England’s Northwest world class events and training camps
MANCHESTER
LIVERPOOL
CHESHIRE
LANCASHIRE
CUMBRIA
270
global destinations by air from the Northwest
2
Glasgow
hours to London by train CUMBRIA
Lake District
Englands Northwest
LANCASHIRE
Liverpool
Manchester
CHESHIRE
2
Foreword
3
The Northwest is the UK’s leading sports region
5
World-class track record
7
Sporting disciplines
9
World-class facilities
11
Athletic facilities
12
Aquatics facilities
14
Cycling facilities
16
Football
18
Badminton
20
Basketball
21
Boxing
22
Equestrian
23
Gymnastics
24
Hockey
25
Judo
26
Table Tennis
27
Taekwondo
28
University facilities
29
Connecting people
31
Accommodation
33
Rest and relaxation
35
Cities and culture
37
Further information
38
international airports Olympic Park
London
8
8 flights a day to London City
77 trains a day to London
foreword ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST IS A REGION STEEPED IN SPORTING HERITAGE. WITH A RANGE OF WORLD-CLASS SPORTING VENUES AND FACILITIES AND AN ENVIABLE RAFT OF SPORTING EXPERTISE GENERATED FROM THE MANCHESTER XVII COMMONWEALTH GAMES, NO OTHER REGION IN THE UK HAS THE CAPABILITIES AND SHEER PASSION OF ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST. OUR REGION LOVES SPORT, KNOWS SPORT, AND PROVES TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT WE CAN OFFER AN OUTSTANDING WELCOME AND EXPERIENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS. As the UK’s leading region for sport, with a world-class reputation for hosting major World and European events, it is no surprise that the Northwest continues to attract some of the most famous and prestigious sporting occasions from across the globe. From the Visa Paralympic World Cup to the Open Golf Championship, the Northwest never fails to excite or deliver. Away from the football stadiums and athletics tracks, England’s Northwest is home to vibrant city life, breathtaking countryside, award winning industrial
“NO
heritage, outstanding visitor attractions and a world-class cultural scene – including Liverpool as European Capital of Culture 2008 – all adding up to an unforgettable experience. Here in the Northwest we firmly believe that the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are not just about London – they provide the opportunity for the whole nation to get involved. And with easy accessibility to the capital, including two international airports, England’s Northwest has never been better placed to
showcase our credentials and be part of the nationwide legacy the Games will create. The people, towns and cities of the Northwest have shown that they can work together to offer you the very best – firstrate facilities; a sense of sporting history and experience across a huge range of Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports. Come and see for yourselves what we have to offer.
OTHER REGION HAS THE SPORTING
EXPERTISE, FACILITIES OR PASSION OF THE
NORTHWEST”
Sir Philip Craven President of the International Paralympic Committee and Member of the International Olympic Committee.
03
04
City of Manchester Stadium
the Northwest is the UK’s leading sports region THE NORTHWEST IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS SPORTING HISTORY, TRADITION AND SUCCESS. HOME TO SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FOOTBALL CLUBS, ATHLETES AND MAJOR EVENTS, IT IS ALSO HOME TO PEOPLE WHO CARE PASSIONATELY ABOUT SPORT. The professional football game was born here so it’s no surprise that the region can lay claim to seven Premiership football teams – including two of the sport’s most famous names – Manchester United and Liverpool Football Club. Both are venues that have been used for major football events such as the UEFA Champions League Final and the UEFA European Championships. The Northwest is also home to the Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase, at Aintree, along with championship golf courses that hosted the 2006 Open Golf, as well as forthcoming championships in both 2008 and 2012.
“IF THEN
World-class venues and facilities also contribute to the Northwest’s diverse and vibrant sporting life. From Manchester’s Velodrome, the National Cycling Centre; to the city’s Aquatics Centre, the only venue in Britain with two 50-metre swimming pools as well as a separate diving pool; to the largest indoor entertainment and sports complex in Europe – the M.E.N Arena. As well as Liverpool’s new 10,000 seat waterfront Arena and new 50m swimming pool at Picton Sports Centre. The history and tradition of sport in the Northwest has developed into a professional and experienced sporting infrastructure capable of organising and hosting any kind of sport, for any kind of event.
