GIRLS GET MOVING ON GOVERNMENT CRIME AGENDA

LOCSP Press Release: Monday 14 September 2009

GIRLS GET MOVING ON GOVERNMENT CRIME AGENDA
Free sports taster sessions success at SCORE

Leyton, London – Last week saw girls across the country join together to and get involved with sports, arts and leisure activities as part of Positive Futures’ National Girls Get Moving Week.

Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) Positive Futures held a free multi-sports taster event for girls aged 8-21 years old at SCORE on Friday with a range of activities available including football, basketball, handball, volleyball and badminton.

Over 20 girls attended from across Waltham Forest to participate in the week, with many of those present having an interest in sport but not necessarily the access to facilities or coaches to become involved.

Hajan, 14, from Leyton said:
“I like playing sports especially handball and football. Handball was a really fun activity today.

“Sometimes girls just play the more ‘traditional’ girls sports like netball because they know that they are only played by girls and they feel they shouldn’t play any other games, but I think boys and girls should play everything.”

Kana, 14, Walthamstow said:
“At school we have a girl’s netball, football, athletic and aerobic team so I am used to playing sport, but today has shown me other sports. If I wasn’t here today I probably would be at home or with my friends.”

Dohar, 17, Walthamstow said:
“Events like this are important because it is about equal opportunities. Girls shouldn’t feel restricted and think that ‘boys only play sport’ or they can’t play because they think ‘I am the only girl playing’.”

Aisha, 14, Walthamstow said:
“There are some people in some places who provide opportunities for girls but in most places there isn’t. However, I do Kung Fu at school, but we don’t really have much for just girls-only like this.”

Nadia, 19, Leytonstone said:
“I had a lot of fun today and there were a lot of opportunities to play different sports I hadn’t played here before. There were lots of girls of all ages here today participating and I’ll definitely come back, but will be bringing my friends.”

Shamajul Motin, LOCSP Community Development Officer said:
“Today was a fantastic opportunity to display and showcase the various sporting activities LOCSP can offer girls and it was really pleasing to see such enthusiasm and commitment from the participants here.

“The feedback we got was great as the group wanted to continue the sports on offer here back at their various youth clubs and schools which is exactly the message we want to hear.

“At first, when explaining the different types of sports they would be playing such as Handball and Volleyball, some girls were not very keen as they have never played the sport before. However, after trying each sport, Handball was their favourite sport by some distance and they were all very keen to continue playing it.

“A lot of the time sports are offered to young people without really any consultation in what they actually want, however, after today we will now look at delivering Handball to these participants at their clubs and schools and hopefully attract more girls to participate in sports and physical activity.”

To find out about Positive Futures and LOCSP projects in east London call Shamajul Motin, LOCSP Community Development Officer on 020 8556 5973 or email shamajul.motin@locsp.org.

LOASS INTRODUCTION

About LOASS
Formed in 1997 Leyton Orient Advanced Soccer School (LOASS) provides a direct link between the local football-playing community and Leyton Orient FC through its 12 teams.

Supported by Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP), LOASS received national recognition after gaining the prestigious Football Association Chartered Standard Community Club Award - presented to those clubs who have consistently raised their standards and lead the field in promoting best football practice, both on and off the pitch in grassroots football (http://www.loass.intheteam.com/).

Maintaining an ethos all the way through its teams of developing players as well as people, LOASS provides opportunities for their players to play at a slightly higher level of football than what they are used to.

The club is open to anyone and everyone, including other coaches and managers and actively shares its ideas with other teams and has no problems with other teams coming in and looking at their sessions – even to opposition players.

Every summer sees all the LOASS teams join together for their annual awards ceremony held at Leyton Orient FC’s Matchroom Stadium with over 200 young people plus coaches, managers and adults involved - highlighting the inclusiveness and family feel that LOASS has.

The links with Leyton Orient FC are an integral part of LOASS and many of their players have passed through the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence, which is run by former LOASS Director of Football Ross Embleton.

LOASS currently has around 10 players with the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence and in the next few years more will hopefully get a showing in the academy team and many of these players can be seen in action in the regular LOASS v LOFC Centre of Excellence Football Festivals.

Away from the playing side LOASS encourages its players through LOCSP to help out with coaching and refereeing for their community sessions across London and provides pathways to becoming a coach.

