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Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure, Lancs Sport

LancasterWall is Lancaster’s first, and only purpose-built bouldering facility, brought to you by the Lakeland Climbing Centre Ltd and provides the perfect environment to start your climbing journey. Adults can come down to the centre and get climbing straight away, or if you’d like a bit more guidance on the beginning of your climbing journey why not book one of our instructed sessions.

But what is bouldering?
Bouldering is a fun and accessible way to start climbing and beginners can enjoy immediate success right from the moment they step on to the wall. Bouldering gives you a chance to tackle our purpose made problems while enjoying the safety provided by a crash mat. Bouldering does not require a lot of equipment and there are only a few key safety points you need to learn to get going.

Bouldering is a the perfect blend of physical and mental exercise and many people find that once they give it a go they are hooked for life. Not only does bouldering provide a unique form of exercise it also provides one of the most friendly and inclusive communities you’ll find.

Bouldering Taster Sessions
Taster sessions are an ideal way to get started on your climbing journey, perfect for families or groups of friends. One of our instructors will guide you through an hour long session in our fabulous center giving you the chance to try everything we have to offer with the security of having a staff member on hand to offer direction where needed. There is no need to have any prior experience to attend these sessions.

Bouldering Induction Plus
Whether you have never climbed before or would like a refresher, our qualified instructors will guide you through a practical introduction to bouldering safety, technique and how to make the most of your climbing sessions. Bouldering Inductions are also suitable for those who are new to climbing who would like to supervise juniors in the bouldering environment, or for Junior climbers (aged 14 years or over) to start the process of becoming unsupervised junior boulderers; however a parent must attend the session if this is the aim.

How do I get started?
If you are interested in visiting the Centre or attending any of the above session please check our website, www.lancasterwall.co.uk, for more details on each session; times; terms and conditions and minimum age/experience requirements.

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Chris Maxwell was pleased to get back in a ‘match scenario’ by featuring in a game against Huddersfield Town’s B side this afternoon.

The goalkeeper, sidelined with a quadricep tear since early October, got a valuable 65 minutes between the sticks in a 2-2 draw at the Terriers’ training ground, which saw CJ Hamilton and Tyreece John-Jules on target for the Seasiders. “It was good to blow the cobwebs off and get back in a match scenario. It was much-needed and felt really good. My body is fine and it’s great to be back,” the Blackpool skipper admitted. “It was going to be a long process (returning from injury). It took longer than I anticipated, but it’s quite normal for a thigh injury for a goalkeeper to take that much time. The physio and the gaffer have built me up slowly and I feel great.”

Sitting out nine first-team fixtures isn’t something the 31-yeer-old is particularly used to, however he’s tried to put the time to good use and support his team-mates in a different way. “I’m not used to missing games, and it has been difficult at times, but that’s part and parcel of football. I’ve been fortunate enough to be fit for pretty much my whole career. I’ve now learnt from the process and I’m glad to be back,” he said.

“I’ve still tried to be influential in the dressing room, even though I’ve not been on the pitch. I always try to help the players playing and those not in the squad to the best of my ability. It’s been different, but I’ve enjoyed that different type of leadership.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Manchester Storm are delighted to announce the signing of blueliner Medric Mercier, most recently of Glasgow Clan (EIHL).

The defenceman made his EIHL debut with Glasgow earlier this month and is now available for selection in Manchester, as the 25-year-old looks to continue his professional hockey career within the Elite League. Mercier comes from strong junior hockey pedigree with 178 OHL games between Soo Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals, in the process rubbing shoulders with current NHL skaters such as: Darnell Nurse; Nick Ritchie; Jared McCann; Tony DeAngelo and Anthony Cirelli. After a successful major junior career, Mercier spent three years representing University of Ottawa making 73 appearances and producing 37 points (17G 20A).

Then, like many, the young Canadian spent a year out of the game before heading over to the Elite League. Head Coach, Ryan Finnerty, had this to say about his newest Storm signing: “At 6ft3 and 100kg…Merc fits the bills for playing on our ice-pad. He has had a brief taste of life in the league, with the Clan, and he is hungry to make things work in the professional game. He comes from excellent hockey stock…the Greyhounds and Generals produce excellent all-round players with a high hockey IQ.

Having the option to bring in Merc so quickly worked perfectly for both parties and we are looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table here in Manchester. In terms of our current position, I have always looked to leave enough in the budget to make changes; put pressure on roster spots and build flexibility into the line-up. I feel it is really important to do this as we head into the busiest part of the campaign and bringing in guys with a point to prove is something that has worked well for us in the past.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Joe Rodwell-Grant’s loan deal with Bamber Bridge has been extended until 1st January 2022. The 19-year-old initially joined Jamie Milligan’s side on a month-long deal, which came to an end last weekend, but he will now stay on at league leaders Brig until the new year.

