News
Keep up to speed with The Sport Business News and Projects here.
If you would like more information about any of the news items listed below, or indeed about any of our projects, don't hesitate to contact us.
Premier Pilot
Fri, 13 Jan 2012
The Sport Business is delivering a new media and communication skills programme for Academy footballers at Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
As part of a Premier League pilot, director Dom McGuinness has been working with players 'in the field' to raise media awareness and improve presentation techniques.
The programme provides players with an understanding of the different types of journalism, as well as practical experiences of working in a variety of different media-related situations. This involves learning and developing communication skills in front of and behind a camera and microphone.
Salford Development
Wed, 21 Dec 2011
The Sport Business is working with Salford City FC to put together their club development plan in consultation with local stakeholders. The Evo-Stik North Division club has also been awarded funding from Salford City Council to initiate football activities for young people.
The Ammies are looking to develop the Moor Lane site as a venue for local and regional finals, establish high quality junior football and increase the quality of the first team over the next three years.
The Sport Business has secured funding from the East Salford Committee to start U8 - U11 football activities, with new junior teams in place for the start of the 2012/13 season.
Media Work for London 2012
Fri, 25 Nov 2011
The Sport Business is helping GB athletes prepare for London 2012.
As part of an ongoing programme building up the Games, director Dom McGuinness has so far delivered media training to members of the swimming team in Stirling and the Manchester-based mens and womens water polo squads.
Training for Olympic Hopefuls
Wed, 07 Sep 2011
The Sport Business has been selected to deliver media training to British athletes aiming to compete at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
The company - one of five organisations nationwide - will work with the British Olympic Association (BOA) in conjuction with the British Paralympic Association (BPA), UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport (EIS).
Learning through Football
Tue, 30 Aug 2011
The Sport Business has secured funding from England Footballers Foundation to deliver an educational project in partnership with Salford City College and Salford City FC.
The programme will provide FA accredited coaching and deliver communications skills training to 24 young people not in employment, education or training (NEET's).
The project is part of Salford City FC’s long-term community development plan which The Sport Business is overseeing.
The successful completion of this pilot activity will lead to the delivery of other educational programmes in partnership with Salford City College and will increase community usage of the club's Moor Lane ground.
Inspired Funding
Fri, 19 Aug 2011
This summer has seen the launch of Sport England’s Inspired Facilities and Protecting Playing Fields Programmes. Both provide a potentially valuable source of funding for sports clubs and others to upgrade their facilities.
The programmes have simplified the application process but placed greater weight on the strategic fit of applications into NGB strategies, local authority plans and club development plans.
Both programmes have set out time tables for the submission of applications over the next three years. This is extremely helpful for sports clubs in order to secure the necessary support and establish project feasibility.
This will ensure a much more effective use of Sport England funding but will require clubs to provide a much stronger justification with regards to sporting outcomes and commercial viability.
For more information, contact paul@thesportbusiness.co.uk
Boost for Media Projects
Thu, 07 Jul 2011
The Sport Business has secured funding for equipment which will allow more schools, clubs and colleges to access its highly successful sports journalism workshops.
The 'Awards For All' funding will pay for flipcams and radio broadcast equipment.
The programme - delivered across english, media and sports-related qualifications - helps develop literacy and communications skills.
The workshops can now be delivered to organisations that don't have the specialist equipment such as primary schools, sports clubs, youth clubs and mainstream secondary schools and colleges.
The Sport Business Director Dominic McGuinness said: “The programme works because it is highly practical with the young people getting a lot from seeing and hearing themselves interviewing and presenting. Without equipment, the programme doesn't have the same impact.
"There are no limits now in terms of where we can deliver this".
Kick off for Young Reporters
Tue, 05 Jul 2011
The Sport Business is helping young people develop literacy, communication and presentation skills through a Sports Journalism for Schools programme.
Pupils meet and interview inspiring local athletes and media professionals, helping them gain confidence. They also write reports and create broadcast pieces.
As part of the initiative, Year Seven students from Manchester Communication Academy took part in a press call at the new Taekwondo centre in Newton Heath. The group used their reporting skills to grill two-time world gold medallist Sarah Stevenson, who said: “It’s definitely an inspiration to see young people learning and developing in Manchester. The British Open is held here in October so hopefully they’ll all come down and support us.”