This extra curricular work continues with college-leaving aged players enrolling on courses at the University of East London (UEL) and UEL sports students using LOASS to complete their courses.

LOASS exists through its generous team of volunteer coaches and administrators combined with player subs and its sponsorship with UEL. However, you can help LOASS to continue to produce the next generation of young players and coaches by donating to their cause.

Club Secretary Steve Jones said, “The FA Chartered Standard Award shows potential fund donors that we are a club who will not misuse funds and ensure that it is put into the right areas of the club and players’ development.”

For more information about how you can help please contact Steve Jones, LOASS Secretary General on 07815 764808, email loass_secretary@hotmail.com or visit their website at http://www.loass.intheteam.com/

LOASS 2009/2010 SEASON PREVIEW

U8
Manager: Tom Prendergast
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

U9
Manager: Gavin Prince
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

Last season was a good one for the 2009/2010 U9’s squad. They were one of the best passing teams in their age range, winning the ‘Best Footballing Team’ award at in the Brimsdown 5-a-side Football Tournament.

However, they did lack the physical edge to their game which showed on the end of season tour to the Butlins Football Tournament in Skegness, as they were unable to progress out of the group stages.

U9s Manager and LOASS Manager of the season, Gavin Prince said:

“’I was extremely pleased with my team last season; they played good football, won loads of games and scored loads of goals. Throughout the season, they developed really well.”

Although there wasn’t a competitive league for the U9s last year, they applied themselves admirably in their friendly games dominating teams with their football.

Gavin has progressed six players from LOASS U9s to the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence for the 2009/2010 season, highlighting the success of his side.

Gavin is optimistic for the coming season where his team will be playing in a league for the first time.

“The league will be extremely difficult, but I hope every player improves. As a squad we have lost a large number of players to the Centre and because of age, therefore I hope the team I do have will gel as quickly as possible and continue to play good football.’’

U10
Manager: Robert Tromans
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

A good last year for the U10s 2009/2010 squad where they narrowly missed out on winning honours. They finished second in the Super League, got knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the League Cup and to cap the season off; were beaten semi-finalists at the end of season tour to Skegness.

Manager Rob Tromans was happy with how things went though:

“’We struggled at the start of the season due to losing players and new ones starting. Throughout the season though the players developed extremely well and team performances reflected this.’’

With every age group the ultimate aim is for the players to develop and move up to the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence, something that Rob strongly agrees with, but Rob also hopes to win something whilst seeing his team develop:

“Hopefully next season one or two of my players will move up to the Centre, but I want to continue the development of each individual by steady individual improvement and team performance throughout the season.’’

So a good season of development and hopefully success is ahead of the U10’s with this being their last season at 7-a-side level before moving to the full 11-a-side format.

U10 GIRLS
Manager: Athena Yennaris
2009/2010 League: Essex County Girls Football League

A new team starting this season for LOASS is the Girls U10 side, managed by Athena Yennaris.

A large turnout was present for the trials this year and a competitive pool of players to chose from to represent LOASS.

Manager Athena Yennaris is eagerly waiting to work with, and progressing, them, after honing her coaching skills in the United States this summer.

“I am looking forward to coaching and helping these young girls progress as footballers and achieve their highest ability in football.

“I feel this year, as it’s my first, I have a lot to learn personally but I have great experience from playing myself which I hope to pass onto my players.

“Our main aim this season, as of all the LOASS teams, is to promote players to the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence and we hope to do this by getting the girls to play as a team and improve not just as individuals but teammates as well.”

U11
Manager: James Gladwin
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

Last season saw the U11s current squad secure a strong fifth place in their division. No cups were won but the fact that two players signed for the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence meant that at least the team were making the right step forward.

Last season’s Manager Jimmy Lenton was very pleased with their season as a whole.

“We played good passing football, with a good balance throughout the team. It’s never about winning at LOASS; it’s about developing a player so they can be the best they can be. We had good teamwork and developed them so they can get ready to go from 7-a-side to 11-a-side when they move up their age group this season.’’

With 24 players in their squad, Jimmy said that it was vital they all got the same opportunity to showcase their skills.

With Jimmy stepping down from managerial duties, James Gladwin is the new manager and is looking forward to working with the squad.

“This season I would like the team to establish itself as a strong Under 11 side and adapt their game to playing 11-a-side football which can be quite a jump for these players at their age.”

