to an end and the Conference is now working with Sport Collective to create a relevant and modern commercial programme.

Brian Lee, Chairman of the Football Conference said,

“The Football Conference is a great competition. It serves 68 clubs and communities across the whole of England and Wales, with 2 million regular fans, 24,000 season ticket holders and a showpiece Wembley end-of-season event. We are delighted to be working with Sport Collective to help reshape our commercial programme and to take the Conference on to the next level”

Peter Daire, Director at Sport Collective said,

“The Football Conference is already a credible marketing platform. With our input, we intend to enhance the Conference proposition and its relevance to brands wanting to engage with a large, passionate fan-base. The title sponsor opportunity generates a weighted media value of around £5m per year across 30 live matches on BT Sport, syndication via all national TV and press titles and a significant digital inventory. For a brand wanting mass reach and a channel to connect with consumers this is a real opportunity”.

ENDS

Sport Collective

Sport Collective was formed in March 2014 by The FA’s two former commercial heads. Peter Daire (former FA group head of sponsorship) and Sean McAuliffe (former FA global head of business development) set up their new agency to work with sports rights holders to maximise commercial value and with brands to develop engagement strategies that deliver ROI. 

The duo each has close to twenty years’ experience in the commercial sport and media business, domestically and across international markets. Sean and Peter have spent their last six years of their respective careers at The FA, negotiating and managing numerous high-profile agreements with the likes of EE, Vauxhall, Budweiser and Nike for example, which have made The FA arguably the most commercially-successful national sports governing body in the world.

Football Conference

The Football Conference is 68 clubs spread across 3 divisions (currently the Premier division and North and South divisions). The Conference Premier is the league below the Football League 2. The club that wins the Premier division and the club winning the Promotion Final are promoted each year into the Football League, with two clubs coming the other way into the Conference.

• Fanbase - 2 million
• Season ticket holders – 24,000
• Weekly match attendance average – 36,600
• Twitter followers – 400,0000
• Monthly online unique users – 700,000
• Live matches on BT Sport – 30 per season

For further information, please contact Sport Collective:

Sean McAuliffe
+44 (0) 7788 913739
Sean.mcauliffe@sportcollective.com

Peter Daire
+44 (0) 7713 189519
Peter.daire@sportcollective.com

www.sportcollective.com/

Roy Hodgson to announce squad for Brazil from Vauxhall HQ

Roy Hodgson will announce his squad for the FIFA 2014 World Cup on Monday 12 May, and will be available to media to discuss his selection at the Luton based headquarters of England Team Sponsor Vauxhall.

Hodgson will name his squad for the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil where England will face Group D opponents Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Marketing Director of Vauxhall Motors Peter Hope said: "We are delighted to be welcoming the England Manager to Griffin House on such an iconic day in England's World Cup campaign."

"For our employees to be engaged in such a big day in the England team calendar is very exciting and we look forward to welcoming all of the media to Vauxhall HQ."

Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington said: "We have enjoyed an extremely close relationship with Vauxhall since they became England Team Sponsor three years ago, and this is a fine example of that."

"This will be an important day for Roy and the players ahead of an exciting summer in Brazil. It is always a day of interest to the whole country, and we're glad we can share it with Vauxhall."

Vauxhall is the proud sponsor of Home Nations Football and has confirmed its commitment in the UK as Lead Partner of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales until the end of the 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia."

The announcement will be the second time that England manager Roy Hodgson has visited Vauxhall¹s Luton Headquarters, the last being when he previewed England's trip to Brazil last year."

As part of the build up to the summer in South America, Vauxhall is offering England fans the chance to "Enter the Lions Den" a competition to win a place watching England train at St George¹s Park on May 27th.
For more information go to www.vauxhallfootball.co.uk

Follow @VauxhallEngland on Twitter.

Like Vauxhall England on Facebook.

Pardew Wins William Hill NSPCC Cheltenham Challenge By A Head

Newcastle United manager has rounded off a week that saw him get a 7 match ban by The FA by lifting the William Hill NSPCC Cheltenham Challenge Trophy for a second time.

Pardew topped the list of nine famous sporting tipsters winning a combined total of £6937.50 over the four days of the Cheltenham festival.

Tiger Roll’s win in the Triumph Hurdle on Day 4 saw Pardew nudge ahead of Newcastle United Legend Alan Shearer in the league table to take the title.

