Sports News

Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Tshibola has suggested he has left the club to continue his career in Belgium, based on a post on his personal Instagram account.

He said: ‘Let’s play some football ⚽️ happy for this new chapter in ?? can’t wait to start playing again, hungry than ever. Thank you father lord for your blessings & guidance in my life I am truly humbled and grateful I put you first.?? Thank you @avfcofficial and all the fans for your support and opportunity to play for this great club. Thank you @gt_11one’.

The player has never really made the grade at Villa Park, and as they have risen back through the divisions, the likelihood of him making it through to their first-team on a regular basis faded further.

Tshibola signed for Villa in 2016, shortly after they were relegated from the Premier League, but once Steve Bruce took over the Birmingham based side he fell out of favour, and never really became a part of the furniture again.

The Villa man left to attempt to revive his career last season, joining Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, where he played a key role in leading them into the European places in the division, but as Steve Clarke departed for the national job, there was no return for the DR Congo international.

With Villa bringing in a whole host of midfielders over the last few transfer windows, it was clear that there would be no future for the 24-year-old now that they are back in the top flight, so leaving was going to be the only option.

The club is yet to make an official announcement about the departure of the London born player, which is strange considering that the transfer deadline for European clubs closed on Monday, but it would appear as though the midfielder has signed for Waasland Beveren in Belgium, where he will ply his trade in the top flight.

The Reading academy graduate thanked Villa in his statement on social media, and also declared how much he was looking forward to playing regularly again, and getting what was once a highly-rated career back on track, after a couple of years at Villa Park where it stalled.

British Athletics have announced a team of 72 athletes for the 2019 IAAF World Championships, which begin later this month in Doha, Qatar from September 27-October 6.

Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson lead the team into the global gathering following a hugely successful past 12 months for the pair.

Asher-Smith heads to Doha as a triple European champion from 2018 and IAAF Diamond League runner-up this year over 200m while multi-eventer Johnson-Thompson has medalled at every major championships she has attended since the last worlds on home soil in London over two years ago.

Like Asher-Smith, Laura Muir, Zharnel Hughes and Matthew Hudson-Smith all also won individual European gold last summer and earn selection for another World Championships. Hughes will contest the 100m and 200m sprint double alongside Adam Gemili, who claimed the British title in the latter last month, with the pair the first men to do so since Marlon Devonish in Helsinki in 2005.

Gemili will have great memories of the World Championships stage having won 4x100m relay gold in London in 2017 with teammates Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and CJ Ujah forming part of a seven-strong squad along with Richard Kilty.

In total 44 athletes return to the world stage having previously earned selection for London including world indoor champion Andrew Pozzi, European indoor champion Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, race walkers Tom Bosworth and Callum Wilkinson and finalists Lynsey Sharp, Holly Bradshaw, Morgan Lake and Nick Miller, Miller the world No.6 in the hammer in 2019, while a further 24 will make their World Championship debuts for GB & NI in Doha.

Amongst those are European indoor silver medallists Jamie Webb and Tim Duckworth and British champions Ojie Edoburun, Neil Gourley, Harry Coppell and Ben Williams, Williams extending his personal best in the triple jump to 17.27m last month for seventh on the all-time UK list and earning senior selection ten years on from winning the world youth title.

Among the 72 are 12 Scottish athletes with Gourley, Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman occupying all three places in the men’s 1500m, Jemma Reekie stepping up to the world stage having won double European under-23 gold this season and Eilish McColgan, who in addition to the 5000m, is competing in the 10,000m at a global gathering for the first time, an event in which her mother Liz won gold in Tokyo in 1991.

For the second major championships running there are more women (37) selected than men (35) with Cindy Ofili set for her first global outing since finishing an agonising fourth in the 100m hurdles at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Ofili clocked her quickest time since 2016, with a 12.85, in Switzerland on Sunday to guarantee her automatic selection.

With the British team winning an unprecedented medal in each of the four relays in London in 2017, a host of medallists return with 4x100m silver medallists Asha Philip and Daryll Neita running individually in the 100m and in the relay alongside Asher-Smith and fellow European champions Imani-Lara Lansiquot and Ashleigh Nelson as well as Kristal Awuah completing the squad of six.

Similarly, silver medallists from London in the 4x400m Zoey Clark, Laviai Nielsen and Emily Diamond return – with Nielsen and Diamond both running individually in the 400m – with Beth Dobbin and Jodie Williams included – the pair contesting the 200m themselves – as well as Jessica Turner, who doubles up with the 400m hurdles. Amy Allcock and Finette earn their first IAAF World Championships call ups.