U12
Manager: Bradley Wiginton
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

Last season saw the current U12 squad play their first season in the 11-a-side format, performing well, something that their then manager, Paul Motion was delighted with.

“It was the boys first year at 11-a-side and they adapted well. They played really good football, which I expected as they all have good footballing brains.’’

“Last season we had a really bright start but just lacked consistency. Overall it went well - we finished mid-table in the league as well as making the semi-finals of the League Cup.’’

This season, Paul has stepped down to allow Bradley Wiginton to take charge and he is looking forward to it.

“Obviously, I want to take them to the next step and get them playing more consistently whilst still playing good football.’’

After a year of experience on the 11-a-side pitch, the U12’s can take the experience gained from last year to help them with their quest for silverware this year and the ultimate aim of players reaching the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence.

U13
Manager: Tony Murphy
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

After a cup-winning season and promotion from the Echo B Division last season for the current U13 squad, there is much optimism for this season, something reflected by Manager Tony Murphy.

“Last season was very successful. The team produced some excellent football. We won the League Cup and were unlucky to finish runners-up in the league. The team is showing signs of turning into a really good side.’’

With a 2-0 victory over Woodford B, the team secured LOASS’ first piece of silverware of last season. Promotion was soon to follow and that capped off a great season for Tony and his team. When asked about his ambitions for next season, Tony said:

“Obviously to keep developing as a team, but we all like to win things, so finishing top of the league and winning the cup again!

“However, the main focus is developing all the boys to the best of my ability and making sure that they enjoy every minute of it.’’

A very successful season was also completed with a tour to Skegness for the Butlins football tournament which started brightly but then crumbled as they didn’t manage to get out the group stages.

“It was disappointing after having such an impressive season. The team performed well on the first day winning both games but the second day ended in disaster losing both games 4-0.’’

Despite this setback, there is still hope for next season in a higher division and hopefully more silverware can be gained.

U14
Manager: Andy Asque
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

The U14s had an excellent start to last season at U13 level, with the whole team gelling extremely well.Pre-season was promising with a 16-1 win on the first day leaving everyone in a buoyant mood.

Travelling away well the side even beat Dagenham away, 22-0 with every player in the squad scoring including the ‘keeper.Going into the league saw eight straight wins and alongside a good League Cup run everyone was feeling positive. However, an extra time defeat in the County Cup to one of the top three teams in London blighted their form going into the Christmas break.

The start of 2009 saw bad weather disrupt the fixtures and the team, who went lost their first league match in 14 months at home to Jets, followed by an away draw to title contenders Barn Sports.

However the players showed resilience and belief going on to win every game right through tothe end of the season beating both Jets (5-1) and in the League Cup Final Barn Sports (4-0), to complete another double winning season.
The end of season stats showed the side had scored 147 league goals and 50 in the cups.

Manager Andy Asque said:

“We all think of last season with fond memories. I would like to say a big thank you to all who took part in this most enjoyable campaign.

“Our best wishes go to those who have left the club and we welcome those who will be joining us for the new season ahead.”

U15
Manager: Kofi Mpiani
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

The current U15 squad gained promotion to the Premier Division and won the Division A Cup Final last season in what was a hugely successful one for the team and their manager Kofi Mpiani.

The Cup Final was a particularly great occasion because it was the best ever result for any LOASS team in any cup final. Their opponents were Millwall Albion; a team that had gone 36 games unbeaten having secured the league title and beaten the LOASS boys twice en route

However an all-round spirited display from LOASS won them the cup with a thumping 5-0 scoreline.

Kofi recalls the season:

“We had a slow start but an excellent finish. We finished second in the league gaining promotion to the Premier Division.

“This season I want to keep improving as a team and my personal ambition is to do better than last season. I hope we finish in the top three - that would be a very good achievement.”

So a great season last year for the current U15 squad and we hope that the rise to a tougher league in the Premier Division will see them continue improving and hopefully bag more silverware.

U16 Disability Team
FA Disability Counts League

U16
Manager: Yassin Abidou
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

After a good start to last season, the now U16 squad hopes of securing the Echo Premier Division filtered out after a few unwanted results towards the end of season, with the side finished a respectable third, just five points off of the eventual winners Redbridge.

The team can take great pride in reaching the London Cup Semi-Final where they were unlucky to lose 2-1 in a nail biting game and lost in the semis of the the League Cup.