The young reporters also spoke to Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure. He told the students about the city’s commitment to the new centre: “Over £150,000 has been invested into this facility, and it’s great we’ve got world class Olympians and members of the community taking part in Taekwondo here,” he said.
Presenting Success
Tue, 31 May 2011
The Sport Business hosted a special VIP dinner and awards celebration for Salford City College students.
Sporting professionals of tomorrow gathered at Swinton Park Golf Club to celebrate their achievements at the College’s inaugural Sportspersons Dinner.
Guest speakers included former England defender Earl Barrett and Eddie Afekafe, Social Inclusion Manager at Manchester City.
The event was presented by The Sport Business Director Dom McGuinness.
Earl and Eddie, who stood alongside Prince William and David Beckham in making England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup last year, spoke about the importance of volunteering in sport and the skills, experience and confidence which can be gained.
Kosovo Calling?
Mon, 23 May 2011
The Sport Business is working in partnership with the German International Services (GIZ), Liverpool John Moores University and the Kosovo Education Center to prepare a tender for an EU-funded PE and Sports Teacher Training project in Kosovo.
"I've done a lot of work in central and eastern Europe and in regards to EU funding so it's great that we've been brought in to apply this within the sports sector" said Paul Smith.
As part of the assignment we are looking for an experienced PE and Sports teacher trainer to lead the project and interested individuals should get in touch as soon as possible.
Salford Club and College United
Thu, 31 Mar 2011
Salford City FC and Salford City College are joining forces to give talented young footballers a chance to break into the professional game.
The partnership – brokered by The Sport Business - will develop a clear pathway for the talented young players at the college and will allow the club to enter the FA Youth Cup from 2011/12. The college will also use the Evostik North team’s Moor Lane facilities for these fixtures.
Phil Arbelo-Dolan, Sports Development Manager at Salford City College, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to establish a partnership with the leading football club in the area.
“It’s also a tremendous opportunity for our footballers, to play in such a prestigious competition as the FA Youth Cup. Our best players will shine at a higher level and can use this to take their first steps into the semi-professional game."
Along with plans to develop its ground, Salford City FC is also set to establish associated junior teams from next season as part of a wider strategy to integrate the club into the community and to increase the positive influence of the club on young people.
According to club Chairman Darren Quick, the link with Salford City College is a significant step as the ‘Ammies’ continue to grow as a community hub.
"We believe we’re moving in the right direction and want as many Salford people as possible getting behind the club.
“The tie-up with the college strengthens our links with young people in the area and we are sure to get a few decent players heading our way."
Footballers On the Spot
Fri, 25 Feb 2011
The Sport Business has been delivering media and communications training for football stars of the future.
First and second year Academy scholars at Stoke City FC took part in the session which highlighted the different types of media, roles within journalism and the impact (pros and cons) of social networking.
The footballers also honed their interview and presentation skills in preview/post-match scenarios.
Media for Schools
Mon, 31 Jan 2011
Secondary school pupils in Cheshire have been getting an insight into the workings of the press as part of their Sport and Active Leisure Diploma.
The Sport Business director Dom McGuinness is delivering the media unit for a consortium of schools based at Sandbach High.
Students are learning about the different types of media and the way in which broadcasters and the written press are used to promote sport.
Along with classroom-based practical work, the students will be visiting a radio station newsroom, a premier league football club press conference and a training camp for Olympic hopefuls.
The young reporters will get the opportunity to hone their interview and presentation skills while gaining an understanding of the newsgathering process.
Latest Award for Club
Mon, 17 Jan 2011
The Sport Business secured further funding for Hale Barns CC for a set of new covers which will help members and local school kids to play cricket on a more regular basis.
The Sport Business has a long term partnership with the Cheshire club enabling a more strategic, and ultimately successful relationship in matching funding with club development priorities.
John Petch, Secretary of Hale Barns CC said “we work very hard at the club to raise funds and generate income.
"Our relationship with The Sport Business helps us to make those funds go a lot further”.