NORTHWEST, SPORT IS IN YOUR BLOOD. IT’S PART OF YOUR HISTORY AND YOUR HERITAGE. THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE LIKE IT.” YOU ARE BORN IN THE
Steven Gerrard Liverpool FC and England.
05
06
Sarah Bailey, Disability World Championships, Manchester Velodrome.
world-class track record SINCE 2002, WHEN MANCHESTER HOSTED THE XVII COMMONWEALTH GAMES, THE REGION HAS BUILT A LASTING LEGACY, NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE BUT ALSO MODERN, WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES AND VENUES. The Commonwealth Games were the largest sporting event to be held in the UK and with 900,000 tickets sold, proved that the Northwest had the skills and capabilities required to run a multidisciplinary international sporting event. Importantly, the region’s success in hosting the Commonwealth Games provided a springboard for London’s bid for the 2012 Games. Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “Without the Commonwealth Games in 2002, I doubt that there would have been a bid for the 2012 Games.” The organisation and planning that went on behind the scenes was vast – arranging accommodation and food, transport, medical support, leisure facilities and security which all helped make the Games such a memorable event for those watching and taking part. We now have a highly trained workforce with experience of working in major sporting environments, who know what it takes to make an event a success. There is also an infrastructure in place to support athletes and international teams visiting the area, be it for a tournament or a training camp, to make the most of our world-class facilities. As part of the Games, the Commonwealth Games Village (CGV) was created at the
ITU Triathlon World Cup Race at Salford Quays. Fallowfield Campus of the University of Manchester, just three miles from the city centre. The CGV and its associated sites were home to 5,176 athletes and team officials, and showed that the region is capable of accommodating a large number of sporting guests.
sports, and has won the right to host a range of major events since then including:
The Games also allowed the region to examine its security and medical arrangements. High-quality medical and sports science support was provided, as well as back-up from regional hospitals and medical staff. The Manchester Royal Infirmary was used for the Games, and the region showed it could cope with the healthcare needs of athletes.
• British Open Squash Championships (2007)
That tradition has continued, and the Northwest has built on the Commonwealth success by welcoming many elite athletes and teams, at the highest levels of their
• Tour of Britain Cycle Race (since 2004) • Visa Paralympic World Cup (since 2005) • UEFA Women’s Championship (2005) • UCI Track Cycling World Championships (since 2006)
• EuroHockey Nations Championships (2007) • WTF World Taekwondo Olympic Qualifying Tournament (2007) • European Senior Boxing Championships (2008) • FINA World Swimming Championships (2008) • UEFA Cup Final (2008) • Hi-Tec World Open Squash Championships (2008)
07
08
UK Athletics Championships, Sportcity, Manchester.
sporting disciplines PEOPLE IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST HAVE A PASSION FOR SPORT, NOT JUST FOOTBALL. IN RECENT YEARS WE HAVE HOSTED EVENTS AT ALL LEVELS AND KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE THEM A SUCCESS. HERE IS JUST A SELECTION OF THE SPORTING DISCIPLINES WE CAN CATER FOR IN THE REGION. Aquatics Swimming Diving Synchronised Swimming Water Polo
Equestrian
Paralympic Archery
Ultra Running
Fell Running
Paralympic Athletics
Fencing
Paralympic Cycling
Football
Paralympic Equestrian
Archery
Football Five-a-side
Paralympic Judo
Volleyball Volleyball Beach Volleyball Volleyball (sitting)
Athletics
Football Seven-a-side
Paralympic Powerlifting
Badminton
Goalball
Paralympic Rowing
Basketball
Gymnastics
Paralympic Sailing
Boccia
Artistic
Paralympic Shooting
Boxing
Rhythmic
Paralympic Swimming
Trampoline
Paralympic Table Tennis
Handball
Rowing
Hockey
Squash
Judo
Table Tennis
Lawn Bowls
Taekwondo
Modern Pentathlon
Tennis
Netball
Triathlon
Canoe and Kayak Flatwater Slalom Cycling Road Track Mountain Bike BMX
Weightlifting Wheelchair Basketball Wheelchair Fencing Wheelchair Rugby Wheelchair Tennis Wrestling
“I HAVE BEEN SO LUCKY TO BE BASED IN THE NORTH WEST WHERE THE TRAINING FACILITIES ARE SECOND TO NONE AND THE CULTURE OF THE REGION IS SO SUPPORTIVE OF SPORT AND ITS ATHLETES.