An end-of-season tour to Valkenberg, Holland followed where the team played well to finish fifth overall out of 32 teams in the PSV 35 Tournai.

This season, the U16’s can look forward to hopefully gaining the Echo Premier Division title and another long run in the London or League Cup.

U17
Manager: Rob Unwin
2009/2010 League: Cheshunt Youth League

U18
Manager: Bob Carn
2009/2010 League: Cheshunt Youth League

A great end to last season saw the now U18s win their last seven games to be crowned champions of the Chesunt Premier Division to compliment their quarter-final position in the London Cup.

The last year junior team in the LOASS structure before becoming seniors, there is an ambition this year to again win the league and go further in the London Cup.

Looking back on last season manager Bob Carn said:

“They did exceptionally well. They respected all teams who they played and were a real credit to coach and a credit to LOASS.’’

There is hope of another good season with all of last years players re-signed, something that shows their determination to succeed in their last year as juniors at LOASS.

Bob adds:

“They are looking to forward to playing for LOASS this year and I am looking forward to having another good season.’’

COLTS & SENIOR TEAMS
Essex Business Houses Football League

Steve Jones, LOASS Club Secretary and Director said:

“The Senior team did really well last season, winning the Essex Business Houses Premier Division and reaching the semi-final of the London Cup - the League was won in just their third season together.

“They were managed by Gavin Prince who had a very serious injury that kept him out for most of the season and for the start of the next.

“First team player Leon Smalls, was invited for trials to the Barbados national squad, where he did exceptionally well and has been invited back, with possible opportunities opening up at the American Major League Soccer (MLS) side LA Galaxy - also, goalkeeper Steven French has been invited for trails at Bournemouth FC.

“The Colts did really well in their first season in senior football. It was obvious that several teams in their division were no match for the Colts technical ability and it was quite a wake up call for them seeing certain teams trying to bully their way matches, which is something they learned to overcome with Nugent and Kofi Mpiani giving them direction on the pitch.

“This season I hope to see players from our U17 and U18 squads start to make to make an impact into the Colts, who in turn will be making a push for places in the first team – we had over 340 players come to our trials this pre-season and we all hope to have a successful 2009/2010 season.”

Danny Fenner, LOASS Director of Football said:
“I really enjoyed my first season at LOASS as Director of Football.

“I would like to thank Steve Jones who puts his heart and soul into the football club. Without his services we would be without the Charter Standard Award and the organisational skills which are needed for LOASS to operate on a day-to-day basis.

“Many thanks to the hard work the coaches put through the season; they inspired and motivated individuals to achieve such high standards.”

LOASS 2008/09 Achievements
U8s Rural Friendly League Bill Cox Tournament Best Football Side
U9s Rural Friendly Super League Runners-upU12s Echo Division B Cup Winners - Echo Division B League Runners-upU13s Echo Division B League and Cup Double WinnersU14s Echo Division A Cup Winners - Echo Division A League Runners-upU16s Echo Premier League WinnersU17s Cheshunt Youth Premier League WinnersSeniors Essex Business Houses Premier Division Winners
LOASS 2008/09 Club Awards

Parents Player of the Season 2008/09
U8 Ben Thompson & Jamie Yila
U9 Iuran Barbosa & Zak Pianim
U10 Hugo Rosetti & Myles Judd
U11 Matty Crook
U12 Louis Monk
U13 Fergus Morgan
U14 Bobby Barker
U15 Andrew Buckley
U16 Scott Hill
U17 Greg Omeonga

Team Man of the Season 2008/09
Colts Andrean Kostadinou
Seniors Steven French

Players Player of the Season 2008/09
U8 Bradley McDonald & Dan Naughton
U9 Joe Clark & Aron Fontenelle
U10 Tyler Walden & Elijah Dobson
U11 Tom Harnack
U12 George Pullen
U13 Grieg Stewart
U14 Rokhib Choudhury
U15 Charlie Saywood
U16 Abiola Balagon
U17 Riess Silva
Colts Andrean Kostadinou
Seniors Gavin Prince

LOASS Awards & Honours

FA Charter Standard Club Award (Youth).

FA Charter Standard Club Award (Adult).

FA Charter Standard Community Club Award

Waltham Forest Adult Team of the Year

Steve Jones Short listed for Waltham Forest Volunteer of the Year

LOCSP's EMMA TO PLAY IN adidas NBA 5 UNITED TOUR 2009

LOCSP Basketball Development Officer and English National Basketball League player Emma Omo-Bare will be playing in the event below next week.