In the men’s 4x400m, Martyn Rooney will equal Devonish for the record for the number of World Championship appearances at eight with fellow bronze medallists from London Dwayne Cowan, Rabah Yousif and Hudson-Smith joining him in the squad – Yousif running the individual alongside Hudson-Smith.

Cameron Chalmers is also included while Lee Thompson will make his world debut and Toby Harries is one of three to earn a maiden senior British vest – steeplechase duo Elizabeth Bird and Aimee Pratt completing the trio. The 15 athletes selected across the men’s and women’s 4x400m are also the athletes from which the team for the mixed 4x400m will be selected.

With a first wave of endurance athletes announced back in May, the British team stands at 72. Callum Hawkins will contest the men’s marathon however Dewi Griffiths has unfortunately had to withdraw through injury. Charlotte Purdue and Tish Jones run the women’s marathon and Cameron Corbishley and Dominic King go in the men’s 50km race walk.

Any invites for the IAAF World Championships 2019 in Doha will be considered in line with the British Athletics selection policy. Given the timelines outlined by the IAAF as to when these invites will be received, appeals will not be considered.

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black said: “It gives me great pleasure to name the 72 athletes selected to compete for Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, starting later this month. Given the standard of performances from British athletes this season, and the strength in depth we possess in several events, finalising the team was far from easy and there were some tough decisions to make.

“In the 72 athletes, I truly believe we have selected the strongest team possible to compete for medals on the global stage. The team is full of world-class athletes who over the past two years since we were hosts in London have proven that they belong on the global stage.

“It is great to see so many athletes return having competed in London and also see so many make the step up to the world level for the first time. We have selected more women than men once again for a major championships and special mention needs to go to Martyn Rooney, who is competing at his eighth World Championships, a truly remarkable feat for a great athlete.

“The Championships are going to be held in a challenging climate at the end of what has been a long season already but what pleases me the most is how our athletes and their coaches have approached the challenge and are ensuring that they peak when it matters most. The next three and a half weeks are key in preparing for the Championships and I look forward to watching our athletes flourish in Doha.”

Birmingham 2022 has announced a change in venue for netball, following the recent growth in popularity of the sport.

After a massive increase in its profile since Team England’s gold medal winning heroics on the Gold Coast in 2018 and England’s hosting of the Netball World Cup in July, the sport moves from the Coventry Indoor Arena to the NEC, increasing capacity and allowing more netball fans the opportunity to enjoy the sport in the summer of 2022.

This news comes after a routine review of venues, nearly two years on from Birmingham’s bid, which will also see rugby sevens relocating to the Coventry Stadium, the home of Wasps and the emerging home of Midlands elite rugby. Judo and wrestling will now be held on the same site in Coventry.

The changes mean that Villa Park no longer features as a host venue at the Games. Due to the anticipated early start of the football season in 2022, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off in November that year, Aston Villa has unfortunately been unable to commit to the dates required for the Commonwealth Games in July and August 2022. Detailed assessments of venues included in the bid also revealed a number of challenges in operating Villa Park at Games time.

The venue refresh follows on from the recent announcement that Birmingham’s iconic Edgbaston Stadium is now an official venue for Birmingham 2022, after women’s cricket was added to the sports programme. With beach volleyball added too, there are now even more sports taking place in and around the city.

Liz Nicholl CBE, President of the International Netball Federation welcomed news of the venue change for netball: “We are delighted by Birmingham 2022’s decision to relocate netball for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and fully support this decision. While the Coventry Arena is an excellent venue, this move to the NEC will increase the capacity significantly. This will be welcomed by the netball family and the significant fan base that our sport now attracts, as seen at the recent Netball World Cup in July 2019 when over 110,000 tickets were sold.”

Birmingham 2022 Chief Executive Officer, Ian Reid, explained the announcement of the venue changes: “As is common practice for all major multi-sport events, we have been considering how best to optimise the mix of venues available to us, making sure we’re being as efficient as possible in terms of usage and cost, and ensuring that we are developing a fantastic experience and showcase for the sport, the athletes, the spectators and the host city and region.

“We are delighted to be able to relocate netball into a larger venue as this sport’s profile has massively increased since the 2017 bid. We’re disappointed that Villa Park will unfortunately no longer be part of our venue portfolio, however we hope to continue working closely with Aston Villa in the run up to the Games.”