I
HAVE ALWAYS
FELT ENORMOUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY AND IT’S A GREAT REGION TO LIVE IN AND TO VISIT.
IT WAS WONDERFUL TO WIN COMMONWEALTH GOLD IN MY HOME REGION IN 2002.” Beth Tweddle Asymmetric Bars World Champion
09
10
Old Trafford, home of Manchester United FC.
world-class facilities... ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST IS THE UK’S LEADING SPORT REGION, WITH FACILITIES TO MATCH. THE SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES – THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST MULTI-SPORT EVENT – LEFT A LASTING LEGACY OF MODERN, WORLD-CLASS VENUES. There is a high concentration of top-level facilities in the Northwest, for a wide variety of Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports – in fact, the Northwest can cater for every discipline on the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth programmes. (For a complete list see page 9). Sportcity, in Manchester, contains superb venues for cycling, taekwondo, tennis, athletics and much more. The Manchester Aquatics Centre and the Manchester Velodrome (the National Cycling Centre) are both modern venues with world-class reputations.
Football clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton and Bolton Wanderers offer excellent grounds and training facilities. In Liverpool, Aintree Racecourse and Equestrian Centre is known around the globe; and in January the city officially opened its new Arena, which host the 2008 European Senior Boxing Championships. There are also top-class racecourses at Chester. Many of our facilities are recently built or upgraded. This means they have been
designed with the needs of top-class athletes in mind. Many of them offer the support facilities you would look for: medical, physiotherapy, performance analysis, health and fitness equipment, either on-site or in nearby specialist centres. Our ability to provide the right facilities was demonstrated by the Commonwealth Games – and the fact that so many athletes have returned to the region for events such as the FINA World Swimming Championships and the Paralympic World Cup proves that we are still getting it right.
“ATHLETES PREPARING FOR THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES AND PARALYMPIC GAMES NEED WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES, WHERE THEY CAN TRAIN, RELAX AND PREPARE IN A CLIMATE SIMILAR TO THE ONE THEY WILL BE COMPETING IN. THE NORTHWEST HAS ALL OF THIS AND MORE.” Kevin Hickey FBISC MBE GB Deputy Chef de Mission – 6 Olympic Games
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athletics facilities THE NORTHWEST HAS A STRONG TRADITION IN ATHLETICS, AND A WIDE RANGE OF GOOD FACILITIES. THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 ATHLETICS TRACKS AROUND THE REGION, WHICH CAN HOST A FULL RANGE OF TRACK AND FIELD SPORTS.
“I
WAS BORN IN THE
NORTHWEST,
AND THE REGION INSPIRED ME TO GO FOR GOLD IN ATHLETICS.
NOWHERE
ELSE IN THE
UK
OFFERS
SUCH FANTASTIC FACILITIES AND SUCH A GREAT TRACK RECORD.” Darren Campbell 2004 Olympic Gold Medallist
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Sportcity, Manchester.
Athletics is a popular sport to watch and to take part in throughout the Northwest. More than a third of total ticket sales for the Commonwealth Games were to athletics events.
