Three steps to improve your set-up
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Pictured at the launch of the academy are, from left, Dr Ayser Hussain, Joe Trickett, who will be among the first intake for the course, Gavin Cowan, the director of Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport, and Mark Hignett, the senior assistant headteacher at Hadley Learning Community
AMBITIOUS youngsters keen to pursue a career in sport have the chance to further their education and sharpen up their skills thanks to the launch of the Crossbar Football Performance Academy. It’s the idea of Gavin Cowan, a former Shrewsbury Town and AFC Telford United defender who is now the director of Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport, and Dr Ayser Hussain of Sports Science Consultancy. Applications for the Performance Academy, which will start in September 2016 and be based at Hadley Learning Community in Telford, are now being accepted. Limited to 16 teenagers aged 16 and 17, they will have the chance to
FOOTBALL enjoy a two-year full time educational programme built around studying for a Level 3 BTEC national extended diploma in sport, the equivalent of three A Levels. They will also receive expert football coaching from former professionals and have a bespoke fitness programme devised for them by Dr Hussain, a physical performance consultant for the Football Association. Time will be divided each week between studying theoretical content and working on the physical content with football, recovery and gym sessions.
Gavin said: “This is a fantastic initiative for the post-16 sector in Shropshire and beyond. It’s a football performance academy and we’re looking for school leavers who are interested in football but also want to continue their studies. “It’s an amazing opportunity. I’m excited to be delivering the football as well as running the team, which will be competing in a league, while Dr Ayser Hussain, a consultant for the FA, will be delivering all the strength and conditioning. An open evening is planned in January but applications are welcome now with more information available by emailing admin@crossbarcoaching. com or by ringing 01743 362368.
County hockey nets welcome cash boost By Lewis Cox [email protected]
SHROPSHIRE Hockey Association have praised Sport England’s generosity as they received a £9,000 grant to boost the sport’s fortunes in the county.
And chairman of the development group, John Beckett, is insistent that the windfall will have a snowball effect as Shropshire gears up for an exciting winter schedule. As well as hosting the women’s indoor Premier League, which begins in December, the association have significantly improved options for burgeoning youngsters in the area. The sport has now been able to secure a base at the refurbished Telford Langley School in Dawley. The former Phoenix Academy has a hall with two indoor pitches side-by-side, and according to Beckett, it was an opportunity they could not refuse. He said: “Without the grant that they have given us we would not be able to do any of what we have recently.
Foundation “It provides us a great foundation to build the sport. “It changes a lot of things. It helps improve the entry into the sport because there are more options to play in a nicer environment, and that will improve the quality that feeds into the general game.” The Strutt and Parker sponsored youth leagues, including under-12s up to under15s (known as the Central Venue Leagues CVL) are currently in their winter break, as are the Webb Indoor Leagues, but it has not stopped the grant taking an immediate effect. A feast of indoor hockey has been on offer for seven weeks for budding Shropshire players. The association were able to host three weeks of coaching on Friday nights for girls and four weeks for the boys, led by Phil
Youngsters take a break from one of the sessions that the grant helped fund at Telford Langley School Gooderham, who has coached successfully at Cannock and at the University of Birmingham. “The grant has not just helped with the likes of securing the facility and improving equipment,” Beckett continued. “It has also helped us fund and approach a top qualified coach to teach our youngsters and help get them involved. “The feedback I’ve had on the seven weeks we had was excellent. Everyone really, really enjoyed it.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the venue. It’s very, very impressive. “When the women’s Premier League arrives in December we can also drag about 300 seats out for people to watch the event. “It’s had a massive impact. We wouldn’t have been able to purchase new goals and we’re currently in the process of getting a proper scoreboard. “It’s a fantastic hall, to have two games going simultaneously is exactly what we want.