Nicola Ibbetson, Chief Commercial Officer of Aston Villa said: “Although Villa Park will unfortunately no longer be a Games venue, we are continuing to discuss ways Aston Villa can help support Birmingham 2022 in hosting this prestigious event.”

Chief Executive (Venue) at Wasps, Stuart Cain, said: “We’ve built a great reputation for staging top-level rugby union at the Coventry Stadium having hosted Six Nations games, European semi-final matches, as well as obviously all Wasps home games. This is a great extension and gives us the chance to work with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to deliver another successful rugby tournament in the region. We’re also excited to host the wrestling and judo within the Coventry Indoor Arena, adding to the diversity of sports we’ve already accommodated at the stadium.”

The latest venue update has now been approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Executive Board, ahead of its General Assembly in Rwanda, which will see a team from Birmingham 2022 presenting an update on preparations for the event to representatives from the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories from across the globe.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held in venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands from 27 July until 7 August 2022 and will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the city on the map and to showcase the fantastic venues and facilities available in the region.

Some 40-plus specially invited guests we amongst a large, exciting yet tearfully emotional, crowd as the ‘Pre Knockdown Game’ saw some of footballs former star names turn out to say their final ‘Good Bye’ as the bulldozers laid in wait to begin redeveloping the aging athletics venue in time for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

The Birmingham Commonwealth Association (BCA), partnered by United Community Activity Network and supported by Birmingham City Council, held the Commonwealth event prior to its partial demolition and redevelopment with footballing hierarchy including; David Barnett, Tony Daley, Paul Devlin, Darren Byfield, Dennis Bailey, Darren Carter and Deon Burton just some of the star names who turned out for this absolutely ‘final’ sporting event before the diggers roll in.

With a barnstorming parade, by the Warwickshire and West Midlands Army Cadets to excite and make proud a large turn-out, the ‘kick about’ hosted by the legendary ‘Voice of Midlands Football’, Tom Ross, ‘kind of’ assisted by Ethics Committee Member at Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Rebecca Hemmings and bespoke poet Dave Wilks, all was set fair for a day of fun and frivolities at this, the very last ‘hurrah’ at the home of British Athletics.

Keith Stokes-Smith, chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, said: “This free multi sports day was an opportunity for everyone to say their last ‘good-bye’ before the big redevelopment.

The event, with a commonwealth twist, was an ideal way for all to say their last ‘good-by’ and ‘hello’ to a new dawning for the Alexander Stadium as we move ever closer to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games”.

The Games are expected to take place between July, 27and August 7.

Immortalised at the club where he made his name, now former Wolverhampton Wanders and England footballing legend, Sir Billy Wright, has been further immortalised with blue plaque which was unveiled at his childhood home.

Wright, the first England player to notch up more than 100 caps, captaining them 90 times, has a statute outside Wolves' Molineux ground – in front of the main stand which bears his name - grew up on New Road in Ironbridge, in Shropshire, where the plaque was revealed.

At the unveiling, his daughters said it was "so exciting" to see their dad honoured. Vicky Wright was joined by sister Babette at the unveiling and both were set to stay overnight at the house for the first time afterwards.

She said: "My sister and I are honoured to be to be in the position where we can honour his memory. "The people of Ironbridge and Wolverhampton just adore him.

"My sister and I are really, really close, and we just adored him, he was the most incredible dad." Sir Billy spent his entire playing career at Wolves, making 490 appearances before retiring in 1959.

After hanging up his boots, Wright managed Arsenal and was married to Joy Beverley, of the 1950s pop group The Beverley Sisters – they were the original ‘Posh & Becks’.

The New Road house now home to Viv and Tony Moore; they said they were "thrilled" to be linked with its legacy.

The 45th WorldSkills Competition saw 1,354 young professionals from 63 countries and regions compete in 56 skills in the Russian city of Kazan, with India creating their own history by winning 4 medals there.

Demonstrating an exceptionally high level of vocational education and training, as well as teamwork abilities, a truly unforgettable event saw the young competitors challenging for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as the Medallion of Excellence and the Albert Vidal Award.

With skills grouped into six sectors at the KAZAN EXPO International Exhibition Centre - including; Construction and Building Technology, Creative Arts & Fashion, Information and Communication Technology, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, Social and Personal Services, plus Transportation and Logistics – competition remained high and exciting during the week-long fare.

