Fix 'n' Mix: A busy weekend ahead for most our teams.

First welcome to the 2011 Fix 'n' Mix, we wish you all a very Happy New Year.  Joining our feature this year, will be Baseball side Lake County Captains and New York 'soccer' side Brooklyn Italians. An introduction to the two clubs will be posted towards the end of this month.

We are almost back into full swing, with only FC St Pauli and Hull Wasps of our 'adopted' clubs not back into action until next weekend.

In March to the Arch, we have a very busy time.  In the F.A.Cup, SportTrades flag bearers, Brighton & Hove Albion play Portsmouth in the 3rd Round.  Brighton have had a mixed festive period, but still remain top of the nPower League 1 by 6 points.  In the F.A.Vase St Blazey play Bemmerton Heath in the much delayed tie, while in the F.A.Women's Cup Newquay now carry our hopes.  Newquay beat Weymouth 4-2 in the Last round to set up a tie against Plymouth on Sunday.

Sol y Futbol. UD Lanzarote have a tough week.  They drew 1-1 with CD Vera on Sunday and now face a home match with Realejos on Wednesday, before travelling to Corralejo on Sunday.

Harpenden Rugby staged a poignant event over the festive season.  They hosted the Dave Singleton Memorial Ttournament on the 27th December.  Mr Singleton was a greatly valued and committed member of the club.  Harpenden entertain Welwyn in the league on Saturday at Redbourn Lane.

Chelmsford Chieftains stay put in the capital of Essex this weekend.  As they welcome Invicta Dynamo on Saturday (face/off 17.40), followed by WightLink Raiders on Sunday (face/off 18.30).

Jesmond Parish Church Hockey Club return to action on Saturday.  The men's team travel to Hartlepool Caled, in a rearranged league game.  The ladies obviously have bigger hangovers, as they don't pick up the sticks until next week.

As always please double check with the clubs, directly or via websites, for confirmation of time, day and venue.  Its Your Sport, Your Life, so HAPPY SPORTING

New update from The Iceman

Missing Jerry Pavlus, Richard Gunn and coach Dean Birrell the Chieftains were always going to be up against it in Romford on Sunday night. The early signs showed that it could be a long night as the Raiders netted at 3:45 through captain Anthony Leone who fired past an unsighted Euan King in the Chelmsford goal. It was nearly 2 moments later when "Mr Romford" Danny Marshall was through on his own, but was denied by a big save from King. The Raiders doubled their advantage on 12:44 through Juraj Huska, who would go on to net a hat-trick. Slightly under 3 minutes of the first period remained when Alex Green blasted past Michael Gray to score for the visitors and ending the period 2-1.

The second period was almost half way gone when the next scoring happened and it was a game tying goal from Aaron Connolly who fired in from the boards past Mike Gray in the nets for Romford. From then on though the Raiders tried to take control, although this was difficult by some questionable officiating that broke up any flow of the game for both sides. Many of the infringements called left players and fans scratching their heads alike with nothing seemingly occurring, but penalties being called nonetheless. 33:28 saw the Raiders go ahead again through Huska's second and then third early in the final period. It was 5-2 at 50:47 when youngster Frankie Harvey found space at the backpost and netted with ease. There was a glimmer of hope for the Chieftains at 58:18 when Tom Long scored, but it wasn't to be a glorious finish like before as Marshall scored an empty net goal on the stroke of the final buzzer.

Next weekend the Chieftains must bounce back as they take on 2 of the toughest teams in the league in current leaders Wightlink Raiders on Sunday and reigning champions Invicta Dynamos heading to the Riverside on Saturday. Birrell is expected to be back this week and will be back on the bench marshalling the Chieftains and hoping they can come back from this defeat and take 4 points. It's a massive weekend for the Chieftains and a big crowd will be expected both nights, so fans are asked to be at the rink in good time for the doors opening.


It's a tough start to 2011 for the Chieftains with 5 big games in a row, which are all must-win games to keep the pressure on at the top. The players will be needing all the support they can get from the fans to help get them through these games. Bring your friends, work colleagues, relatives, whoever you can. Get them into the rink and supporting the Chieftains as the run in to the title begins NOW. The lads will need all the fans behind them and in the words of MC Mark "Let's make some noise for the Chelmsford boys!"