A delighted Pardew commented; “I am absolutely delighted to have won the NSPCC Tipping Challenge for a second time in a row, a unique event and a lot of fun raising lots of money for a great charity."

Final Table

1. Alan Pardew £6937.50
2. Alan Shearer £4718.03
3. Phil Taylor £1884.09
4. Chris Hughton £1500.00
5. Harry Redknapp £1125.00
6. Tony Pulis £937.50
7. John Motson £859.38
8. Gordon Strachan £727.27
9. Robbie Savage £625.00

Littleover Dazzlers watch England U21 starlets

A community football team were treated to a very special visit to the iPro stadium this week to cheer on England’s Under 21s, thanks to Vauxhall retailer Pentagon Derby.

On Wednesday 5th March, boys from Littleover Dazzlers Under 15s were invited to go and cheer on England as they took on Wales in the crucial Euro 2015 qualifying match.

With the England team winning by a narrow 1-0 it was a close match and one not to be missed between two near neighbours.

The trip was organised as a treat by the retailer on Nottingham Road who are the proud sponsors of the Littleover Dazzlers this season and  provided the team with their kit.

To find out more about the Vauxhall Youth Programme, click here.

Eat well and stay hydrated with Perform Open Evening

Local state-of-the-art health, fitness and human performance facility Perform is inviting members of the public to a ‘Good Nutrition and Hydration’ evening on the 26th of March.

Based at St. George’s Park, The FA National Football Centre, Perform offers top-range health and fitness facilities to top footballers and the general public alike.

Led by Perform’s in-house Win Naturally nutritionist Wendy Griffin and sports scientist Ben Drury, the evening will educate guests about eating right and staying hydrated. Attendees will learn about designing an ‘eat well plate’, choosing healthy snacks and why hydration is so important.

Phil Horton, Perform Director, said; “Perform at St.George’s Park is our flagship sports medicine and human performance facility in the UK and we are committed to making lessons from elite sport accessible to all.”

For more information on the event click here.

Become a Fan on Facebook.

Follow @PerformSGP on Twitter.

Wales & Northern Ireland Big Pitch announced

Vauxhall have confirmed the dates for their Big Pitch Wales and Northern Ireland competitions.

Vauxhall’s Big Pitch returns for the fourth consecutive year giving fans the opportunity to live a day in the life of an international footballer.

The lucky winners will get the chance to fulfill their childhood dreams as they lace up their boots and run out on the sacred pitch to experience a game of football like no other.

Wales Big Pitch: Monday 26th May

Northern Ireland Big Pitch: Sunday 4th May

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their national team stadium seen through the eyes of international footballers, from the changing rooms to the players tunnel.

Enter Wales Big Pitch – click here.

Enter Northern Ireland Big Pitch – click here.

For more information on the Vauxhall Home Nations – click here.

Vauxhall Media Bulletin for March Internationals available!

Vauxhall’s media bulletins are back and bigger than ever to assist you with your coverage of international football.

With more stats, facts and figures, covering all four home nations, you need not look anywhere else for your pre-match preparation.

England take on Denmark in their first warm up game of 2014, with Wales hosting Iceland at The Cardiff City Stadium.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are both on the road as they take on Poland and Cyprus respectively.

Our ‘Did You Know” section will raise a few eyebrows and of course our Vauxhall teasers will separate the fans from the fanatics!

To request a Vauxhall media bulletin please contact Dale Moon on dale.moon@macesport.co.uk.

For more information on all four Home Nations, click here.

Vauxhall announce partnership with You Tube sensation

Vauxhall, the official sponsor of Home Nations football, have announced a new partnership with YouTube sensation STR Skill School.

Steve Roberts, creator of one of the biggest football channels in the world, whose recent work includes the “Insane Football Skills” video, will be producing a multitude of edits as part of Vauxhall’s digital strategy for 2014.

STR Skill School's first involvement will be to join Vauxhall in their fourth-annual Big Pitch competition, fielding a team of YouTube subscribers to run out on the hallowed Wembley turf.

Watch STR Skill School's Big Pitch video – click here.

Enter the Big Pitch Competition with Vauxhall – click here.

Forde: "We'll need to be at our best"

Precision Goalkeeper David Forde has said Ireland will need to be at their best if they are to qualify from what he described as a “mini-group” within Euro 2016 qualification Group D.