Brow have cause for celebration
Vice captain Keith Abbott, left, and club captain David Talbot, right, present Alan Strange and Catherine Strange with a commemorative plate
THE birthday celebrations were in full swing at the Brow Golf Club. The club, on the outskirts of Ellesmere, has been open for 20 years and to mark the occasion members presented owners Alan and Catherine Strange with a commemorative plate to be displayed in the clubhouse. The nine-hole course, was designed by Alan and local architect and friend Paul Whale while Alan was still the club professional at Kibworth Golf Club, were he served from 1987 to 1995. A former Welsh International, Alan brought his experience of tournament golf competing on the Mid-
“Our final Friday of action featured a lot of lads from Telford and Bridgnorth sides who are getting ready for the upcoming Midlands qualifiers.” This weekend sides including Telford and Bridgnorth will head down to Aldersley to participate in the boys’ and girls’ qualifier in the Midland Indoor tournament. The top international stars of the women’s indoor game will descend on Dawley as Langley School plays host to the Premier League on the weekend of December 12.
DARTS
GOLF
New league AGM
land circuit and becoming Midland Professional Champion in 1988 and 1989 into creating a rolling course using the natural contours of the land, with the greens constructed to USGA specifications. The course was built on farmland owned by Alan’s parents Alf and Vera Strange. Catherine, a trained chef, takes care of the members’ catering needs while the club has raised thousands of pounds for charities ovet the past two decades with Hope House, Severn Hospice and Help the Heroes among those to benefit.
A NEW ladies darts league is hoping to hit the bullseye in Shropshire. The new Wednesday Night Ladies Dart League holds its AGM on Wednesday, January 6 at The Horseshoes Inn, Ketley. The league are looking for six teams or more to join. The format of the league has to be decided with teams of five players to play five singles, best of three games and two doubles with best of three games or teams of six players required to play six singles. Any other proposals will be considered at the AGM. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday, January 4 with Marie 07801 274440 or 07980 384167.
In the latest in a series of golfing tips, PGA professional and coach Tom Cheetham passes on some handy hints to improve your game
Three steps to improve your set-up THIS week’s focus is on the correct alignment. Although a simple part of the set-up to get correct, you will be surprised at how many golfers I see that struggle to align themselves correctly at address. In many cases for most golfers, it seems like an optical illusion when setting up, thinking they are aligned correctly when in fact they are quite someway off. A consistent golf swing can only be achieved from proper alignment. If you get this important part of your set-up incorrect, then your swing and direction of shots could go drastically wrong! Not only can poor alignment lead to poor direction, accuracy and curvature on your ball flight, but it can and will lead to many faults during your swing. A perfect example, which I see in many cases from my students, is a closed stance (pointing right of target) with open shoulder alignment. Commonly, this will cause what we call an over the top (or cast) movement from the top of your swing. This will then cause you to pull the ball off to the left towards the target which in turn, will now cause you to cut across the golf ball resulting in a slice. 1. Imagine a train track It is not technically difficult to align correctly at address; in fact it is so simple I think it is mainly overlooked by many golfers. During the set-up, your feet should be parallel to your target line and in turn your body, shoulders, hips and knees should all be in line with your feet. Follow these easy steps to achieve your correct alignment. 1. Imagine a train track. The first half of the train track runs through your ball all the way to your target (this is your ball to target line). The second part of the track should be parallel to your ball to target line. 2. When practicing, place two clubs down on the ground to show your ball to target line and to enable you to check your feet and body alignment. Your club face should be at 2. Show the target line a perfect right angle to your target line. Your feet and body should be aligned parallel left to your target line. 3. Place a club along your shoulder line. Check your feet and shoulders are in line. If in a correct position, your shoulders and feet should be aligned slightly left of target. Sounds so simple but many golfers get it wrong. Remember your feet and body alignments should point parallel left of your target line, not at your 3. Check feet and shoulders target directly. Tom Cheetham is PGA professional. For lessons or any information on how Tom can help your game, please contact him on 01785 712888.