Athletics facilities in the Northwest can offer: • A choice of more than 20 tracks throughout the region • Modern facilities such as the Regional Athletics Arena in Manchester, which hosted its first events in 2004, including World and Olympic trials
330,000 tickets sold for athletics at Commonwealth Games
• Venues with experience of dealing with international athletes and major track and field events • Facilities suitable for both Olympic and Paralympic level athletes
SPORTCITY REGIONAL ATHLETICS ARENA, MANCHESTER Indoor track 200m synthetic track Outdoor track Medical treatment
400m eight lane synthetic track On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site Home to the English Institute of Sport
BLACKPOOL SPORTS CENTRE Indoor track 80m indoor track Outdoor track
400m 8-lane synthetic
Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
ROBIN PARK ARENA AND SPORTS CENTRE, WIGAN Indoor track 60m indoor track Outdoor track Medical treatment
400m eight-lane polymeric track On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
Additional facilities
Indoor field events practice area/weight training
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Norwich Union World Athletics Trials • Paralympic World Cup since 2005 • Commonwealth Games 2002
WAVERTREE ATHLETICS CENTRE, LIVERPOOL Indoor track 60m 4-lane Outdoor track
8 lane 400m synthetic track
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aquatics facilities SWIMMING AND OTHER AQUATICS SPORTS ARE WELL CATERED FOR IN THE NORTHWEST. THE REGION HAS FOUR 50M POOLS. THESE WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES ARE BACKED UP BY HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF, MEDICAL SUPPORT AND FACILITIES.
“I
HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO
TRAVEL THE WORLD THROUGH MY SPORT, AND THE FACILITIES IN THE ARE SECOND TO NONE.
YOU
NORTHWEST ALSO FIND AN
UNRIVALLED PASSION FOR ALL SPORTS IN THE
NORTHWEST
OF
ENGLAND,
NOT TO
MENTION THE WARMEST OF WELCOMES.” Stephen Parry Commonwealth Champion 2004 Olympic Medalist
14
The Aquatics Centre Manchester Built in 2002 for the Commonwealth Games.
The Northwest is fully equipped to offer aquatics facilities to Olympic and Paralympic standards. Manchester Aquatics Centre was built for the Commonwealth Games and is the only facility in the UK with two 50m pools; Liverpool’s Picton Pool was opened in January 08, and Stockport’s Grand Central is home to Stockport Metro Club, which has produced Olympic medallists like Stephen Parry and former World Champion James Hickman.
We can offer the following:
MANCHESTER AQUATICS CENTRE Main swimming pool 50m 8 lane pool
• Four 50m pools
Training pool
50m 4 lane training pool
Diving pool
25m 6 lane diving pool
Diving boards
Platforms and spring boards up to 10m Omega timing equipment Starting blocks Video playback facilities
• Facilities for swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and diving
Additional equipment
• Sports science and support staff on-site • Strength and conditioning • Health and fitness suites • Medical treatment either available on-site or close by
PICTON POOL LIVERPOOL Main swimming pool 50m 8 lane pool Training pool
20m 4 lane pool
Additional equipment
Omega timing equipment Starting blocks Video playback facilities
• Modern and/or newly built venues GRAND CENTRAL POOLS STOCKPORT Main swimming pool 50m 8 lane pool Additional equipment
4
50m pools
Omega timing equipment Starting blocks
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester • Paralympic World Cup since 2005 • LEN European Nations Water Polo Trophy • 9th FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships in 2008
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cycling facilities THE NORTHWEST IS THE HOME OF BRITISH CYCLING. THE MANCHESTER VELODROME IS THE BASE FOR THE GREAT BRITISH CYCLING TEAM; THE REGION IS A MAJOR PART OF THE TOUR OF BRITAIN, AND THE RUGGED TERRAIN OF CUMBRIA IS IDEAL FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING.
“I
AM PASSIONATE ABOUT
MY SPORT, AND HAVE CYCLED IN VENUES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
I
CAN HONESTLY SAY THE CYCLING
NORTHWEST NONE.”