“It’s a tough group,” Forde told RTÉ Sport.

“You’re looking at Germany probably looking like the strongest outfit, Poland and Scotland and ourselves in that mini-group to qualify for the second spot.

“We beat Poland at home and we drew 0-0 away recently, as well, so you know we know we need to be on our game, and if we are up to our best, I think we can qualify.”

Follow @PrecisionGK on Twitter.

Like Precision Goalkeeping on Facebook. 

National Managers name squads from Vauxhall retailers

Home Nations managers Chris Coleman and Gordon Strachan named their squads for Wales' and Scotland's upcoming friendlies from Vauxhall retailers.

Coleman named his 23 man-squad for Wales’ friendly against Iceland with a little help from Evans Halshaw in Newport, whilst Strachan included Darren Fletcher in his squad for Scotland's trip to Poland.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is also set to name his squad who will be travelling to Cyprus from Vauxhall retailer Charles Hurst Belfast.

Brian Edwards of Evans Halshaw commented, “Like all passionate football fans, the staff here will be getting behind the Chris Coleman and team once again this year. It was great to see him talk to our workers who were thrilled to meet him."

For more information on Vauxhall Home Nations Football - click here.

The Vauxhall Big Pitch is back!

Vauxhall, the England team sponsor, are giving fans the chance to fulfill their dreams by running out and playing at Wembley Stadium.

The Big Pitch has returned for a fourth successive year and provides supporters the chance of a lifetime to play the beautiful game at the national stadium with special guests.

To enter the the competition, visit the Vauxhall Football website here.

Watch the 2013 Big Pitch highlights here.

Soccerex re-signs with leading trade media

Soccerex, the global leader for the business of football, is renewing its partnership with the two leading industry publications – SportsPro and fcbusiness.

The partnerships will see Soccerex events promoted through the channels provided by each media with the two companies having an active participation at Soccerex events.

SportsPro

Published 11 times a year, SportsPro magazine is the industry-leading monthly publication covering the commercial, political and organisational aspects of global professional sport. Complemented by a richly informative daily e-bulletin, the SportsPro DailyDeal, and a comprehensive sports industry website, sportspromedia.com, SportsPro continues to provide a running commentary on all the major themes, issues and trends from across the international sporting spectrum whilst also showcasing many of the leading figures, companies, brands, and events.

“SportsPro are delighted to renew their global media partnership with Soccerex for 2014. Being involved with the Soccerex events allows us unparalleled access to great content and personnel from the football industry across the globe. This assists us in producing in-depth stories for both SportsPro and SoccerexPro magazine on some of the most important topics of today, and connects us with the most influential personnel in football.”

fcbusiness

fcbusiness is the business magazine for the UK and Republic of Ireland football industry serving as a practical guide to those involved in the business of running a football club at every level. Published since 2004 and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, fcbusiness is now at the forefront of the football industry and continues to make huge strides when linking buyers and sellers as well as providing insight, discussion, research and information on all topics that impact the football world. Featuring product reviews, case studies, interviews, research and comment on all the areas that touch the industry from finance, stadium development, safety & security to merchandise, ticketing and hospitality, fcbusiness is the first port of call for information in this ever-expanding industry.

“I am delighted to be re-signing partnerships with these two prestigious sports industry publications,” said David Wright, Marketing Director of Soccerex. “Soccerex prides itself in working with the leading players in the industry and both SportsPro and FC Business fit into that category.”

Parlour speaking at Football Mash Up: Wenger will shrug off spat

Ray Parlour believes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is unruffled by Jose Mourinho's "specialist in failure" barb and focused purely on masterminding a Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.

Wenger responded to Chelsea manager Mourinho's taunt - relating to the Gunners' trophy drought dating back to the 2005 FA Cup - by saying he was "embarrassed" for the Portuguese.

And former Arsenal midfield mainstay Parlour, who was speaking at a Vauxhall Football Mash Up event in Paddington, told Press Association Sport: "Arsene Wenger won't let it bother him. He's had his say back and that's the end of it.

"That's how Arsene Wenger works. He'll be worrying about his team and getting them prepared for Wednesday night against Bayern Munich.

"It's a much bigger deal than what Jose Mourinho said."

The comments reopened a feud between the two bosses following a fragile truce and prompted Parlour to suggest there should be more respect shown between managers.