Team UK won four medals - two of them gold (Rebecca West, from Sussex Downs College, in Beauty Therapy and Nottingham University’s Haydn Jakes of, in Aircraft Maintenance), with Connor McKevitt, trained by Riverpark Training and employed by Wrights Accident Repair Centre, claiming a Silver in Car Painting, while Phoebe McLavy from Coleg Sir Gar, employed by Morgan Edward Salon, winning Bronze in Hairdressing.

The team were also awarded 15 medallions of excellence – which are given to competitors who have achieved the international standard in their skill.

Neil Bentley-Gockmann, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, said: "The members of Team UK, all under-25 years, championed the UK focus on skills development in front of a global audience, sending a strong message that the UK is a world-class place to invest, do business and create jobs.

"Governments, education and industry need to continue to work with us to make sure the UK stays at the cutting edge of global best practice in skills development."

Also speaking after the event, India’s Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said: "This time we expect India to occupy a slot between one and 10 among 63 participating countries here...We are trying to bring forward the talents of the Indian youth".

One of the legacies of WorldSkills Competitions is the increased visibility of skilled professional education, as one of the tools of social and economic transformation.

The competition also provides leaders in industry, government, and education with the opportunity to exchange information and best practices regarding industry and professional education.

With developments officially now underway, the last hurrah for the Alexander Stadium – as we know it now – saw a host of record-breaking stars out to book their flight tickets for Doha and the 2019 edition of the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Müller British Athletics Championships.

Record-holder Dina Asher-Smith, European champion Matt Hudson-Smith, Eilish McColgan and, somewhat surprisingly, Ojie Edoburun, guaranteed their respective Team GB vests with Championship, Season and Personal Bests a-plenty at the Trials.

Triple European champion, Asher-Smith, who broke her own British Championship record and is planning to compete at 100m and 200m, said: "I'm just happy I've booked my seat for at least one of the events." On the possibility of doubling-up, she added: "It's all about the progression to the World Championships."

A hugely delighted Edoburun, 23, said he was "very, very happy" after claiming victory by one thousandth of a second.

"I'm not going to cry on TV. It's taken me so long to figure out what works for me, while seeing my peers excel," he said. "I was so scared, having flashbacks of all the bad trials I've had over the years."

On a day where many other stars such as Morgan Lake, Tim Duckworth, Harry Hughes, Rosie Clarke and Jodie Williams confirmed their places in the squad for Doha, it was a particularly fitting way to give the Alexander Stadium its big send-off before it undergoes major redevelopments in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in 2022, with Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, saying: “We’re now in an exciting phase of the design process where we would like to share our plans for the future with the community and hear their thoughts.

“The team has designed a redeveloped stadium which will meet the needs and aspirations of the community for generations to come. This is about creating a destination venue, shaping a legacy beyond the Commonwealth Games.”

The changes to the 40-year-old stadium will include an increase in permanent seating capacity from 12,700 to 18,000, allowing up to 40,000 during the Games through additional temporary seating.

The Perry Barr venue, which is the home of UK Athletics, will host the athletics plus the opening and closing ceremonies at the Games, set to take place from July 27 to August 7, 2022.

The brainchild of the late Sted Wallen, this Sunday (August 25) marks the 21^st anniversary of the Birmingham Sports & Culture Day – the family-friendly fun day providing top-class international cricket, live music, children’s entertainment and an abundance of fantastic food and drink to wile the day away.

It will be two years – almost to the day – since one of the city’s greatest modern-day mandarins so suddenly parted, but his presence will be very much felt by the thousands who are expected to attend the mass day of celebration – and reminiscence – for one of Jamaica and the entire Caribbean’s, multicultural Birmingham’s, cricket’s and, in fact, life’s own greatest ‘son’.

Playing for the ‘Sted Wallen Memorial Cup’, stars of local national and first class international cricket will be at Handsworth Cricket Club, in Handsworth Park, Birmingham, this Bank Holiday where all of ‘his community’; that is everybody – man, women and children of all nations – get together to celebrate the true winner; Sted’s memory.

Start Time - 12:00.

The Vitality Netball Superleague is entering its 15^th year and to help mark the occasion and continue building the excitement that surrounds the league, the 2020 Season Opener event is changing.

This season the opening round will be in addition to the normal 18 rounds. This will make the regular season 19 rounds long, giving fans more action-packed and thrilling netball to look forward to.