FACILITIES IN THE ARE SECOND TO Chris Boardman 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist
16
Manchester Velodrome.
Manchester Velodrome is one of only two ‘Olympic-accredited’ tracks in the UK, and was the first indoor track to be purpose built. It is well-known across the world for being a ‘fast’ track. Many world records have been broken there, and Olympic Gold medal winners such as Jason Queally, Chris Hoy and Craig McLean train at the Velodrome. It offers first-rate facilities both on and off track.
They include: • A 250m Siberian pine track • Olympic and Paralympic standard • Medical treatment and physiotherapy within the facility • Weights and conditioning facilities within the complex • Within the Sportcity site there are many high performance sporting facilities • Full-colour camera facility that can separate riders by as little as 4mm
Shanaze Rende, Gold Medallist, BMX World Championships.
• Physiological testing suite • A national standard BMX track equipped for training for 2012 Olympics is located at Tipkinder Park, Crewe
MANCHESTER VELODROME Track 250m Siberian pine 42 degree bankings 7 metres wide - 4.5 metres run off Meets current U.C.I. regulations Lighting - 400, 800 and 1600 lux (basic training) 110 1.5kw lamps at 13 metres (open meeting and broadcast quality) Timing and digital photo-finish equipment Lap counter Starting gates Release equipment Medical treatment available on-site Physiotherapy and medical support on-site
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Commonwealth Games 2002 • UCI Track Cycling World Championships 2008 • UCI Track cycling World Masters Championships 1995-2006 • Tour of Britain
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football FOOTBALL IS AT THE HEART OF THE NORTHWEST. THERE IS A HIGH NUMBER OF PREMIERSHIP CLUBS PLAYING IN THE REGION, AND PEOPLE HERE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE SPORT. OLD TRAFFORD IS AN OLYMPIC FOOTBALL VENUE – MAKING THE NORTHWEST AN IDEAL BASE.
“I
WAS ALWAYS FOOTBALL MAD AS A
NORTHWEST WAS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR IT. WE HAVE UNBEATABLE FACILITIES, GROUNDS AND HISTORY, PERFECT FOR ANY ATHLETE.” CHILD
–
AND THE
Sue Smith Liverpool-born winger for England Women’s team
18
Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The football facilities in the Northwest are world-class. The region is famed for clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool FC, and both men’s and women’s teams have had great success. The clubs in the area are experienced at holding major sporting events – they do it most weekends in the English Premiership. They also have worldclass training facilities. The Northwest has:
• World-class grounds like the City of Manchester Stadium, built for the Commonwealth Games, and the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Both would make ideal bases, and are close to other facilities such as Sportcity and the Bolton Arena
• Hosted the UEFA Women’s Championships in 2005
• Historic clubs like Everton and Blackburn Rovers
Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
• Hosted major events such as UEFA Champions’ League Final and UEFA Cup Final Championships (Euro ’96)
• The National Football Museum is located in the region next to Preston North End Football Club
MANCHESTER CITY FC – CITY OF MANCHESTER STADIUM Football pitch 105x68m
• Old Trafford – 2012 Olympic venue for football
MANCHESTER UNITED TRAINING GROUND, CARRINGTON Football pitches 12x training pitches 80x60m indoor synthetic pitch sports hall full-size outdoor synthetic pitch Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
MANCHESTER CITY FC TRAINING GROUND, CARRINGTON Football pitches 5x full-size pitches Half-size artificial pitch
Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
BOLTON WANDERERS FC – REEBOK STADIUM Football pitch 105x68m
76,000 Capacity at Old Trafford, largest stadium outside Wembley
Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • • • • •
English Premiership Football UEFA European Championships 1996 UEFA Champions League Final 2003 UEFA Women’s Championships 2005 UEFA Cup Final 2008
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badminton
Nathan Robertson, 2004 Olympic Silver Medallist.