"I think there should be a code of respect, like when you respect your fellow players," said Parlour.

"Everybody's trying to win trophies, everybody's trying to be successful, but sometimes you can go over the top a little bit.

"Whether Jose Mourinho looks back - and he probably doesn't regret it - but maybe looks back and says 'Maybe I went too far this time'. If you look at Arsene Wenger's record it's not too bad: two doubles, he won the FA Cup a few times, he had an unbeaten season.

"Everybody knows the last eight or nine years they haven't won a trophy, they're trying to put that right.

"A lot has changed in the club. They've more or less paid the stadium off and there's lots of opportunity now."

Parlour, who played for six years under Wenger, hopes Arsenal can end their trophy drought this term.

As well as their Premier League and Champions League challenges, Arsenal have secured a home tussle with Everton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup - a competition Mourinho's Chelsea exited on Saturday.

Parlour said: "I'm always very optimistic. I look at the FA Cup. It's going to be a tricky game against Everton, but they've got to capitalise on home advantage to try to get to Wembley for the semi-final."

First the Gunners must focus on playing Bayern, a team they beat in the second leg at the last-16 stage last season but still tumbled out to on away goals.

The German giants visit the Emirates Stadium first, and Parlour fancies his old club to gain a first-leg advantage.

"Arsenal will have a chance being at home," Parlour said.

"I just hope they can do themselves justice and put their grade A game on and give Bayern Munich a game."

Parlour was speaking at an event designed to encourage teenagers to keep playing football.

The Football Association's director of the national game and women's football Kelly Simmons told Press Association Sport: "Mini-soccer and children's football has been going through big growth, but adult football's been in decline.

"One of the things we know we've got to do to help grow the adult game is to stop that drop-off.

"Some of them just want to be able to turn up, play games and have fun when they can, more recreational.

"If teenagers want to play in our traditional club football, then fantastic.

"If they want something more recreational, more flexible, we've got that too."

Vauxhall's Football Mash Up is aimed at getting more 14-17 year olds playing football - for more information go to www.facebook.com/footballmashup

Precision teams up with McDonald’s to supply its community football programme

Precision announce a new partnership with McDonald’s to supply kit and equipment for its community football scheme.

The partnership will see Britain’s fastest growing sports brand, Precision, supply football kit and equipment to support McDonald’s restaurants and their relationships with local grassroots football clubs across the UK.

As part of the agreement Precision will also supply football strips to McDonald’s restaurants that take part in the annual McDonald’s Cup Finals – an internal five a side competition that has over 650 participating teams.

Founded in 2005, Precision has become Britain’s number one choice for specialist sports training aids and apparel - from elite professional through to grass roots level.

David Sanderson, Brand and Marketing Director at Precision, said; “We are delighted to have partnered with McDonald’s to help to support its community football scheme.

“Precision and McDonald’s are both synonymous with grassroots football across the UK, so it is the perfect match.”

For more information about Precision go to www.precisiontraining.uk.com

For more information about McDonald’s support of grassroots football across the UK visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstart

Premier League Tops Europe's Big Spenders

The English Premier League has flexed its financial muscles in the transfer market and comes out on top of the big spenders across Europe.

The Soccerex Transfer Review by Prime Time Sport has, this morning, released figures showing that the Premier League clubs spent a mammoth 52% of the total investment on players across the top 5 leagues in Europe this winter.

Premier League spending topped €150 million compared to €53 million in French Ligue 1, €42 million in Italian Serie A, €33 million in the Bundesliga and just €12 million in Spanish La Liga.

The confidence given from the new collective broadcast deals for English clubs is highlighted by the fact that the spending is also spread across more clubs in England than any other in Europe.

Whilst Chelsea and Manchester United top the European spending, with €52.8 million and €45 million respectively, Fulham (€16.3 million) and Hull City (€15.2 million) also feature in the top 10 of the biggest spenders in Europe.

Interestingly 7 of Europe’s biggest names, Arsenal, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona made no investment during the winter window.

Indeed, it is the third consecutive year that Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have made no purchases.

Chelsea – Kings of the Winter Window

The Soccerex Transfer Review by Prime Time Sport, also shows Chelsea to be the “Kings of the Winter Window”.

In the last 5 seasons Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea have had both the highest expenditure (€180 million) and most sales (€82 million) during the winter window.

This year Chelsea topped both tables again spending €45 million on players whilst recouping €62 million.