 

In the new year the Chelmsford Junior Ice Hockey Academy is running a FREE taster session for kids aged 6-11 and then following on from that an introductory course, again for 6-11yr olds. Details are as follows:

FREE Ice Hockey Taster Session
Thursday 6th January 2011
5.45pm - 6.15pm (arrive at 5.15pm)
Boys and girls aged 6 - 11 years

6 week course
Thursday 13th January 2011 (Not free) Thursdays 5.45pm - 6.15pm (arrive at 5.15pm)
Boys and girls aged 6 - 11 years

Contact Julia Freeman at the Riverside on 01245 615056 to book a place (max. 20 per course)

Kult & Punk file their mid-term report on St Pauli

The boys rest and reflect on the first half of this seasons campaign.  This is their mid-term report, well not really.

FC St. Pauli earned promotion to the Bundesliga after an eight-year absence last season and rattled in no less than 72 goals in the process.


Back in the top flight, coach Holger Stanislawski was firmly set on sticking to that attack-minded policy as far as was practicable, as evidenced by the signing of former Germany international Gerald Asamoah from Schalke 04 to partner top scorer Marius Ebbers up front.

Goals in short supply

Thus far, it has to be said, the strike force have been having a pretty tough time of it this season, bagging just two goals apiece in the league. Indeed, in their opening 17 games the popular Hamburg club managed to hit the net just 16 times all-told. By way of comparison, they had already racked up 41 goals at the midway stage in 2009-10, albeit one flight lower down.

St. Pauli went into the winter break on 17 points and in 15th place, a position they would be more than satisfied to be occupying come the end of the season - as it would mean they had avoided a swift and unwelcome return to the 2. Bundesliga. "We started well before unfortunately going off the boil, but picked up again over the final matches", summarised sporting director Helmut Schulte, who reckons the team, "won the games we had to win. We didn't get much from the ones we expected to be very hard, but I think we had a fairly good season half overall."

Points more useful than praise

There was no shortage of plaudits for the promoted side's refreshing brand of attacking football, but the final outcome all too often was defeat and, as midfielder Fabian Boll acknowledged, "That won't get us far... I'd rather play badly on occasion but take the points." On their own patch though, at the famously atmospheric Millerntor, they have taken just eight of a possible 27 to date, the second poorest home return in the division behind cellar-dwellers Borussia Mönchengladbach.

That notwithstanding, Stanislawski - himself in his day a tough-as-nails old-school centre back - will continue to send out an attack-minded, quick-passing team to entertain the loyal home fans and, he is convinced, secure St. Pauli's status as a born-again top-flight outfit. Schulte, who says the club will not be adding to the squad over the winter break, shares that opinion, "because we're a unit from front to back here, and everyone at the club is a totally committed part of it."

Kult & Punk wish all followers to the exploits of St Pauli a very very happy 2011.  Remember if your in Hamburg pop along and see us.  The boys are more than happy to help out, opposite is their picture, so you will recognise them (we are obviously joking, so please don't approach some poor old thing and shout Kult). The boys promise to actually file their own reports next year, but for the meantime thank you to our friends at the official Bundasliga website for their considerable help.

Joinning Sol y Futbol and Kult & Punk in 2011 are Franco & Toni.  Franco & Toni, two New York hairdressers, will be sending reports about the exploits of Brooklyn Italians, as their season starts.  Keep an eye out for the Brooklyn Italians FC history next month, if this is getting too surreal for anyone let me know, it is a real team.  We will also be entering the world of Baseball, as we follow Lake County Captains throughout their season

San Isidro knocked for SIX, as Lanzarote get into the Festive mood.

UD Lanzarote  6   San  Isidro  1

After the home defeat against Tenisca, los Rojillos travelled to UD Tijarafe.  They returned with a point following a 0-0 draw.

The home match against San Isidro was brought forward from Boxing Day to the 23rd.  There was a rumour doing the rounds, that Mr Lane had returned and wanted too buy everyone a Christmas drink on the 26th.

Lanzarote made the game look easy, with a very convincing performance.  They even had the cheek to trail after 11 minutes, when Tesenery opened the scoring for the visitors.

Los Rojillos levelled the scoring when Rosman shot home after the half hour mark.  Lanzarote entered the interval with a 2-1 lead, when Nauzet put the ball into his own net - no help was needed however.

The prospect of drinks from Mr Lane perked the lads up further. In the 48th minute Rosman made it 3-1 and completed his hat trick just after the hour making it 4-1 in the 62nd minute.