Shropshire Star Monday, December 7, 2015
Footballers on a winner with academy
Pictured at the launch of the academy are, from left, Dr Ayser Hussain, Joe Trickett, who will be among the first intake for the course, Gavin Cowan, the director of Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport, and Mark Hignett, the senior assistant headteacher at Hadley Learning Community
AMBITIOUS youngsters keen to pursue a career in sport have the chance to further their education and sharpen up their skills thanks to the launch of the Crossbar Football Performance Academy. It’s the idea of Gavin Cowan, a former Shrewsbury Town and AFC Telford United defender who is now the director of Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport, and Dr Ayser Hussain of Sports Science Consultancy. Applications for the Performance Academy, which will start in September 2016 and be based at Hadley Learning Community in Telford, are now being accepted. Limited to 16 teenagers aged 16 and 17, they will have the chance to
FOOTBALL enjoy a two-year full time educational programme built around studying for a Level 3 BTEC national extended diploma in sport, the equivalent of three A Levels. They will also receive expert football coaching from former professionals and have a bespoke fitness programme devised for them by Dr Hussain, a physical performance consultant for the Football Association. Time will be divided each week between studying theoretical content and working on the physical content with football, recovery and gym sessions.
Gavin said: “This is a fantastic initiative for the post-16 sector in Shropshire and beyond. It’s a football performance academy and we’re looking for school leavers who are interested in football but also want to continue their studies. “It’s an amazing opportunity. I’m excited to be delivering the football as well as running the team, which will be competing in a league, while Dr Ayser Hussain, a consultant for the FA, will be delivering all the strength and conditioning. An open evening is planned in January but applications are welcome now with more information available by emailing admin@crossbarcoaching. com or by ringing 01743 362368.
County hockey nets welcome cash boost By Lewis Cox [email protected]
SHROPSHIRE Hockey Association have praised Sport England’s generosity as they received a £9,000 grant to boost the sport’s fortunes in the county.
And chairman of the development group, John Beckett, is insistent that the windfall will have a snowball effect as Shropshire gears up for an exciting winter schedule. As well as hosting the women’s indoor Premier League, which begins in December, the association have significantly improved options for burgeoning youngsters in the area. The sport has now been able to secure a base at the refurbished Telford Langley School in Dawley. The former Phoenix Academy has a hall with two indoor pitches side-by-side, and according to Beckett, it was an opportunity they could not refuse. He said: “Without the grant that they have given us we would not be able to do any of what we have recently.
Foundation “It provides us a great foundation to build the sport. “It changes a lot of things. It helps improve the entry into the sport because there are more options to play in a nicer environment, and that will improve the quality that feeds into the general game.” The Strutt and Parker sponsored youth leagues, including under-12s up to under15s (known as the Central Venue Leagues CVL) are currently in their winter break, as are the Webb Indoor Leagues, but it has not stopped the grant taking an immediate effect. A feast of indoor hockey has been on offer for seven weeks for budding Shropshire players. The association were able to host three weeks of coaching on Friday nights for girls and four weeks for the boys, led by Phil
Youngsters take a break from one of the sessions that the grant helped fund at Telford Langley School Gooderham, who has coached successfully at Cannock and at the University of Birmingham. “The grant has not just helped with the likes of securing the facility and improving equipment,” Beckett continued. “It has also helped us fund and approach a top qualified coach to teach our youngsters and help get them involved. “The feedback I’ve had on the seven weeks we had was excellent. Everyone really, really enjoyed it.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the venue. It’s very, very impressive. “When the women’s Premier League arrives in December we can also drag about 300 seats out for people to watch the event. “It’s had a massive impact. We wouldn’t have been able to purchase new goals and we’re currently in the process of getting a proper scoreboard. “It’s a fantastic hall, to have two games going simultaneously is exactly what we want.