They also released the highest number of players in Europe at 13.

Importance of the loan market

The importance of the loan market is highlighted in both Serie A and the Premier League.

In Serie A 76% of the players leaving the league went out on loan to other clubs.

The Premier League recruited 41% of the new players on loan, a significant growth from 29% in 2012.

Squad sizes

As UEFA Financial Fair Play comes in to full effect, the net decrease of players in the Premier League has also reached an all time high.

The net figure of -83 in 2013 is more than double the figure for the Premier League in 2012 (40).

Italy remains the highest, however, with a net figure of -177. This is the fourth consecutive year that both leagues have shown an increasing net decrease.

Parma released the highest number of players with 40 leaving the club this winter.

The total number of players signed by the top 5 leagues in Europe was down by 14% to 257.

Overall

European spending is down 4.3% to €290 million in 2014.

However, total spending in the 2013 transfer windows is up to a record high of €2.4 billion – an increase of 32% on 2012.

Investment seems to equal improved performance – the top 6 spending clubs in the Premier League have increased their points ratio so far this season.

Esteve Calzada, former CMO, FC Barcelona and CEO, Prime Time Sport said;

“What our data reinforces is just how important the English Premier League is to global football. The fact that spending is spread across more English clubs than any other in Europe is arguably testament to the quality of football being played up and down the country and the worldwide interest in viewing it.”

Other key stats revealed in the review include;

• Manchester City is the top scoring side in Europe with an average of 2.84 goals per game, slightly ahead of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona (2.79).
• The Premier League is the most competitive league so far during the 2013/14 season with the top 3 teams collecting 71.9% of the points on average).
• Investment in new players brought better pitch performance, as all 6 top 6 spending sides of the summer in the Premier League have improved their points rate. 

Read the full Soccerex Transfer Review by Prime Time Sport go to http://mysoccerex.com/Soccerex_Transfer_Review_2014_winter_edition.pdf

Running your first London marathon like Mo Farah? Perform SGP can help!

This year, the Virgin Money London Marathon will be more hotly anticipated than ever as long distance running's biggest star and London-local Mo Farah will compete across the 26.2 mile race for the first time.

The London 2012 double gold medallist won't be the only one running his first London Marathon, however. Thousands of amateur runners will also be taking to the streets of London for their biggest physical challenge yet. Many will be fulfilling a personal goal, raising money for charitable causes or even racing in fancy dress!

Whether you will be aiming for a world record pace or simply just making it round the course, careful preparation is key.

Paul Williamson, lead physiotherapist at Perform St George's Park explains how runners can avoid illness and injury prevention by tailoring their marathon training programme. Paul highlights how nutrition, hydration, varied training programmes and sports massage are all crucial in feeling your best on race day. Read the full blog here.

In their cutting-edge Burton facility the Perform team offer a range of services tailored just for marathon runners, including a 2.5 hour Train-Monitor-Recover package.

Follow @PerformSGP on Twitter.

Find out more about all Perform St George's Park services on their website.

Trio of Wembley games sell out as NFL chief reveals UK franchise looms nearer.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed  this week, that the three NFL International Series games at Wembley are completely sold out.

Speaking at his annual address ahead of Super Bowl XLVIII, Goodell also admitted that London is ‘further down the road’ to having a permanent team.

‘I believe that the response to the third game in the UK, and the way that the fans have embraced that, sold that out in such a short period of time is just another indication that the more we give fans in the UK, of NFL football, the more they want,’ said Goodell. 

‘That's a great tribute to the fans there, and their passion.’

Read the full Daily Mail article - click here.

Follow @NFLUK on Twitter.

Find out more about the NFL in the UK here.

Are you Northern Ireland's Ultimate Fan?

As official sponsors of Home Nations football, Vauxhall are giving away the chance to become Northern Ireland’s Official Blogger for 2014!

The blogger will get the chance to publish their views, comments and opinions for 2014, as Michael O’Neill’s boys look to kick-start their Euro 2016 Qualifying campaign.

As Vauxhall’s Northern Ireland blogger they will become the official voice of the fans with their work published on Vauxhall’s dedicated football website.

For full details of how to enter, click here.

Follow @VauxhallNI on Twitter.

Like Vauxhall Northern Ireland on Facebook.

Transfer deadline day medical - what does that actually mean?