BADMINTON IS PLAYED BY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE NORTHWEST, AND HAS A THRIVING LEAGUE AND CLUB SCENE. IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF THE UK’S KEY SPORTS – AND WE HAVE THE FACILITIES TO MATCH. The Northwest has a wide variety of badminton facilities. The Commonwealth Games 2002 featured a thrilling badminton tournament, held at the newly-built Bolton Arena, where England won team gold in one of the most exciting events of the Games. Other venues across the region have also hosted major badminton events,
at both national and international level. We can offer:
Additional facilities
• More than 35 badminton facilities across the region • Modern buildings with top-level medical and physiotherapy services, as well as health and fitness facilities • Sports science specialists
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Badminton facilities across the region
20
BOLTON ARENA Courts
• Experience of hosting major badminton events and international badminton players • Knowledgeable and enthusiastic support staff at venues
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Commonwealth Games 2002 • National Championships since 2005
4 courts On-site medical treatment, physiotherapy and medical support, health and fitness facilities, sports science and performance analysis unit Host for CWG Bolton Championships
LEIGH SPORTS VILLAGE Courts 8 competition standard badminton courts Additional facilities 280 retractable seats, ability to accommodate 800 spectators Semi-sprung timber floor Sport injury and physiotherapy clinic Health and fitness suite 25m swimming deck level pool
basketball
Amaechi Basketball Centre, Manchester.
BASKETBALL IS A SPORT THAT HAS BEEN WARMLY WELCOMED BY THE NORTHWEST. THERE ARE EXCELLENT FACILITIES HERE FOR BOTH OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC PLAYERS, ONE OF WHICH WAS FOUNDED BY FORMER NBA PLAYER JOHN AMAECHI. The Northwest is one of the main centres for basketball and wheelchair basketball in the UK. The Amaechi Basketball Centre in Manchester was funded by one of the sport’s stars, John Amaechi, who was raised in Stockport but played in the United States. It is the largest purpose-built facility in the country.
Basketball teams can benefit from:
AMAECHI BASKETBALL CENTRE, MANCHESTER Courts 3 international sized courts
• The Amaechi Basketball Centre, built just four years ago with state-of-the-art facilities, home to the Manchester Magic and Mystics teams
Health and fitness facilities Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy and medical support
On-site
• The Greenbank Sports Academy in Liverpool, which offers basketball and wheelchair basketball with a full range of support facilities
GREENBANK SPORTS ACADEMY, LIVERPOOL Courts Two courts to International Wheelchair Basketball Federation standard Health and fitness On-site facilities Medical treatment On-site
• The new Liverpool Arena is a major basketball venue, for both events and training
Physiotherapy and medical support
On-site
Within 1km
• The enthusiasm of a region where basketball is a major growth sport
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD Pete Finbow at the Paralympic World Cup, Manchester Velodrome.
• UK National Basketball Finals 2003-7 • Paralympic World Cup
21
boxing
St George’s Hall, Liverpool.
BOXING IS ONE OF THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF OLYMPIC SPORTS. THE NORTHWEST HAS A PROUD TRADITION OF PRODUCING BOXING HEROES, AND HAS A PASSION FOR THE SPORT THAT RUNS FROM CLUB LEVEL TO INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. Boxing has a long history in the Northwest. Clubs and junior programmes are thriving, and the area has produced well-known names such as Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan (Olympic Silver Medalist at 17 years of age). Liverpool in particular is known as a ‘boxing city’ – it was the first city to have a boxing development officer, and also supported boxers like Neil Perkins, the England team captain, through an elite scholarship scheme.
We can offer: • Top-class facilities in Liverpool, Bolton, Rochdale and at other venues in the Northwest • A new Boxing Academy • International connections with a number of boxing teams
HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE ROCHDALE Rings 1 full-size Olympic ring, 1 training ring Additional facilities Medical treatment on-site, Boxing Academy with new changing facilities and sauna
• A truly enthusiastic and knowledgeable support staff
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Olympic and European Boxing Qualifiers 2000 • Commonwealth Games 2002 • World Cadet Boxing Championships 2005 • European Senior Boxing 2008
22
LIVERPOOL ARENA AND CONVENTION CENTRE Facilities 3,725 sq metre multi-purpose hall
2008
Liverpool hosts European Senior Boxing Championships
equestrian
Equestrian Centre, Aintree Racecourse.