The fixtures for this extra round are determined by where teams finished in the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague. Reigning champions Manchester Thunder will take on second place Wasps Netball, third place Team Bath will play Loughborough Lightning and so on.

The new and highly anticipated Season Opener will see the teams return to Arena Birmingham on Saturday 22 February 2020.

The additional round will contribute to the regular season and count towards each club total points, the other 18 rounds will see teams play each other home and away, deciding who finishes in the top four to fight for a place in the Grand Final. The top seven sides will qualify for the British All-Star Fast5 Championship along with the competitions’ defending champions.

The additional round means that each team will play the Season Opener as well as nine home and nine away fixtures.

With Vitality Netball Superleague television audiences up by 27% in 2019 compared to 2018, this new addition to the calendar contributes towards the growing demand for elite netball in the United Kingdom.

Mark Evans, Independent Chair of the Vitality Netball Superleague, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Arena Birmingham after a very successful event in 2019. It is always a wonderful start to the season and this year a change in format should see five really tight competitive games – making a great event even better.

“A re-run of last year’s Grand Final will be the highlight of the day but fans of all the clubs will be excited to see their favourites in action. The season itself should be our best yet, as the sport goes from strength-to-strength.”

The fixtures are as follows:

11:00 Strathclyde Sirens v London Pulse 12:30 Celtic Dragons v Surrey Storm 14:00 Saracens Mavericks v Severn Stars 15:30 Team Bath v Loughborough Lightning 17:00 Wasps v Manchester Thunder

Surrey Storm Director of Netball, Mikki Austin, said: “Season Opener 2020 is sure to be a hugely exciting start to the season! Not only does the Vitality Netball Superleague provide world-class sporting action but also exceptional entertainment and events.

“With all teams under one roof you get a chance to look at all the line-ups really early on. This time though the formatting will be different, with this being a bonus additional round with a chance for teams to get some extra points on the board, we know how vital that can prove to be at the end of the year!”

The best in the country will descend on Birmingham this coming weekend as British titles and spots on the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team for the IAAF World Championships are decided.

Dina Asher-Smith headlines a weekend of incredible athletics at the Alexander Stadium where the top athletes in the country compete alongside the up-and-coming.

Triple European champion from 2018, Asher-Smith is fresh off the back of a second-place finish in the 200m at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham but will contest the 100m where she’ll look to defend her title after clocking a Championship record on the way to victory in 2018.

In the men’s equivalent, Zharnel Hughes is huge favourite to claim his first British 100m title. Hughes’ time of 9.95 seconds at the Müller Anniversary Games makes him the fastest man in the field, with his presence in the 200m field as well an eye-catcher given no man has won both titles since Marlon Devonish in 2007.

In the women’s 200m, Beth Dobbin will look to defend her title in the same stadium where she broke the Championship record last year, with closest competition likely to come from Jodie Williams and Ashleigh Nelson among others.

In field action, European indoor silver medallist Holly Bradshaw (Scott Simpson; Blackburn)goes in search of a seventh British outdoor title in the women’s pole vault, while Commonwealth champion and world No.4 Nick Miller goes in the hammer throw. With both athletes already holding the world qualifying standards in their events respectively, they will look to secure a top-two finish to complete the job.

On the long jump runway - and having finally leapt the qualifying mark at last Sunday’s Müller Grand Prix Birmingham at the Alexander Stadium - Abigail Irozuru will be seeking to confirm her place on the team in Doha as she continues a fine return to the sport.

Sure to be hot on Irozuru’s heels, though all in need of the qualifying mark themselves, areLorraine Ugen, Shara Proctor and Jazmin Sawyers, with the trio all playing starring roles in a memorable competition last time out.

Leading the charge in the men’s 800m is European indoor silver medallist Jamie Webb, with his personal best of 1:44.52 set this year the quickest time produced by a Brit since 2013. With the event seeing eight athletes hold the world qualifying standard however, it is all to play for.

With only five of the eight qualifiers racing the 800m, the other three missing qualifiers have opted for the 1500m instead. Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr and Charlie Da’Vall Grice all hold the standards over both events,three of five in total who have the world qualifier in the 1500m with all of them racing the distance this weekend.

The women’s 5000m sees international medallists Eilish McColgan, Laura Weightman and Melissa Courtney as the leading trio coming into the event, with five out of the seven in total who have the standard racing.