Transfer deadline day is looming and player medicals become a hot topic as the media activity reaches fever pitch.

With the help of the expert team at Perform at St. George's Park, the National Football Centre, we take a look at what a medical actually involves.

The pressure to complete medicals on players whilst managing a full squad and full fixture list (with midweek fixtures in the final week, which always seems to be the case) is a challenge for all medical department however well-staffed you may be.

The importance of a pre signing medical cannot be underestimated. It is not purely a pass or fail exercise, but rather an opportunity to gather essential information on a player, which is likely to build the players preventative rehabilitation programme around it.

It is very rare in professional football that you get 6-8 hours with one player, so this is the perfect opportunity to gather such information while you can.

Perform, part of Spire Health Care are now offering this service to all clubs. The pre signing medical will be bespoke to the needs of the club. It can be a simple as providing MRI and Echo/ECG for the player or a more comprehensive package could include some of the following.

All services can usually be put together within 24 hours and 7 days a week nationwide using any of our 38 hospitals nationwide. All services will provide an immediate verbal report followed by full comprehensive reporting within 24-48 hours.

SEM Doctor

• Review of previous medical notes
• Review of current medical health
• Orthopaedic and health screen
• Bloods
• Urine
• Other services available at request

Physiotherapy

• Movement screen
• Comprehensive orthopaedic screen
• Functional assessment

Sport Science

• Balance assessment (Y Balance / Biodex postural sway
• Power assessment (isokinetics / jump testing)
• Other services available at request

Additional Services

• Echo / ECG
• Multi-site MRI
• CT / X ray

These packages can be put together to suit the needs of the club and will be managed from start to finish.

From one initial phone call to Perform at St George's Park the Perform team will manage the whole day from start to finish. This is to include the transfers to and from all hospitals, all investigations, lunch for players, club staff and agents and reporting.

Clubs can also be assured of confidentiality we will ensure players are brought in and leave facilities discretely.

For more information go to http://www.spirehealthcare.com/perform/perform-at-st-georges-park

England sponsors Team Up in Tesco Promotion Giveaway

England Team Sponsors Vauxhall and Mars® have teamed up to give fans the chance to win one of five Vauxhall ADAM Jam vehicles as part of a Tesco store promotion.

Football will hit fever pitch this Summer and Tesco customers who use their Tesco Club Cards when purchasing a 7 pack of Mars® Bars will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a Vauxhall ADAM Jam.

The promotion will run across all participating stores up and down the United Kingdom from January 22nd until February 11th with five lucky winners taking home a brand new ADAM.

The partnership brings together two of the England Football Team Sponsors as well as the UK’s grocery market leader. Over 2 million customers walk through Tesco’s doors every week with over 16 million online Club Card accounts.

Vauxhall Sponsorship Marketing Manager Cheryl Stibbs said, “This promotion marks a fantastic partnership between three integral UK brands.

“Passion and loyalty are two values shared by Vauxhall and Mars in their sponsorship of the England Football Team.

We think this is a great opportunity to reward loyal Tesco customers with a chance to drive home a brand new Vauxhall ADAM Jam.”

Carrie Martin, Mars Chocolate UK Retail Excellence Director, said; “We are really proud to support the England football team and even prouder of the fans that get behind the team. This partnership is an opportunity for us to reward fans with a great offer”

Keep a look out for the promotion and make sure you enter for a chance to win an award winning Vauxhall ADAM.

To apply for a Tesco Club Card log on to www.tesco.com/clubcard. 

Follow @VauxhallEngland on Twitter

Log on to www.vauxhallfootball.co.uk for more information





For full T&Cs visit www.tesco.com/marsandvauxhall

Young Lions in action this week at St George's Park

England's U17 football side is in action this week against Belgium in a double-header of internationals hosted at the FA National Training centre in Burton. 

The Young Lions host the Belgians on Tuesday 28th (14.30) and Thursday 30th (12.00) at St George's Park. Head Coach John Peacock has named a strong 22-man squad including recalls for Arsenal midfielder Dan Crowley who missed November's Euro qualifiers.

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Vauxhall becomes official Liverpool FC Automotive Partner

Ian Ayre (Liverpool FC MD) & Keith Michaels (Vauxhall Head of Marketing Operations) celebrate at Anfield.