Marple Club on the Up
Sat, 18 Dec 2010
The Sport Business is working with a Stockport tennis club in a bid to increase the number of young people taking up the game.
The company helped raise funds to establish linkages between Brabyns Tennis club and four local schools, along with increasing the club's coaching capacity.
Cricket Club Success
Fri, 17 Dec 2010
A Lancashire Cricket Club's plans to get more people playing sport have been given a cash boost.
The Sport Business worked with schools, community groups and the ECB to secure £16,000 for Great Harwood CC.
The award will result in outfield drainage improvements whilst ensuring the wider community gets maximum use of facilites.
Salford Application
Mon, 13 Dec 2010
The Sport Business, in conjunction with AFL Architects, has now submitted the planning application for Salford City FC's new clubhouse.
The Evostick North club has ambitous plans to rise through the divisions to establish itself as a club worthy of a city the size of Salford.
A consultation with local community groups, MP's and councillors resulted in positve feedback in relation to the proposed development.
S2R on the Ashes
Mon, 22 Nov 2010
New recruits to the 'Supporter to Reporter' scheme were given an Ashes preview from two Lancashire cricket stars.
The students from Flixton Girls High School interviewed Coach Gary Yates and fast-bowler Steven Cheetham.
Along with their predictions of England beating the Aussies, the young reporters uncovered a few gems from the pair including Steven's ambition to be a rock star once he's finished with his cricket career.
Progress for Salford
Fri, 05 Nov 2010
Salford City FC's Moor Lane ground held a successful consultation to discuss plans for a new clubhouse.
The Sport Business facilitated the event which allowed club officials the chance to outline the ambitious development plans to local community groups, councillors - including the Mayor of Salford George Wilson - and Hazel Blears MP.
"It was great to meet so many locals," said SCFC Chairman Darren Quick. "The formal submission of the planning application is a key milestone in the planning of this project.
"The Sport Business has been instrumental in helping us move forward," he added.
Eastern Promise
Wed, 03 Nov 2010
The Sport Business is helping an innovative football exchange initiative make local and national headlines.
Tameside College is offering talented players the chance to study whilst also making a name for themselves in the Thai professional leagues.
Details of the exchange programme have appeared in The Times Educational Supplement and the Mancheseter Evening News.
Plans for Philips
Fri, 29 Oct 2010
The Sport Business has been brought in to secure funding for the development of a multi-sport facility at Philips High School, Whitefield.
Responsiblities include liaising with local authority departments and the following sports clubs: Salford City Reds, Bury Bronchos, Sedgley Park RUFC and Bury Girls and Ladies FC.
TSB Director Paul Smith said: "This is a really exciting opportunity to develop a much-needed facility in this part of the borough."
Gatley Golf Development
Thu, 16 Sep 2010
The Sport Business is working with Gatley Golf Club to improve facilities and develop programmes which will help to attract new members, particularly women and juniors.
Media Thai-Up
Fri, 20 Aug 2010
Bangkok was the venue as The Sport Business played its part in a unique trade, education and sport exchange between the UK and Thailand.
The Thai Culture Forum UK commissioned the company to organise all press and publicity during the tour which included partners Manchester City Council, Tameside College and the Blackburn Rovers FC Under 18 squad.
The Rovers Academy team - a huge attraction in the Premier League-obsessed nation - played two friendly matches, winning both, against Suphanburi School and the Thai National Under 18 side.
TSB delivered media training and advice for the young footballers, who were national headline news, along with all press liaison during the eight-day visit.
The Thailand itinerary included a visit to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, a trip to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej who’s in ailing health, and a tour of the Golden Palace.
Olympic Flame
Mon, 09 Aug 2010
A group of young reporters got their hands on the Olympic Torch during a media workshop at Lancashire County Cricket club.
The new recruits to the 'Supporter to Reporter' initiative enjoyed a presentation by Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong - better known as 'The Snow Leopard'.
Kwame - the first Ghanian skier to qualify for the Winter Olympics - regaled the group with tales from the Vancouver Games, before taking part in a series of TV, radio and written interviews with the reporters.