Joe, alongside fellow PNE first-year professional Lewis Coulton, has been heavily involved in recent weeks for the Northern Premier League Premier Division side, opening his account for them in a recent 4-1 victory over Witton Albion. He will now look to carry on gaining minutes and experience with the table toppers and continue their push for promotion.

Best of luck for the rest of your loan spell, Joe!

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Rovers’ home fixture against Middlesbrough in the New Year has been moved to a new date after being selected for live TV broadcast.

The game against Chris Wilder’s side, which was due to be played on Saturday January 22nd, will now take place at Ewood Park on Monday January 24th, kick-off 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium earlier in the season, as Sam Gallagher’s superb strike was cancelled out by Jonny Howson.

Last season’s corresponding fixture at Ewood Park, which was also shown live on Sky Sports, ended in a goalless draw.

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

The founder of the Walk and Talk For Men programme in Preston starts another year supporting Movember today, on 1st November. Rob Flood first began taking part in the initiative – which sees men grow moustaches every November in the name of testicular cancer, prostate cancer and men’s suicide – more than a decade ago, and has since become a Movember community ambassador. Alongside growing a moustache, men taking part will raise funds for the Movember Foundation, which supports men tackling said issues.

Rob, whose own fundraising target is £1,000, explained how becoming a community ambassador set him on a journey that saw Walk and Talk For Men come to fruition in Preston, and subsequently lead to Walk and Talk For Lilywhites – which is run by PNECET and is for both men and women of all ages – being formed, too. “Last year, I set myself a personal challenge to walk 250km for Movember, and as part of that, I met another community ambassador, James Mace, from Essex,” Rob said.

“He had set up a Walk and Talk For Men group and I wanted to do something in Preston that would be more prolonged so that I could actively be in the community and help men to get out and come along for a walk, in Avenham and Miller Park. That’s been quite successful and we have our year anniversary coming up next year.”
Walk and Talk For Lilywhites was then formed in July of this year and Rob recently came down to join the walk, and was pleased to notice the benefits it is providing. “It was nice being able to get down. It’s a big group. It was really nice to see the mix of people and see people who don’t necessarily know each other getting together and sharing a walk.

“You can come and talk about anything and everything in a comfortable environment. With it being outside, for those people who might be isolated, it gets them out of the house and speaking to other people. “It was quite refreshing to see people getting together in an outdoor environment with people they don’t know and being quite comfortable to do that.” Rob is hosting an event at the Market Ale House in Leyland as part of his fundraising activities on Saturday 6th November from 5.30pm, with live music, a raffle and a shave down for men taking part in Movember, with all welcome to join and support the fundraising efforts. Find out more here.

Walk and Talk For Lilywhites is a weekly walking group hosted by Preston North End Community and Education Trust.
Anyone is welcome to join, with walkers meeting at the Sir Tom Finney Splash every Thursday from 10.15am, before setting off around Moor Park at 10.30am. Simply fill in the online PAR-Q by clicking here ahead of your first visit.

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Alan Pace speaks about the partnership between Burnley FC and Burnley College Burnley Football Club Chairman Alan Pace has lauded the recently announced partnership between the club and Burnley College who have become Burnley FC’s first Esports Academy. The Clarets are the first Premier League club to partner with an education establishment to promote the business of Esports through a BTEC qualification in Esports developed by the college.

The BTEC covers business marketing, video game design, event planning, production, broadcasting and journalism to highlight the various pathways students can enter into the rapidly growing industry. Alongside providing students with a wide-ranging education in Esports, the course will also act as a pathway into Burnley FC’s Pro Esports teams as well as additional learning and business opportunities with the club.

Chairman Pace said the club was delighted to have partnered with Burnley College and sees the relationship as another chance for the Clarets to innovate off the pitch and appeal to a brand-new audience. He said: “We’re really excited about this partnership and the opportunities it will afford to students in our local area to learn, develop and hopefully go on to do some really cool things in the Esports space. “We wanted to develop the club’s Esports offering when we first came in as we feel it caters to a rapidly growing, inclusive audience who we want to appeal to as a club – this is the next step in that process.

“The fact that Burnley College run this amazing BTEC and are right on our doorstep made this partnership a no brainer for us. As a Premier League football club, we hope we can bring some additional expertise and opportunities to the table for the students in the local area to forge closer links with us. That’s whether they join our Esports Academy or if we can help them develop their education or business opportunities.”

The new facility will be named the Burnley FC Esports Academy with players from the college representing Burnley FC’s new Esports Academy team named “BEES” in the National Esports League on titles such as Rocket League and Overwatch. Some players will also join up with the Burnley FC Esports Pro’s in the FIFA 22 Global Series.
There are plans over time to increase the size of the joint facilities used at both the college and Turf Moor as the course and teams expand.

Over the last 10 years Esports has grown exponentially and is on course to become a $2 Billion industry, with new Esports arenas being introduced all over the world as demand continues to grow. You can watch how Burnley FC Esports teams get on this season in all tournaments by following the official Burnley FC Twitch channel www.twitch.tv/burnleyfc.