Luton – Vauxhall Motors will add to its UK football sponsorship portfolio by becoming the Official Automotive Partner of Liverpool Football Club. The deal will run through to the end of the 2015-16 season and kicks off at home to Arsenal on 8th February 2014. 

“Vauxhall Motors has enjoyed great success over the past three seasons with our Home Nations football sponsorships,” said Vauxhall Chairman & Managing Director, Duncan Aldred.

He continued “This exciting new sponsorship will undoubtedly benefit from the experience we have gained in international football and we look forward to the prospect of a partnership with such an iconic club as Liverpool FC.”

Liverpool FC Managing Director Ian Ayre said: “We are delighted to welcome Vauxhall on board as a partner of Liverpool FC. They have highly credible football credentials and a reputation for engaging sponsorship activation.”

Vauxhall is the lead partner of the national teams and football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Visit the Vauxhall Football website at www.vauxhallfootball.co.uk.

England line up Peru, Ecuador and Honduras friendlies

England will play three games immediately prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the FA have confirmed.

Peru, Ecuador and Honduras will provide the opposition as Roy Hodgson's men put the finishing touches on their preparations for Brazil.

The Three Lions will first take on Peru in their final game at Wembley Stadium before the tournament on Friday 30 May (8pm KO).

They will then travel to the United States for two matches in Miami’s Sunlife Stadium.

England will face Ecuador on Wednesday 4 June (3pm KO local time) and then Honduras on Saturday 7 June (4.45pm KO local time).

Read the full article on the Vauxhall England football website. 

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Perform SGP lead physio talks ACL injuries.

Unfortunately ACL injuries are once again in the news, with England star Theo Walcott being ruled out of the 2014 Brazil World Cup after his untimely exit from the Arsenal v Tottenham FA Cup clash last weekend.

Walcott now joins a growing list of England football stars who have suffered cruciate knee injuries including Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

In his latest blog, Perform St George's Park lead physiotherapist Paul Williamson explains just why these ACL injuries are becoming an all too frequent occurrence in the professional game.

Read Paul Williamson's full article on the Vauxhall England website.

Located at the FA's brand new national football centre, Perform not only takes care of England's best footballers but also offers a hub for the local sports and business community. Find out more about Perform St George's Park here.

NFL Cheerleaders available for media opportunities in UK!

ROAR of the Jaguars at Wembley in 2012.

The beautiful ladies from the ROAR of the Jaguars will be touching down in London ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday February 2nd and will be available for media interviews and performances.

The ROAR of the Jaguars cheerleaders are one of the top squads in America's National Football league, where they perform in front of over 65,000 fans at the EverBank stadium, home stadium of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The girls will be returning to the UK again in November 2014, when  the Jacksonville Jaguars  host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. Scheduled at iconic Wembley stadium on Sunday November 9, 2014 (6pm GST) the match is one of three scheduled NFL games taking place in the UK in 2014.

To arrange an appearance with the ROAR of the Jaguars cheerleaders, please contact Aimée Preston at aimee.preston@macesport.co.uk. 

For information on how to purchase tickets for the 2014 UK NFL series, visit the NFL UK website.

Vauxhall launch 2013 Photography competition!

Roy Hodgson presenting  to the 2012 Vauxhall England winner.

The annual Vauxhall Photography competition is back and bigger than ever with a new third category introduced for 2013!

As the Official sponsor of all four Home Nations, the Vauxhall Photography Competition offers an unrivalled opportunity for photographers to be recognised internationally for their work, as well as by the very subjects they photograph year-in-year-out!

The competition has previously awarded the Photographer of the Year and Best Individual Photograph but for the first time this year, Vauxhall will also be awarding a prize to the Best Supporter Image. The lucky winners will not only receive a cash prize but also the opportunity to be presented with their award in person by the respective Home Nations' Manager.

Please note, all entries must be submitted using an official entry form - deadline for entries is February 14th, 2014.

For more information on how to enter please contact Aimée Preston at aimee.preston@macesport.co.uk.

Spurs and Leeds enter into partnerships across the pond.

Leeds United have agreed a partnership with National Football League franchise the San Francisco 49ers, while Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed an advertising rights package with MLS side Toronto FC as part of a deal that involves striker Jermain Defoe joining Ryan Nelson’s team.