Brow have cause for celebration
Vice captain Keith Abbott, left, and club captain David Talbot, right, present Alan Strange and Catherine Strange with a commemorative plate
THE birthday celebrations were in full swing at the Brow Golf Club. The club, on the outskirts of Ellesmere, has been open for 20 years and to mark the occasion members presented owners Alan and Catherine Strange with a commemorative plate to be displayed in the clubhouse. The nine-hole course, was designed by Alan and local architect and friend Paul Whale while Alan was still the club professional at Kibworth Golf Club, were he served from 1987 to 1995. A former Welsh International, Alan brought his experience of tournament golf competing on the Mid-
“Our final Friday of action featured a lot of lads from Telford and Bridgnorth sides who are getting ready for the upcoming Midlands qualifiers.” This weekend sides including Telford and Bridgnorth will head down to Aldersley to participate in the boys’ and girls’ qualifier in the Midland Indoor tournament. The top international stars of the women’s indoor game will descend on Dawley as Langley School plays host to the Premier League on the weekend of December 12.
DARTS
GOLF
New league AGM
land circuit and becoming Midland Professional Champion in 1988 and 1989 into creating a rolling course using the natural contours of the land, with the greens constructed to USGA specifications. The course was built on farmland owned by Alan’s parents Alf and Vera Strange. Catherine, a trained chef, takes care of the members’ catering needs while the club has raised thousands of pounds for charities ovet the past two decades with Hope House, Severn Hospice and Help the Heroes among those to benefit.
A NEW ladies darts league is hoping to hit the bullseye in Shropshire. The new Wednesday Night Ladies Dart League holds its AGM on Wednesday, January 6 at The Horseshoes Inn, Ketley. The league are looking for six teams or more to join. The format of the league has to be decided with teams of five players to play five singles, best of three games and two doubles with best of three games or teams of six players required to play six singles. Any other proposals will be considered at the AGM. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday, January 4 with Marie 07801 274440 or 07980 384167.
In the latest in a series of golfing tips, PGA professional and coach Tom Cheetham passes on some handy hints to improve your game
Three steps to improve your set-up THIS week’s focus is on the correct alignment. Although a simple part of the set-up to get correct, you will be surprised at how many golfers I see that struggle to align themselves correctly at address. In many cases for most golfers, it seems like an optical illusion when setting up, thinking they are aligned correctly when in fact they are quite someway off. A consistent golf swing can only be achieved from proper alignment. If you get this important part of your set-up incorrect, then your swing and direction of shots could go drastically wrong! Not only can poor alignment lead to poor direction, accuracy and curvature on your ball flight, but it can and will lead to many faults during your swing. A perfect example, which I see in many cases from my students, is a closed stance (pointing right of target) with open shoulder alignment. Commonly, this will cause what we call an over the top (or cast) movement from the top of your swing. This will then cause you to pull the ball off to the left towards the target which in turn, will now cause you to cut across the golf ball resulting in a slice. 1. Imagine a train track It is not technically difficult to align correctly at address; in fact it is so simple I think it is mainly overlooked by many golfers. During the set-up, your feet should be parallel to your target line and in turn your body, shoulders, hips and knees should all be in line with your feet. Follow these easy steps to achieve your correct alignment. 1. Imagine a train track. The first half of the train track runs through your ball all the way to your target (this is your ball to target line). The second part of the track should be parallel to your ball to target line. 2. When practicing, place two clubs down on the ground to show your ball to target line and to enable you to check your feet and body alignment. Your club face should be at 2. Show the target line a perfect right angle to your target line. Your feet and body should be aligned parallel left to your target line. 3. Place a club along your shoulder line. Check your feet and shoulders are in line. If in a correct position, your shoulders and feet should be aligned slightly left of target. Sounds so simple but many golfers get it wrong. Remember your feet and body alignments should point parallel left of your target line, not at your 3. Check feet and shoulders target directly. Tom Cheetham is PGA professional. For lessons or any information on how Tom can help your game, please contact him on 01785 712888.
Shropshire Star Monday, December 7, 2015
Footballers on a winner with academy