Lanzarote took things a bit easier until the final 10 minutes.  When in the 81st minute Yaco made it 5-1, then in the 86th minute Tonito completed the scoring, making it 6-1 and Lanzarote top of the league for Christmas.

Lanzarote will travel to CD Vera on 2nd January, when Mr Lane will be back in the chair.

Ian Holloway new F.A.Chairman, joking, David Bernstein appointed to the post.

Article taking in full from our friends at Sky Sports News.

David Bernstein has been named the new chairman of the Football Association following a board meeting on Wednesday morning.

The FA has been looking to fill the position on a permanent basis since the sudden departure of Lord Triesman in May and a number of high-profile names were reportedly in the frame.

Acting chairman Roger Burden announced earlier this month that he would be withdrawing his application in protest at Fifa's World Cup bidding process, with Russia getting the nod for the 2018 tournament ahead of England.

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had been among the favourites, along with ex-Football League chairman David Sheepshanks.

However, the decision has instead gone in the favour of former Manchester City chairman Bernstein after he was recommended by the nominations committee.

Excellent choice

The committee was chaired by Phil Gartside and consisting of Michael Game, Tony Kleanthous and John Ward.

Bernstein, 67, is currently chairman of Wembley Stadium and he will officially take over as FA chairman if, as is expected, his appointment is endorsed by the FA council on 25th January.

He was on the Man City board for nine years, five of them as chairman, and is thought to have the right credentials to be successful with the FA.

Burden said: "The board was united in its view that David would make an excellent choice as chairman of the organisation. I have worked with David for some years and have always been impressed by his professionalism and integrity.

"We look forward to working with David to take the FA forward in the best interests of football at all levels across the country."

Honoured

Gartside added: "David was the outstanding candidate for the role. He combines strong business and leadership skills with tremendous insight and knowledge of football."

Bernstein, a chartered accountant who also sits on the boards of several companies including French Connection, Ted Baker and Blacks Leisure and is the president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters, is proud to have been appointed.

He said: "I am honoured to be asked to take on the role as chairman of the FA.

"It is a tremendous challenge but I look forward to working with the board, the staff at the FA and everyone in football from local playing fields to Wembley and the international stage."



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Athlete of the Year 2010 Winners, anounced by BOA

This posting taking in full from our friends at BOA.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has today announced the list of recipients of the 2010 Olympic Athlete of the Year trophy.

The award was introduced in 2005, to mark the BOA’s Centenary Year and the success of London being awarded the 2012 Olympic Games. The BOA presented a trophy to each of the 33 summer and winter Olympic sports for them to award on an annual basis to their top performing athlete of the year.

To mark outstanding performances in 2010, the following athletes have been awarded the BOA Olympic Athlete of the Year trophy:

Aquatics - Rebecca Adlington

Archery - Alison Williamson

Athletics - Mo Farah

Badminton - Rajiv Ouseph

Basketball - Pop’s Mensah-Bonsu

Boxing - Tom Stalker

Canoeing - Ed McKeever

Cycling - Emma Pooley

Equestrian - Laura Bechtolsheimer

Fencing - Chrystall Nicoll

Gymnastics - Beth Tweddle

Handball - Holly Lam-Moores

Hockey - Helen Richardson

Judo - Euan Burton

Modern Pentathlon - Sam Weale

Sailing - Ed Wright

Shooting - Elena Allen

Table Tennis - Liam Pitchford

Taekwondo - Jade Jones

Tennis - Andy Murray

Triathlon - Jonathan Brownlee

Volleyball - Nathan French

Weighlifting - Peter Kirbride

Wrestling - Myroslav Dykun

Biathlon - Lee-Steve Jackson

Bobsleigh/Skeleton - Amy Williams

Curling - Eve Muirhead

Luge - AJ Rosen

Skating - Sinead and John Kerr

Skiing - Andrew Musgrave

*Ice hockey, football and rowing are yet to announce their Olympic Athlete of the Year for 2010.

Andy Hunt, BOA Chief Executive said:

“Undoubtedly the British Olympic highlight of 2010 was Amy Williams’ outstanding performance on the Whistler Sliding Centre where she claimed Olympic gold for Team GB in such fantastic style. The skeleton slider became Britain’s first individual Winter Olympic Champion for 30 years and inspired the millions of Team GB fans watching on TV across the UK.