As part of the deal with the Sky Bet Championship side, a delegation of 49ers backroom staff will meet with their counterparts at Leeds to share best practices in areas such as ticketing, sponsorship, retail, technology, commercial opportunities and merchandising.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Jermain Defoe will join Toronto FC on the 28th February and will be hoping that his performances there will impress in the run up to World Cup selection. The local fans are understandably very excited to watch their new signing and have even released a You Tube video poking fun at British supporters.

Read the full press release here.

NFL UK tickets now available for purchase!

Tuesday saw the release of club and premium tickets to NFL fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their stars in the UK!

Expect more drama as two fan favourites clash when the Oakland Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins on 28 September 2014 and some fast-paced action when the Atlanta Falcons host the Detroit Lions on 26 October 2014.

All this before the Jacksonville Jaguars host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 on Sunday, November 9 at 6pm UK time.

Initial ticket sales details have also been confirmed, with season tickets on sale now.

For more information, click here.

Date confirmed for Soccerex Asian Forum in Jordan

Following last month’s confirmation that Soccerex will be providing a gateway to Asia and helping to develop football across the continent through a new event in Jordan, the dates and venue for the Soccerex Asian Forum have now been confirmed.

The new event, held in partnership with the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP), will take place on 13th & 14th May at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, a stunning location on the banks of The Dead Sea.

The Forum will bring together leading figures from the world of Asian football as well as other international football experts to discuss the development of the game across Asia.

For more information, click here.

Broncos and 49ers match up with Patriots and Seahawks

Peyton Manning powered the Denver Broncos to within one win of Super Bowl XLVII and San Francisco advanced as well by beating the Carolina Panthers in Sunday's National Football League Divisional playoff games.

Manning threw two touchdown passes to lead Denver over San Diego 24-17 while Colin Kaepernick ran for one touchdown and threw for another to lift the 49ers to victory at Carolina 23-10.

Denver will host New England and San Francisco will visit Seattle in next Sunday's Conference Championship games with those winners to meet in the Super Bowl on February 2 in New York.

Read the full Daily Telegraph article here.

Lionesses kick start 2014 with Norway fixture

England Women's play their first fixture of 2014 tomorrow when they go head to head with Norway in La Manga.

The Lionesses are away training this week for the first time under new head coach Mark Sampson.

The former Bristol Academy boss, who was named as Hope Powell's successor in December, will run the rule over 30 players in the warm climes of southern Spain. In an interview with BBC Sport, England defender Alex Scott told of the excitement in the squad, with everyone "fighting for places" ahead of tomorrow's Norway friendly.

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England Futsal in Soccer AM appearance

England's Futsal squad were paid a visit by the cameras from Sky's Soccer AM show as they were put to the test for the Crossbar Challenge.

With the squad preparing for their double-header with Lithuania in Barking late last year, Peter Sturgess and his players took time out from training to test their accuracy.

England Futsal Head Coach Peter Sturgess and his squad took the Crossbar Challenge.

Using a standard Futsal pitch and ball, captain Luke Ballinger was the first to step up before his squad mates, and Sturgess himself, all tried their luck.

Watch the video, courtesy of Soccer AM and Sky - click here.

Schmeichel shirt auction raising money for Leicester Poppy Appeal.

Leicester City fans have been bidding to buy a shirt signed and worn by Precision Goalkeeping's Kasper Schmeichel.

The eBay sale of a poppy-embroidered shirt, which was worn by the Foxes' keeper in matches last year against Nottingham Forest and Watford, was designed to commemorate the Royal British Legion appeal.

All money raised will help the Leicestershire Poppy Appeal's fund-raising target of £500,000.

Giles Coleman, the Royal British Legion's community fund-raiser for Leicestershire and Rutland, said: "Kasper is a great player and may go on to make the Danish international jersey his own.

"I would urge as many as possible to bid for the shirt."

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Suarez Scoops Players of the Year Award at FSF Awards

Luis Suarez scooped the 'Player of the Year' title at the FSF Awards in association with William Hill, beating competition from Robin Van Persie, Pablo Zabaleta, Christian Benteke, Leighton Baines and Juan Mata.

Suarez, who attended the event last month at the Emirates to collect his Player of the Year award, said: “It is a great honour for me to receive such a prestigious award from the fans.

“This award is not just for me but for my team-mates, management and coaching staff, and for everyone connected with Liverpool Football Club. Without them, I would not be the recipient of the award."

Watch Luis' accept his award - click here

Watch the interview with Luis after collecting his award - click here