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.

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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.

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.

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

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.

Follow @VauxhallEngland on Twitter.

Like Vauxhall England on Facebook.

Subscribe to Vauxhall England on YouTube

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. 

Follow Vauxhall England on Twitter (@VauxhallEngland) and on Facebook.

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.

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.

Follow @VauxhallEngland on Twitter.

Like Vauxhall England on Facebook.

Subscribe to Vauxhall Football on YouTube.

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.

England Sponsor Raises Roof with New Cascada

Vauxhall will be promoting the benefits of its new full-size convertible model, the Cascada, in today’s rearranged World Cup qualifying fixture between Poland and England.

The England lead sponsor is using its LED screen advertising to showcase the fact that the Cascada, which is set to become Vauxhall’s new premium range-topper, has a fabric roof which can close in just 19 seconds.

Last night the Poland-England fixture had to be postponed when the Warsaw stadium roof was not closed despite torrential rain flooding the pitch.

Vauxhall moved quickly overnight to commission new LED advertising package in which it is stated:

The Cascada – A roof that can close in 19 seconds

“We always like to be proactive and tie together our car launches with our football sponsorship portfolio.

“This is a light-hearted campaign in which we can extol the virtues of the Cascada to a television audience of millions,” said Vauxhall Marketing Director Peter Hope.

Details of the new Cascada were unveiled today and  the car is due for launch in Q1 2013.