Major Events Director, Cherry Alexander OBE said: “The Müller British Athletics Championships is one of the stand-out fixtures in the calendar for our sport and holds pivotal importance in the season.

“With places up for grabs in the team for the IAAF World Championships, and also several of the country’s leading para athletes competing here as a crucial part of their preparation for the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai later in the year, this is set to be a hotly-contested two days of domestic athletics action.

“In regards to engaging the local community, we are also playing host to another Couch to 5k for women only before the action begins on day two (Sunday 25 August) of the championships, with all of those who take part receiving a complimentary ticket to watch Sunday’s action.”

“Finally, we look forward to welcoming both fans and athletes to Birmingham for this bumper weekend of athletics, and once again we are delighted to have the support of BBC once again who are broadcasting the Championships across the network.”

When he finished breaking records on the track, Usain Bolt’s newest venture had a lot to live up to. But, with the latest Tracks & Records breaking records of its’ own, the legendary multi Gold Medal-winning ‘Sprint King’ is making sure that he’s first past the post – in a ‘fine dining’ way.

The first of what he intends to be a worldwide ‘explosion’, the fourth of the chain of restaurants, in London, in the UK, is already proving a massive hit for all connected.

Opened just a short walk away from the Liverpool Street train and underground tube stations in EC1, the concept is attracting a massive, regular, flow of high-profiled personalities, as well as ‘quality cuisine’ fans since its launch in October 2018.

Already wowing foodies in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Motego Bay,in Jamaica, this latest Tracks & Records, on Middlesex Street, is creating the most tantalising of aromas - with Bolt's own favourite scintillating dishes like; jerk chicken, pork and fried fish Caribbean-style spring roll and cassava,packed full of authentic seasonings and spices –is already proving to be a crowd-pleaser.And with over 100 varieties of authentic Jamaican rums available,for that perfect accommodating drink, along with a unique selection of signature cocktails, the Olympic champion’s bold, new dawning will prove to be the start of big things in Britain.

Split into two floors, there’s a large dance area downstairs where DJs can provide guests with music and entertainment until the early hours with a large space decked out with a variety of Bolt’s sports memorabilia, modern art and classic vinyl discs. Or, for something more intimate, you can spend your time away in a personally acquired booth.

Not one to rest on his laurelsTracks & Records – endorsed by. His Excellence Seth George Ramocan, CD, the High Commissioner for Jamaica. In London, and his lady wife, Dr Lola, both of whom have already maid several visits - offer an authentic Caribbean experience; with Olympic hero Bolt planning 15 further sites across the UK alone.

Charity cash raised at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon is on target to smash previous years – with donations through the Official Fundraising Partner up by a FIFTH on 2018.

Donations through Virgin Money Giving are already up by a fifth on 2018, when £24.8m was raised, contributing to the overall event total of £63.7million - a world record for an annual single-day fundraiser for a twelfth successive year.

The average raised per runner last year through the Virgin platform was £2,100, and organisers expect that to rise significantly for this Sunday’s event.

Meanwhile, research by London Marathon sponsor, Virgin Money, to find out what drives people to run a marathon shows that raising money for charity close to their heart was the main motivation for a fifth of those who have run one, while the same number did it for a personal challenge.

That’s compared to 22% of men and 14% of women who are inspired to run purely for the enjoyment of running. 12% of marathon runners have taken on a marathon to improve their fitness, whilst other personal goals like weight loss (9%) and mental or emotional health benefits (9%) are also big motivators. 10% of marathon runners find motivation in honoring a lost loved one.

Over two thirds (67%) of young Brits have running a marathon on their ’bucket list’ and of those surveyed 24% of men have already run one compared to 11% of women.

For marathon virgins, their biggest fear of participating in the event is not being fit enough (63%). Just over a quarter (27%) feel apprehensive about the amount of personal time training would require and another quarter (24%) cite fear of failure as a barrier to participation.

The cost of the preparation for the event also raises a few concerns, with people feeling that if they are going to do it, it should be done properly and with the right training and equipment. Within the list of items needed, 43% feel that healthy eating is a priority, followed closely by purchasing a new pair of running shoes (33%), stocking up on gels and energy drinks (27%) and buying a heart monitor such as a FitBit (16%).

58% of those polled feel that running a marathon would have zero negative effects on their life however for 16% of people there is concern that marathon training would negatively affect personal relationships and their sex life.