LONDON TO HOST adidas NBA 5 UNITED TOUR 2009

- Outdoor basketball tournament takes over The O2, September 12-13 -

- Registration at the adidas Sport Performance Store, Oxford Street, London -


LONDON, July 30, 2009 – London will host the fifth and final stop of the adidas NBA 5 United Tour 2009 it was announced today by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and adidas. adidas NBA 5 United, a competitive outdoor 5-on-5 tournament that incorporates interactive basketball activities, will take place at The O2 arena, September 12-13.

Team registration is now open at the adidas Sport Performance Store, Oxford Street, London or by visiting http://www.5united.nba.com/ for more information. The adidas NBA 5 United Tour is open to both male and female players, aged 10 and over. All skill levels are welcome to register teams of between 5-7 players that will play a minimum of three games.

“adidas is proud to partner with the NBA for the third consecutive year on such a fascinating grassroots basketball event that promotes team-play and not the individual player," said Franck Denglos, Vice President of Sports Performance for adidas Region Europe/Middle East/Africa. Franck Denglos went on to add, “Our brand embraces the idea of We vs. Me from the NBA level on down to grassroots basketball and the adidas/NBA 5 United Tour is the perfect platform to deliver this message.”

“We are excited to bring the adidas NBA 5 United Tour to two new countries this year, Greece and the UK, as we join adidas in providing opportunities to bounce the basketball in our region,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, Managing Director NBA EMEA. “5 United combines competitive games with spectator activities to engage basketball fans of all ages and ability in this unique grassroots event.”

The 5 United Tour tipped off in Athens, Greece and has since visited Madrid, Spain; Rome, Italy and Istanbul, Turkey attracting 921 teams, 5,686 players, and over 64,000 spectators.

This year’s 5 United Tour will feature daily final competitions on Center Court, in addition to the opportunity for spectators to participate various basketball activities, including a three-point shootout and a slam dunk competition.

EA Sports and Powerade will support the adidas NBA 5 United Tour in London together with England Basketball. EA Sports will conduct daily competitions with their popular game NBA Live 09, challenging gamers inside the EA Sports Video Arcade. On court players can show off their dunking abilities on baskets at varied heights at the Powerade Slam Dunk Court.

About the NBA
The NBA, founded in 1946, is a global sports and entertainment brand that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada. During the 2008-09 season, NBA games will reach 215 countries and territories in 41 languages. The league’s worldwide reach will be reflected in the 76 international players from 32 countries and territories on NBA rosters. NBA merchandise is sold in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA.com averages more than five million daily visits, with more than 50 percent of the site’s visitors come from outside of North America.

About adidas
adidas has been providing innovative products for the world’s best athletes for more than 50 years, from past legends to today’s superstars, such as Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Candace Parker, Derrick Rose, Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady. On April 11, 2006 adidas and the National Basketball Association signed an 11-year global merchandising partnership making the adidas brand the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (D-League) beginning with the 2006-07 NBA season.

LEYTON ORIENT FC GIRLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE – U10s 2008/09 SEASON REVIEW

LEYTON ORIENT FC GIRLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE – U10s 2008/09 SEASON REVIEW
Young O’s Learn the Football Trade

Lisa Brivati, the U10 Girls Manager described their season as the “best year” writes Alex Gordon.

Some of the results maybe don’t back this, but according to Lisa, the improvement in her players “was very noticeable from the first game to the last.”

Matches in the U10 league are played with 7-a-side teams and to monitor her team’s progress, Lisa has now introduced a feedback sheet so players can rate their performance after each game so she can see how they think and whether or not they feel they have improved.

We can see this improvement in the girls’ two fixtures versus Arsenal this year.

After losing 15-0 against the Gunners in their first game, the second game only saw them lose 6-2; “the toughest game of the season” said Brivati.

What also pleased Lisa was the focus the girls showed on playing good attacking football, passing the ball along the floor. This was evident throughout the year and through this style of football the girls were allowed to develop technically throughout the season.

Lisa mentions the match against Northampton Town at home late in the year as her particular season highlight.

“It was great to see the girls’ improvement over the year and to see how many girls had come out of their shells in the Northampton match compared to the start of the season where they weren’t saying a thing on the pitch.”