THE NORTHWEST IS HOME TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS RACES – THE GRAND NATIONAL AT AINTREE. IT HAS EXCELLENT EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES THERE AND AT OTHER VENUES, SUCH AS CHESTER RACECOURSE AND A NUMBER OF QUALITY FACILITIES ACROSS CHESHIRE. Equestrian teams will find excellent facilities in the Northwest. Chester Racecourse is the oldest existing course in the country, and Cheshire in particular has a strong tradition of equestrian sport. Chester Racecourse also offers a full range of equestrian facilities. Some facilities, such as Aintree’s new Equestrian Centre, have only been built recently.
The Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital in Leahurst, Wirral, which is part of the University of Liverpool, offers state-ofthe-art facilities and leading veterinary science staff.
AINTREE RACECOURSE AND EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
We can offer:
Additional facilities Medical treatment
On-site
• Long tradition of equestrian sport in region
Physiotherapy
On-site
Veterinary treatment
On-site
• Experience at hosting racing, showjumping, dressage and other trials • Top-class facilities, including racecourses and specialist Equestrian Centres
Equestrian facilities
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD
70x30m main arena 55x20m second ring 1.5m all weather canter 3 mile road and track riding 160 stables, outside grass facilities
CHESTER RACECOURSE AND EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Equestrian facilities
• Excellent stabling and exercise facilities • Access to top-rate veterinarian science
• • • • •
• Full-size main arena, plus warm-up ring • Extensive exercise facilities • 138 stables for use in area • Nearby cross-country facilities
Additional facilities Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy
On-site
Veterinary treatment
On-site
• John Smiths Grand National • Major race meetings at Chester Racecourse • International Horse Shows
23
gymnastics
Liverpool’s Beth Tweddle in action.
THE NORTHWEST CAN OFFER A FULL RANGE OF EXCELLENT GYMNASTIC FACILITIES. THE REGION HAS AN ENTHUSIASTIC NETWORK OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE SPORT, AND VENUES THAT WILL CATER FOR ALL TRAINING AND COMPETITION NEEDS. Gymnastics has enjoyed resurgence in the UK in recent years. Success at Commonwealth and World Championship level has put the sport back in the public eye, and also reflects the high standards of facilities and support available for gymnastics in the region.
111 athletics clubs in Northwest
24
We can offer: • A full range of facilities for artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics • Facilities with a track record of welcoming international visitors • Venues with a history of producing World Championship winning level gymnasts like Beth Tweddle • Robin Park Arena in Wigan, which has hosted national championships
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Commonwealth Games 2002 • British Men’s Gymnastics Championships, Robin Park Arena, since 2005
PARK ROAD GYMNASTICS CENTRE, LIVERPOOL Gym facilities Full range of equipment for artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastic
hockey
Euro Nations Hockey Championships, Belle Vue Regional Hockey Centre.
HOCKEY IS WELL CATERED FOR IN THE NORTHWEST. THERE ARE FOUR WATER-BASED PITCHES ACROSS THE REGION, AND THE BELLE VUE VENUE IN MANCHESTER IS THE REGIONAL PERFORMANCE CENTRE FOR THE SPORT. Hockey facilities in the Northwest offer good pitches, venues and support staff. Hockey was an exciting part of the Commonwealth Games, and the tournament was held at Belle Vue. The venue underwent major renovation work to bring it up to very high standards. Since then Belle Vue has gone on to host major international hockey events.