Over a third of the respondents are prepared to change their lifestyle and cut down on their eating and drinking habits as well as socialising in order to prepare for the event. Over a third are happy to cut down on things like alcohol and eating sweets or eating treats (34%). 28% would give up having late nights, while 17% would give up smoking and 16% would avoid partying.

Running in fancy dress is a huge part of this annual fundraising event. A fifth of the respondents feel that if their friends or family participate in the marathon dressed up, then this would encourage them to donate to their cause.

The most popular fancy dress choices people feel would motivate friends and family to sponsor are:

• Donald Trump
• An adult in a nappy
• Dressing in a tutu
• A nun
• Lederhosen
• A banana
• A Smurf

Louise Hodges, Head of Consumer Communications at Virgin Money, said: “The psychology of running is fascinating and the reasons people choose to take on a marathon are innately personal and unique. Our research shows however that running with a purpose and cause in mind is the most motivating influence on both the runner’s motivation and the support friends and family offer them. We are delighted that this year’s fundraising efforts look set to smash all previous year’s records for the Virgin Money London Marathon.  Whatever their motivation we wish each and every runner every success at Sunday’s event and are so grateful to them all for going the extra mile for their chosen charities and causes. These are the heroes of the day and the reason why the marathon is an iconic event every year.”

Khadijah Mellah made history yesterday by becoming the first British Muslim jockey in the UK to win a race when landing the Magnolia Cup charity race on day three of the Qatar Goodwood Festival in dramatic style.

The 18-year-old, from Peckham, remarkably beat a field of 11 other riders in the female only charity race which included Olympian Victoria Pendleton and Vogue Williams.

She first learnt to ride at the charity, Ebony Horse Club in Brixton and her journey from South East London to winning at one of the world’s most famous racecourses will be the subject of a documentary, ‘Riding A Dream’, which will air later this year.

Of her incredible and ground-breaking achievement, Khadijah said, “That was such an unbelievable experience. It is just mind blowing to think that I was even in the same race as Victoria Pendleton, let alone to beat her and the rest of the women. Even in my wildest dreams I never imagined this could happen. I only sat on a racehorse a couple of months ago and I am just never going to forget this day. To be honest, I want to go back and do it all over again – what an incredible feeling!”

ITV Racing presenter, Oli Bell who is producing the film ‘Riding A Dream’ said, “That was completely and utterly amazing, I had my heart in my mouth the whole race. I can’t believe she’s done it and I couldn’t be prouder of Khadijah. We’ve been documenting her journey for the last six months and what she’s accomplished is nothing short of remarkable – it’s hard to overstate the extent of her achievement. She’s been learning to race-ride whilst also having to take her A-levels and a large period of this process was during Ramadan but she has taken it all in her stride, as was the case in front of a massive crowd. I hope that people will see what Khadijah’s achieved and feel inspired. This is a significant moment, not just in racing but in the wider sporting world.”

Charlie Fellowes who trained Khadijah’s horse, Haverland, and with whom she has been based for much of her training said, “Khadijah’s just a legend. I’ve never known anyone with so much focus and determination. I’ll be honest, when she came to the yard probably six – eight weeks ago, I wasn’t sure that she would make it. Racehorses are such highly strung animals and they are completely different to the horses that she will have ridden at Ebony Horse Club. But with every setback she has just worked harder. She’s turned up, put the hard hours in and she has done it. I had a winner here earlier this week but seeing her cross the finishing line in first place is definitely up there with that. I am absolutely thrilled for her.”

David Fleming, Engagement Manager from the charity Ebony Horse Club was on course with a group of ten young riders from the club to watch Khadijah compete. He said, “We all got a real kick out of watching Khadijah do so brilliantly. It takes a special kind of person to do what she has done and that’s why we put her forward to ride in the race and be in the documentary, ‘Riding A Dream’. Ebony Horse Club is a special place and we support 160 children and young people each week with horse related activities. To see one of our riders win at Goodwood is amazing and hopefully more of them will want to get into racing after today.”

‘Riding A Dream’ has been funded by Great British Racing, Goodwood Racecourse and the Racing Foundation as official partners. It is directed by Mattia Reiniger and Tom Bolwell, and produced by Oli Bell and his brother Philip Bell.

Statistics gathered by the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out shows that reports of racism in English football has risen by 43%.

And, according to the charity’s chief, Roisin Wood, the claim is that reported racist abuse in the game can be linked to Brexit.

Figures released have marked an increase last season; from 192 to 274, with the charity’s director declaring, "I think you can't not link them together.