With Leyton Orient Girls Centre of Excellence boasting an U12, U14, U16 and the U10 squad the opportunity to progress through the sides and make it to the top level is there for all – highlighted by the success of Danielle Carter who has just left Orient for Arsenal after playing for the Centre all her career.

Lisa admits that Danielle, 16, who captained England and has played in the U17 UEFA European Championships and U17 FIFA World Cup, has been a massive positive for not only her side but the whole Centre of Excellence.

“The Danielle Carter effect been noticed and has given extra motivation for everyone at the Centre - especially the U14 side and the U10s too.

“I don’t think the players here can get their head around that Danielle Carter has been off playing for England in New Zealand at the World Cup!”

However, like Danielle, it is at the U10 level where girls learn how to play the game and as the youngest age group in the Leyton Orient Girls Centre of Excellence, they have a long time to grow and mature into all-round players and this season was just the start in their long footballing journey.

GIRLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE ALUMNI INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

GIRLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE ALUMNI INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
Former Player now playing for South Carolina Upstate University

Sian Jenkins, former goalkeeper at the Leyton Orient Girls Centre of Excellence is now studying Physical Education at South Carolina Upstate University in the United States whilst playing in goal for their Spartans Women’s Football Team.

Sian, who received international recognition with Wales High School is in her ‘freshman’ year and is flying the east London flag in the east of the USA!

For more information on Sian follow this link:http://upstatespartans.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/jenkins_sian00.html

LEYTON ORIENT GIRLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE – 2008/09 AWARDS

LEYTON ORIENT GIRLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE – 2008/09 AWARDS
Orient achieve first in League

The Centre held their annual awards at SCORE, Leyton.

The winners were:

AFA Player of the Season U16's Ms Soobadoo
AFA Player of the Season U14's Ms Revell

To receive these prestigious awards coaches from the clubs that we played each week in the South East Region League vote on the opposition’s player of the match.

These are collated and at the end of the season the player with the most votes in each age group (Under 10s, 12s. 14s and 16s) receives the AFA Player of the Season Award. It was also a first in that no other Club had achieved two awards in one Season.

U10s Managers Player of the Season Ms Scarr
U12s Managers Player of the Season Ms Shaw-Salmon
U14s Managers Player of the Season Ms Tripp
U16s Managers Player of the Season Ms Carter

GOOD LUCK DANIELLE

GOOD LUCK DANIELLE
Carter joins Arsenal and celebrates her GCSEs!

Even though Leyton Orient Girls Centre of Excellence legend Danielle Carter was off at the 2008 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand during her GCSE revision, she passed with flying colours last week and has elected to stay on at school in Romford to join her sixth form

Danielle now leaves Leyton Orient to make the step up to women’s football, joining Arsenal Ladies and everyone at Leyton Orient Girls Centre of Excellence would like to wish her the best of luck.

HANDBALL TRAILBLAZERS JOIN FORCES FOR UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

LOCSP Press Release: Monday 7 September 2009

HANDBALL TRAILBLAZERS JOIN FORCES FOR UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP
Olympia Handball Club and Leyton Orient come together for youth handball in east London

Leyton, London - Olympia Handball Club and Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) today announced they are joining forces to launch the first partnership in the UK between a handball club and community sports organisation.

Aimed at promoting the game and capitalising on its profile ahead of London 2012, the partnership will look to unearth players whilst developing the skills and passion of those who are already playing.

Starting on Friday 25 September and then every following Friday Olympia and LOCSP are running coaching sessions aimed at players aged 14-17 years old of all levels.

The session is split into boys and girls with 6pm – 7pm for girls aged 14-17 and 7pm – 8pm for boys aged 14-17 and will take place at SCORE, Leyton – the current home to the England Handball National League in London.

Coaches from Olympia Handball Club who have both national and international experience will run the training sessions which will feature a variety of skills, fun games and matches.

Neil Taylor, Chief Executive of Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme said:
“We are always developing sporting opportunities for young people in our local area and Handball has been close to our heart for some time now.

“One of our key philosophies is to link in with clubs and with Olympia and Handball in general going from strength to strength over the last year, they are the natural choice to help build on our work over recent years.”

Tobias Julen, Chairman of Olympia Handball Club said:
“This is another step in the development of Olympia as a handball club for the future, and one which we have wanted to take for some time now.

“With several of our players having expressed an interest in coaching junior players and with a growing interest in the sport not just in London, but in the country as a whole, we are of course very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme.”