“Throughtout 2010, athletes from all 26 summer Olympic sports continued to prepare themselves for the once in a lifetime opportunity presented by a home Olympics in London in 2012. During this year we have seen many well-established sports continue to excel at World and European Championship level, while other sports have demonstrated great progression in their ambition of competing with the very best in 2012.

“During 2010 many young athletes have produced thrilling breakthrough performances and it’s particularly encouraging to see so many young athletes named by their sports as the Olympic Athlete of the Year – none more so than taekwondo athlete Jade Jones who made history by becoming Britain’s first Youth Olympic Champion at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August.

“The award of the Olympic Athlete of the Year trophy recognises the dedication, commitment and excellence of athletes who represent the very best of British talent in their respective Olympic sports. I wish all the award winners the very best as they continue their preparations for London 2012, Sochi 2014 and beyond.”

Commenting on receiving their awards:

Amy Williams, skeleton, said: “I’m delighted to receive the BOA Olympic Athlete of the Year award. This caps a really special year for me, the highlight of which was of course becoming Olympic Champion with Team GB at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on the journey so far. I’m now back in training and aiming for more success at the European and World Championships in 2011.”

Jade Jones, taekwondo, said: “I am really honoured to win this award which rounds off a truly memorable year for me. Winning medals at the World Junior Championships and then the European Seniors was really special and then to become the first British athlete to win a Youth Olympic gold medal is something that I will never forget. Of course I hope to be able to repeat the experience at future Olympic Games.”

Rebecca Adlington, swimming, said: “I'm proud and honoured to have won this award in 2010, given the achievements of so many British Swimmers at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. I can't wait to test myself against the best in the world in 2011, as I continue to prepare for London 2012.”

Beth Tweddle, gymnastics, said: “I’m really happy to win this award, in what has been a outstanding year for British Gymnastics. Becoming World Champion for the third time in my career in 2010 has given me great confidence towards my aim of reaching the podium at the London 2012 Olympic Games. We experienced the support of the home crowd during the European Championships in Birmingham and that has given us a great taste for the amazing support Team GB will receive in London in 2012. I will continue to work hard and hope for further success in 2011 and beyond.”

Eve Muirhead, curling, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected for this award and it rounds off what has been an exciting year in my progression to curling at senior level. Competing at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver was an experience I will never forget and the year got even better when our team went on to win silver at the World Championships and again most recently at the European Championships earlier this month. Getting a taste of success makes me all the more determined to go on and reach the top of the medal podium and I would love to have the opportunity to represent Team GB again in Sochi in 2014.”

Jonathan Brownlee, triathlon, said: “It’s absolutely great to win this award, it’s been a long hard season for me and to get this award at the end of it is really amazing. It has been a great breakthrough year with winning the Sprint Distance and Under 23 world titles, as well as finishing on the podium at the World Championships Series event in Hyde Park. I’m looking forward to continuing my development in 2011 and beyond. Following a short break at the end of this season I’m back into the hard work now. The unique opportunity of competing at a home Olympics in 2012 is a great motivating factor.”

Helen Richardson, hockey, said: "It truly is a great honour to receive this award and I really must thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career. I am so proud to play for my country and have enjoyed many fantastic moments over the past 12 years. 2010 has been a successful and promising year for the England team and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of a GB squad, with the backing of the British Olympic Association, which has the desire, ambition and ability to achieve great things. There are exciting times ahead; especially looking towards the London Olympics in 2012 and the whole squad is relishing this unique opportunity."

For further information please contact BOA Communications Officer Phil Wilkinson: philip.wilkinson@boa.org.uk / 0207 842 5700.

Idea for a late Christmas Present - F.A.Coaching courses.

Local Courses


FA Learning runs a wide-range of coaching courses for all abilities.

If you ever fancied yourself as a football coach and think you could develop and motivate players, why not become a FA-qualified football coach?

FA Learning Courses range from the basic entry level qualifications such as the Level One Certificate in Coaching Football to more advanced levels such as the UEFA A and Pro Licences or the FA Youth Award Courses. There are also courses which deal with more specialist areas of football education, such as Goalkeeping Coaching level One of Coaching Disabled Footballers.

The majority of FA Learning courses are run through your Local County FA – which there will definitely be a course running near you.
Go to F.A.com to find contact details for your local County Association and for a full list of courses available. Good luck and look forward to working with our future coaches.