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport, Lancs What's On

The world’s largest IRONKIDS event will be bigger than ever when it returns to Bolton next year.
A record 4,000 young athletes will take part on Saturday July 2 as the event continues to grow in popularity. Registration opens at 1pm on Friday, October 29 on the IRONMAN website. https://www.ironman.com/im-uk
The Night Run will also return next year on July 1 and 1,500 places will be made available at the same time.

Registration is £4 for IRONKIDS and £12 for the Night Run, plus processing fee. Both events will help set the scene for the full IRONMAN UK event on Sunday, July 3 as athletes complete a gruelling 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a full 26.2 mile marathon. Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “We can’t wait for IRONKIDS to return as part of Bolton’s iconic IRONMAN weekend, and we’re delighted the event has been expanded to meet growing demand. “The event is always great fun, bringing people into the town centre and creating a real family atmosphere. “But it also serves a serious purpose by inspiring young people to get involved in sport, and we’re even starting to see former IRONKIDS taking part in the larger events.

“Night Run is also making a welcome return, giving residents of all ages a chance to enjoy themselves and take part.” The race is open to children aged 3 to 15 years old with different distances depending on the school year of the child. Each child will receive an IRONKIDS t-shirt in their entry pack and a medal after completing their run. Sam Braun, Regional Operations Director for IRONMAN UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to bring back both IRONKIDS and Night Run to the one weekend in July next year.

“Along with IRONMAN UK, this festival weekend of sport involves the whole family and encourages fitness through participation and inspiration. “The support from the local community is unparalleled and we are delighted to put on events for all ages.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Under-21s to play November qualifier at Burnley

International football is returning to Turf Moor, with the Clarets chosen to host an England Under-21 fixture in November. Burnley will stage England’s European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic on Thursday, 11 November (KO 7pm). The fixture will be England’s fourth game in Group B as the U21 side – now under the management of former Republic of Ireland international midfielder Lee Carsley – bids to reach the 2023 finals in Romania and Georgia. Burnley chairman Alan Pace said: “We are honoured to be hosting England U21s and bringing international football back to Burnley. “As a club with a passion for developing young homegrown talent, I am sure our supporters will welcome the opportunity to see the country’s most exciting players at Turf Moor and get behind England in this important UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifier.”

England kick off their qualifying campaign at home to Kosovo at Stadium mk on Tuesday, 7 September as they begin their quest to reach their ninth successive appearance in the finals of the competition.

Clarets’ winger Dwight McNeil – who is too old to be eligible this time around – helped England reach the 2021 finals in Hungary and Slovenia before Aidy Boothroyd’s squad missed out on a place in the knock-out stages. Turf Moor was due to host a European U21 qualifier between England and Turkey in March, 2020 before the pandemic forced the game to be postponed but now gets the chance to stage a third international at this level following games in 2014 and 1995.

TICKET PRICES
Tickets for this game are on sale now in the Upper and Lower North Stand initially, from the Turf Moor ticket office and online.

GENERAL ADMISSION
• ADULTS: £15
• CHILDREN/CONCESSION: £5

2021/2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
• ADULTS: £7.50
• CHILDREN/CONCESSIONS: £2.50

BUY ONLINE NOW
GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE (Please contact ticket office direct)
• ADULTS: £7.50
• CHILDREN/CONCESSIONS: £2.50

Alternatively contact the Turf Moor Ticket Office via ticketoffice@burnleyfc.com or call 01282 446800 (Option 2)
“We are honoured to be hosting England U21s and bringing international football back to Burnley. As a club with a passion for developing young homegrown talent, I am sure our supporters will welcome the opportunity to see the country’s most exciting players at Turf Moor and get behind England in this important UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifier

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Tyrhys Dolan showed once again that he’s a class act – both on and off the pitch. To mark World Mental Health Day, the 19-year-old paid a special visit to Our Lady & St John Catholic College in Blackburn.

The club’s official charity, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, work closely with the school, where they deliver the Premier League Inspire project – an education programme aimed at young people aged 11-25, with a key focus on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. Dolan, who has netted three times for Rovers this season, spent time talking to pupils on the programme, offering advice and support, and sharing situations he has experienced in his own life.

There was also a special surprise in store for one young student, who was presented with a Rovers shirt. To collectively recognise World Mental Health Day, EFL clubs and Club Community Organisations have been organising ‘Do One Thing’ activities as an act of kindness to those deserving within their local communities, with the message that if we all do one thing to fight for mental health, we can change everything.

The EFL’s charity partner, Mind, will be taking over the EFL’s social media channels, so keep an eye out for the countless heart-warming gestures that have been taking place at clubs and in local communities up and down the country, in support of World Mental Health Day and the EFL’s #DoOneThing campaign.