What London Olympia Handball Club Coaching
Day Friday 25th September and every following Friday
Times 6pm – 7pm (Girls 14-17), 7pm – 8pm (Boys 14-17)
Where SCORE, 100 Oliver Road, Leyton, London. E10 5JY
Who Boys and Girls aged 14-17 years old
Cost £3 per session
Contact Olympia (Tobias): info@olympiahc.co.uk, 07503 173 885, http://www.olympiahc.co.uk/.
LOCSP enquiries@locsp.org, 020 8556 5973, http://www.locsp.org/

BRINGING THE SOUTH AMERICAN SUNSHINE TO LEYTON – VIA UKRAINE!

SCORE Press Release: Tuesday 1 September 2009

BRINGING THE SOUTH AMERICAN SUNSHINE TO LEYTON – VIA UKRAINE!
The Brazilian game of Futsal is live and kicking in east London.

Leyton – London: SCORE - the sports club and community facility with a difference in the heart of London’s East End now adds another sport to its never-ending list of activities - the sport that the likes of Ronaldo, Denilson and Roberto Carlos all grew up playing – Futsal.

A close cousin of the five-a-side game, Futsal (‘Futebol de Sala’) is played indoor with a weighted ball to reduce bounce and aims to improve close ball skills through an increased number of touches during the game, whilst players are nearly always placed in reduced space situations and are constantly forced to make decisions demanding speed of thought and quick reflexes.

Futsal is a worldwide sport, with a FIFA World Cup and UEFA Futsal Cup alongside the annual FA Futsal Cup and FA Futsal leagues.

The man responsible for bringing Futsal to SCORE - home to the only FA-approved Futsal court in London - is Oleksandr Saliy, a 35-year-old Ukrainian who moved to England ten years ago and who now runs the ‘Futsal Super League’ at the Leyton venue with a new league starting on September 6th.

The Futsal Super League, now in its seventh championship will then run every Sunday from 12pm – 6pm with all teams welcome, including an adult league (16+) and youth league (U16).

Alex, as he is known, founded White Bear Futsal Club, a team set up in Hackney back in 2003 alongside other social activities that he was organising for people from the Russian-speaking minorities of former USSR countries such as Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and Estonia who were living in England.

Over the years White Bear have become extremely successful in the Futsal structure, winning the FA National Futsal Finals in Sheffield in 2004 and playing in UEFA events abroad.

The team enjoyed this success largely due to the fact that its players had grown up playing the indoor game in their homeland.

“Every school in what is now Ukraine had large-sized sports halls which were perfect for Futsal,” explained Alex.

“During the winter playing sports indoors was a necessity due to the weather conditions. Therefore ‘mini football’ as we knew it was extremely popular and a sport that all young people played.”

White Bear FC moved to SCORE in 2008 as it was an easier location to reach and it had a much larger profile - located next door to a professional football club; Leyton Orient FC.

Thanks to part funding in the past from the Russian Embassy in London and discounted courts at SCORE, Saliy has been able to further build the game of Futsal in England and in the future he believes it can be marketable to all in its traditional manner and hopes to have home-grown talent in his team.

“My aim is to bring more English players through as well as develop a youth league,” he said.

“Futsal in England is just at the development stage but I think there are lots of skilful English players. What we need to do is point these guys in the right direction.

“We tend to recruit a lot of players from the Power League and Goals five-a-side leagues and sometimes even off the street!

“We explain to them how the pathway to the English National Futsal Team works – we have had players picked from the league represent England before and there is no reason why this can’t happen again.”

Finding qualified officials for the league isn’t a problem either as Alex himself is not only a fully-qualified Futsal referee and referee trainer but also a National List Assistant Referee here in England.

“When I was growing up in what is now Ukraine playing football I always looked up to the Ukrainian referees and thought that I would like to do it – so I did.”

After refereeing for many years in the Ukrainian league, officiating the likes of Dynamo Kiev and stars such as Andriy Shevchenko, Oleg Luzhny and Sergei Rebrov, Alex moved to England and didn’t want to hang up the whistle just yet.

However, despite his standard of refereeing in his homeland, Alex had to start from the bottom again, but worked his way on to the National List as an Assistant Referee with his first fixture in the Football League at Wycombe Wanderers in December 2006.