"We're seeing a lot of reports of 'go back to where you came from' which we haven't seen for a while which seems to be on the back of Brexit."

Reports of abuse in professional and grassroots football have increased by 32% to 422, up from 319 during 2017-18. A further 159 reports were received via social media, with faith-based discrimination - including Islamophobia and anti-Semitism - rose by 75% from 36 to 63, a higher percentage than any other form of abuse during the period.

“It is the seventh consecutive year reported incidents of discrimination within football have increased, with the 581 total reports is more than double the figure from five years ago”, Wood said.

"If we're seeing a rise in hate crime, the Home Office, and other bodies, are seeing a rise in hate crime.

“And it's linked because that's what is going on in society at the moment.

"Some of the social media reports we've seen you wouldn't want anyone to see.

“Education is key to combating racism”, said England manager, Gareth Southgate:– which must mean ‘in all aspects’ of the game – from boardroom to grassroots!

Some of football’s leading figures descended onto West Bromwich Albion’s The Hawthorns to join members of the late Cyrille Regis and to play their part in the official launch of the Cyrille Regis Legacy Trust and to unveil the flagship ‘Strike a Change’ mentoring programme launched in the name of the late former England international.

With former players, who were inspired by him, there to support the legend’s widow, Julia and brother, Dave, community trusts and foundations from all six West Midlands clubs (Albion, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Coventry City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall) came together for a series of workshops, with local heroes sharing their knowledge and wisdom with more than 100 young people.

A two-year programme supporting 14 and 15-year-old disengaged students with a passion for football the scheme presents a unique opportunity to work across geographical boundaries and club rivalries.

“I didn’t realise I could have a career in football until I saw Cyrille,” said former England international Les Ferdinand – who is now director of football at QPR, the. “With that kind of impact he made on me, to see this programme coming to fruition is exactly what modern football needs.

“I hope they listen and be prepared to learn”, said former Wolves player Gavin Mahon.

James and Adam Chambers became the first twins to play for England and both recalled the impact Regis had on them as they made their way through the Albion ranks shortly during his time there: “Don’t worry about what you CAN’T do”, James said. “Concentrate on what you CAN do”!

Cyrille’s former teammate at Vila, Tony Daley, added: “His presence and integrity made a huge impact on me – during my playing career and my life in general, with his calmness making me feel relaxed through some of my dark days”.

“Think big and listen - especially to your parents” brother, Dave said. “Not every young person has a parent or family member to guide them through times of hardship.

“I’d like to express huge gratitude to all six clubs for coming together in Cyrille’s name for a programme of real meaning. It’s humbling. We’re truly honoured”.

“Mentoring was a passion for Cyrille”, Julia said. "It was the part of his job as an agent that he loved the most.

"So we thought what better way than to start the charity and a mentoring scheme."

"I would like to see all these young boys and girls dream big to believe in themselves and understand that they can achieve what they put their mind to achieve. I would like to see them inspired and to grow as individuals."

The ‘Strike a Change’ mentoring scheme provides a unique opportunity to work with young people across geographical boundaries and club rivalries, exploring major issues such as Equality, Mental Health and Social Responsibility.

The charity is focused on three areas Julia discussed with Cyrille before his sudden passing last year – grassroots football, breaking down barriers, and mentoring.

Great Britain couldn't sign off their best ever performance at a FIBA Women's EuroBasket with a maiden medal at the event, but leave Belgrade proud of an amazing and historic success.

Missing out on the bronze medal to local favourites Serbia who secured a comfortable 81-55 success, Chema Buceta and his team can reflect not only on their best ever finish by some distance, but a place in next year's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Temi Fagbenle may also soon have a further reasons to celebrate, since her 23 points solidified her as a leading candidate for the Tournament All-Star Five.

"We were beaten by the better team and they were better in all areas," said Rachael Vanderwal after the contest.

"It's been a long tournament and both emotionally and physically we just weren't there tonight. But the big picture shows how far we have come. From not even qualifying in 2017, to fighting for a medal."

Great Britain head coach, Chema Buceta stated: " Serbia had a great day but we need to look at that big picture which Rachael (Vanderwal) talked about. We are here talking about Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. This is amazing.

"Of course we would liked to have won this game, but we are playing against a great team, like we did in the Semi-Final against France.

"We have to be very happy with what we have done in this tournament. we have raised the level on the court, but now other people involved have to make sure they also do more," added the play-caller."