Before heading back to his Milton Keynes home, Kwame found time to visit the Chill Factore and conduct one last interview.
The Sport Business delivers broadcast journalism training for S2R and organised Kwame's visit to help inspire the young people.
Sun and Sand in Manchester
Fri, 16 Jul 2010
When the beach came to Manchester, The Sport Business was hand to organise community events.
The World Cup Fan Park in Castlefield included big screens for all to watch the tournament, while beach soccer was played on a specially contructed sand pitch.
Boys and girls from local schools received expert tuition from FIFA accredited beach soccer coaches.
The Sport Business works in partnership with England Beach Soccer helping to promote this fast-growing and exciting sport.
Experience the Key
Thu, 15 Jul 2010
With students of all ages now under increasing pressure to secure work experience, The Sport Business was delighted to offer a placement to a Sale sixth-form student.
Kieran Madden, 17, from Ashton-on-Mersey School spent a week with the company, assisting with client liaison and helping to organise media training and broadcast workshops.
The keen footballer also attended meetings with the Football League Trust, the Supporter to Reporter project, Tameside Sport Services and boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
More Than A Game
Wed, 23 Jun 2010
Employment opportunities in sport journalism were on the agenda when The Sport Business delivered workshops to Greater Manchester pupils.
Director Dominic McGuinness presented to Year Nine students from Salford and Trafford schools at the 'More Than A Game' event at Bolton Arena.
The initiative raises awareness and aspirations for those interested in sport as a career, but are unsure of education pathways and employment options.
Unity in Manchester
Wed, 19 May 2010
The Sport Business is working alongside Unity Radio Manchester to deliver broadcast workshops for young people.
Using street art and sport, the programme helps build confidence by improving communication and presentation skills.
The young people get the chance to create their own designs and stories, gaining AQA qualifications in the process.
Super Liga Plans
Thu, 29 Apr 2010
Paul Smith is heading back to Serbia to help develop some of the country's leading football clubs.
The Sport Business Director is preparing two projects for EU funding. The first is to deliver community programmes for Super Liga clubs in North East Serbia. He is working in partnership with the Football League Trust.
The second will provide assistance to local authorities in the strategic development and management of sports facilites.
Pool of Talent
Wed, 21 Apr 2010
The Sport Business has secured funding for a womens boxing programme in Greater Manchester.
A scheme is now up and running at The Pool of Life ABC in Atherton following a refurbishment and the provision of specialist coaches.
The Gloves Are Off
Thu, 08 Apr 2010
Boxer-turned-actor Steve Bell proved a big hit on a visit to the Supporter to Reporter scheme - revealing his ambition to be the next James Bond!
The 34-year old spoke of his interesting career path. Following a hugely successful spell as an amateur he turned professional in 2003, all the while acting in TV series like Hollyoaks, Shameless and The Street. He also played a gay bareknuckle boxer in a film and recently played the role of 'Quinny' in Coronation Street (an army friend of Gary Windass).
The Sport Business has been delivering Broadcast Workshops for 'S2R' - an initiative which helps disadvantaged young people learn media skills such as newsgathering, interviewing and presentation techniques.
The Phoenix
Thu, 11 Mar 2010
The Sport Business has been taken on by Salford City FC in a bid to secure £500,000 for a new clubhouse development.
The old venue at Moor Lane was gutted by a fire which also wiped out all the club's memorabilia.
While devastating, the club 
has taken positives out of the situation and is now keen on developing new facilities which will enable it to become a community hub.
Pally On The Spot
Thu, 04 Mar 2010
Gary Pallister showed the same unflappable qualities he had as a player when he faced rapid-fire questioning from a team of budding reporters.
The former Manchester United and England defender was part of The Sport Business team, helping out with a media training day at the 'Supporter to Reporter' scheme.
The Sport Business Director Dom McGuinness has been delivering broadcast journalism training to S2R - an initiative which helps disadvantaged young people gain media skills through hands-on experience.
Along with regaling tales from his glorious career, Gary also took part in a live interview with talkSPORT radio
Question Time in Salford
Wed, 17 Feb 2010
The Sport Business Director Paul Smith was a special guest on a Queston Time-style panel to discuss plans for a non-league football club.