“It was a big surprise for me to get the letter halfway through the 2006/07 season to say that I would be running the line in the Football League – it was one of the greatest moments of my life. I read it three times before I believed it!”

Alex has worked twice at Orient as the Fourth Official, but his most high-profile fixture to date was running the line at Reading v Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship last year, with the teams at that time first and second in the league table.

But even though the level was as high as he could get outside of the Premier League – he had to treat it the same as any other match.

“I was very proud that the Football League trusted me with the Reading v Wolves game, but whether it’s Championship, League 1 or League 2, every game for me is important. If you want to reach the Select Group [the Premier League referees and assistants] you have to perform to your best every game.’’

As one of two Russian-speaking officials on the National List alongside Slovakian-born Sasa Iringhova, running the line in England has proved an interesting experience for Alex, but having to start from the bottom up is an experience he is keen to share with any potential officials from Ukraine thinking of following in his footsteps.

“I know how difficult it is to be promoted in this country and there might be some referees who will expect to go straight in at the Football League level – but this isn’t the case; it’s really, really hard to get on the list.

“I started refereeing at local league here, and then moved to the Essex and Hertfordshire League before moving to be an Assistant Referee in the Ryman League, which was a strange experience for as I was only ever refereeing in the Ukraine.

“However, England has been great for me – everyone here likes a Russian Linesman! Seriously though, I do feel a responsibility as I am representing not just myself and my family, but my country and region too.

“I feel immense pride in my work here in England and love the country. I even supported England when I was younger and used to love watching Gary Lineker, Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne.

“Our children were born here and I have lived here so long that I am at least half English! This country taught me how if you want to reach something in your life then you can be strong and gain it.”

So Futsal; a game that is still new to a lot of people but has become one of the fast growing sports in England and although no English team is yet to get past the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Futsal Cup, there is optimism yet.

Through the drive and determination of people like Alex and others, it is safe to say that Futsal will have a bright future in England.

For more information on Futsal, White Bear Futsal Club or the activities SCORE can offer you call 020 8556 5973 or email neil.brown@locsp.org.

GIRLS GET MOVING ON GOVERNMENT CRIME AGENDA

LOCSP Press Release: Tuesday 1 September 2009

GIRLS GET MOVING ON GOVERNMENT CRIME AGENDA
Free sports taster sessions for girls aged 8-21 at SCORE

Leyton, London - Up and down the country this week girls will be joining together to get moving and get involved in sports, arts and leisure activities as part of leading social inclusion programme, Positive Futures’ National Girls Get Moving Week (31 Aug – 6 Sep).

Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) Positive Futures will be holding a FREE multi-sports taster event for girls aged 8-21 years old at SCORE, 100 Oliver Road, Leyton this FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER, 4.30PM – 6.30PM with a range of activities including football, basketball, streetdance and handball.

The event is expected to be attended by girls from Hackney, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham.

The week, the first of its kind, includes summer camps, beach sports days, yoga, ice skating and knife awareness workshops. It aims to inspire more girls into physical activity, increase participation levels of young girls on the programme and help support the Government’s drive to tackle youth crime, particularly the rise in girl-related underage drinking which can lead to crime, disorder and nuisance.

Youth crime is being tackled through the Government’s Youth Crime Action Plan, a three-year programme targeting intensive activity in priority areas, and this initiative as part of the Positive Futures programme specifically supports a focus on girls who might be drawn into crime.

The week also supports the Government’s Open Drive, which seeks to make full use of the government’s investment in positive activities to increase provision and participation on a Friday and Saturday night, particularly of those young people who are most at risk of getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

The Positive Futures programme, managed by young people’s charity Catch22 and funded by the Home Office, has 118 projects working with young people aged 9 -19 in some of the most deprived areas of the country. LOCSP currently work on five of these projects across east London.

Joyce Moseley, Chief Executive, Catch22 said:
“Positive Futures projects are fantastically successful in engaging girls in activities that are fun and exciting, and this is clear when you look at the diverse range of activities on offer for Girls Get Moving Week. When our project workers can build relationships of trust and respect with girls, they open up new opportunities for achieving, education and employment.”

LOCSP are working with Positive Futures to encourage girls across the country to get involved by either joining in with activities on offer or creating their own.

If you would like to get involved and to find out about a Positive Futures projects in east London then call Shamajul Motin, LOCSP Community Development Officer on 020 8556 5973 or email shamajul.motin@locsp.org.