Following an arson attack which destroyed it's clubhouse, Salford City FC is looking to redevelop stadium facilities and become a community hub.
Built Environment students from Salford University are using the club as a case study and are helping draw up plans for the new development.
More than 350 students and staff packed a lecture theatre for the Q&A session which featured local MP Hazel Blears and other key players in the project.
The Unibond First Division North club lost 30 years of memorabilia in the attack which destroyed the clubhouse in October 2009.
Cricket Plans
Mon, 08 Feb 2010
The Sport Business is advising a Lancashire Cricket Club over plans to upgrade facilities.
Great Harwood CC, near Blackburn, is looking at a long-term project to develop the clubhouse, changing facilities and playing surface.
Rebels Advance
Mon, 18 Jan 2010
Grassroots football in a Manchester district is set to grow following a successful Sport England bid.
The Sport Business helped Higher Blackley Rebels JFC win a small grant for training equipment, match-day kit and coach development.
"The award allows us to build for the future", said club chairman Pat McDonagh. "We can now set up two new teams and get more than 30 young people involved in a proper community club."
Net Boost For Cricket Club
Thu, 14 Jan 2010
Funding has been secured for a new net facility at a Cheshire cricket club.
The Sport Business helped Hale Barns find £27,360 towards a two-bay, non-turf practice facility. Funding has been awarded by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Community Football in Serbia
Tue, 15 Dec 2009
The Sport Business is helping a struggling region of Serbia develop sport community projects.
Director Paul Smith has been working in the north-east of the country, advising professional football clubs about how they can use their influence to support the development of vulnerable groups in the community.
While community schemes have been successful and an integral part of UK football clubs for a number of years, Serbia has little or no experience in this field.
Paul has 15 years experience working in central and eastern Europe.
Boxers Prove a Class Act
Thu, 26 Nov 2009
A trio of the UK's best boxers have been given a tough workout by a class of budding journalists.
British lighweight champion John Murray, his brother 'Genius' Joe - a former Olympian - and hot prospect Anthony 'Million Dollar' Crolla were invited to take part in a special press conference at Walkden High School in Salford.
The year 10 media students threw questions quicker than the fighters' jabs and more than once had them on the ropes.
As well as learning the practicalities of planning and hosting a press conference, the students got a chance to see a variety of media professionals at work.
ITV Granada, Channel M, Key 103, Real Radio and the Manchester Evening News all covered the event.
The Sport Business is delivering its Broadcast Workshop and Press Conference programme in schools and colleges.
The course caters for Creative Media Diplomas and BTEC qualifications and is presented by The Sport Business Director Dominic McGuinness.
World Cup Countdown
Fri, 16 Oct 2009
Former England international Gary Bailey called on The Sport Business for help on a recent visit to the UK.
The man who won two FA Cups in a ten-year stint as goalkeeper for Manchester United, was in the country promoting safe accommodation for supporters travelling out to next summer's World Cup.
The Sport Business arranged for the Johannesburg resident to appear for an hour on talkSPORT's Alan Brazil sports breakfast.
Gary spoke of the excitement building in the 'Rainbow Nation' along with the community benefits the competition will have on the country and Africa as a whole.
To hear the full interview click here.
Link with Leeds Met
Fri, 02 Oct 2009
The Sport Business has established ties with Leeds Metropolitan University in a bid to help students gain real experience of working in sport.
Sophie Whittingham, an undergraduate on the BA Sport Business Management course, has joined the company on a work placement scheme. She will assist in funding and media matters, develop her own projects and work closely with The Sport Business team.
The Sport Business In Serbia
Fri, 25 Sep 2009
The Sport Business is heading to Serbia to help design projects which use sport to achieve wider social objectives.
As part of a wider EC funded initiative, the assignment involves training and hands-on support to develop mature schemes and identify appropriate funding.
The Sport Business Director Paul Smith has 15 years experience working in central and eastern Europe.
Club Looks to Net New Facility
Thu, 24 Sep 2009
Hale Barns Cricket Club has appointed The Sport Business to help it prepare a funding application for a new two-bay net facility.
The club's current nets are in a state of disrepair and as a result, the senior cricket team is unable to train on site.
The total value of the project is approximately £40,000.
Beach Pitches Up in Hyde
Tue, 15 Sep 2009
The famous Ian Brown quote about Manchester having 'everything except a beach' doesn't quite ring true anymore.
Well, not in Tameside anyway as young people converged on the sand pitch at Hyde Technology College to show off their beach soccer skills.
The Sport Business helped publicise the event, encouraging more boys and girls to take up the fast growing sport.
Coaches from England Beach Soccer and players from the national team were on hand to put everyone through their paces, and young newshounds from the Supporter to Reporter scheme joined local TV crews to cover the event.
The beach has proved such a success in engaging local communities, Tameside Youth Services is planning to install a permanent sand pitch facility.
Eric Found......at Butlins!
Tue, 28 Jul 2009
Manchester United legend-turned movie star Eric Cantona was back on English sand at the weekend to promote the Euroleague Beach Soccer event at Butlins in Minehead.
After retiring as a beach soccer player, Eric's been manager of the French national side. His young team didn't enjoy the best of times over the course of the three-day event losing to Norway and top-ranked Portugal.
Eric spoke to The Sport Business director Dom McGuinness about his love of beach soccer and his hopes for the game expanding in the UK. He also commented on his old club's new number 7 and gave his thoughts on mega-rich Manchester City's chances of succes in the new season.
Contact England Beach Soccer for more information about this growing sport and how you can get involved.
(Broadcast on talkSPORT and ITV4's Beach Soccer programme, click here to listen to Eric's interview in full).
Gatt in Hand
Tue, 07 Jul 2009
A Stockport cricket club's new pavillion made local and national news, with a little PR help from the Sport Business.
Compstall recently opened the doors to their proud new facility with former England captain Mike Gatting on hand to cut the ribbon.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gatting praised the club and its achievements: "It's a lovely village cricket club, and it's so good to see so many kids playing cricket."
Click here to listen to Mike's interview.
Click here to read the Manchester Evening News article.
Click here to read an article on the ECB's website.
Sporting Chance
Wed, 17 Jun 2009
The Sport Business is working on a bid to boost sport facilities in south Manchester.
The company has been employed by Burnage Media Arts College, on behalf of the Burnage Community Sports Alliance, to prepare an application for Sport England funds.
If successful, the development will include a new boxing gym, Olympic weights room, four-bay cricket net facility and a coach education suite.
Along with the College, the Alliance is made up of local football, rugby, boxing, badminton and cricket clubs.
Big Plans for DFC
Tue, 10 Mar 2009
Dumbarton Football Club has employed The Sport Business to help boost its community work.
The Scottish Third Division side, currently pushing for promotion, wants to extend its reach into the local area.
The Sport Business Director Paul Smith said: "This is a great opportunity for us to work with a club which is ambitious and has a clear desire to help improve facilities and programmes for the town and beyond."
Set For Sale
Mon, 09 Feb 2009
The Sport Business has moved into new offices in Sale.
We can be contacted at:
Vantage House
26A Northenden Road
Sale
Manchester
M33 3BR
Boxing Clever
Wed, 28 Jan 2009
Boxing in the North West is set to benefit from a new partnership between The Sport Business and the region's ABA.
Our services - identifying and accessing funding - are available to 75 clubs stretching from the Isle of Man and Lancashire in the west, Cumbria to the north, Derbyshire in the east and Cheshire to the south.
In a bid to attract new members of both sexes, all ages and from all backgrounds, we'll be looking at ways to improve facilities with refurbishments, new equipment and coach development.
Ricky Hatton chat show.
Thu, 16 Oct 2008
The Sport Business Director Dominic McGuinness is co-presenting a TV chat show with world champion boxer Ricky 'the Hitman' Hatton.
'Ricky Speaks' features celebrity guests from showbiz and sport and takes an in-depth look at the light-welterweight's preparations as he builds up to his forthcoming fight against Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas.
Amir Khan, Floyd Mayweather Snr and David Threlfall are just a few who've appeared on the sofa to date.
The show is broadcast live at 10pm each Sunday from the Press Club in Manchester.