We can offer:
BELLE VUE REGIONAL HOCKEY CENTRE Pitches 2 outdoor water-based
• Four water-based pitches
Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy and medical support
In close proximity
• The Regional Hockey Centre at Belle Vue, which underwent a £3m transformation before the Commonwealth Games • Experience in organising and hosting major international hockey events, one of which was also a qualifier for the Beijing Olympics
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Commonwealth Games • Euro Nations Hockey Championships (Olympic qualifier)
16
teams competed in European Nations Hockey Championships
25
judo
Michelle Rogers at 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
JUDO IS A POPULAR SPORT ACROSS THE NORTHWEST. THE DOJO IN KENDAL PROVIDES A SUPERB MODERN VENUE OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC STANDARDS, AND MANY OTHER SPECIALIST CENTRES ALSO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY FACILITIES FOR JUDO. Facilities for judo exist in a number of venues across the Northwest. The Dojo in Kendal was built recently and provides top-class facilities previously used by the England team for training. Greenbank Sports Academy in Liverpool has a judo club run by Paralympian Terry Powell.
67
Judo clubs in the Northwest
26
We can offer: • New facilities at the Dojo of Kendal Judo Club, in the Lake District, which was officially opened by World Champion Craig Fallon in 2006 • Support for Olympic and Paralympic competitors via the Greenbank Sports Academy • SKK Judo Club, St Helens, home club for Olympian Nigel Donohue, with stateof-the-art facilities
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • English Open Championships 2007 • Training camps prior to Commonwealth Games 2002
THE DOJO, KENDAL Size 26m x 15m Dojo with two Olympic size contest areas Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy and medical support
On-site
GREENBANK SPORTS ACADEMY, LIVERPOOL Facilities Two Olympic sized mats onsite Medical treatment
On-site
Physiotherapy and medical support
Within 1km
table tennis
Halton Regional Table Tennis Centre.
TABLE TENNIS IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST PARTICIPATION SPORTS, WITH MORE THAN 40M PEOPLE PLAYING COMPETITIVELY AROUND THE WORLD. HERE IN THE NORTHWEST THE SPORT IS THRIVING, AND THE FACILITIES ARE TOP-RATE. Table tennis made its Olympic debut in 1988 and its Commonwealth debut at the 2002 Games in Manchester. The region has also hosted the World Championships and international contests. It has several excellent modern multi-table facilities with a full range of support services and facilities. Both Olympic and Paralympic table tennis is catered for.
We can offer: • Superb modern facilities like Halton Regional Table Tennis Centre, a recently opened centre of excellence for the sport • St Augustine’s, part of a new £5m sports complex in Preston which offers topclass table tennis facilities
HALTON REGIONAL TABLE TENNIS CENTRE – MERSEYSIDE Tables 8 for match, 16 for coaching Additional facilities
Gransprung floor, medical treatment and physiotherapy on-site
ST AUGUSTINE’S REGIONAL CENTRE – PRESTON Tables 6 for match, 12 for coaching Additional facilities
Medical treatment and physiotherapy on-site
• Experience of hosting major table tennis events involving international players
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English Table Tennis Association ‘Premier Clubs’ in Northwest
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • Commonwealth Games 2002 • World Championships 1997
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taekwondo
WTF World Taekwondo Qualifying Tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
TAEKWONDO IS A FAST-GROWING OLYMPIC SPORT WITH STRONG LINKS TO THE NORTHWEST. ELITE TAEKWONDO ATHLETES TRAIN IN MANCHESTER, AND THE BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT WAS HELD AT THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS ARENA. Olympic Taekwondo is growing fast – both with audiences and participants. The best Taekwondo athletes in the country train at a dedicated academy in Manchester. The GB team also receives the support of the English Institute of Sport, which is based at Manchester’s Sportcity complex.
We can offer:
Highly-ranked teams have visited the UK’s headquarters in Manchester, where they were hosted for a two-week training camp. Gary Hall, performance director of the British Taekwondo Control Board, describes the Northwest facilities as “one of the best set-ups in the world”.
• Sportcity complex, built for the Commonwealth Games 2002, which caters for specialist sports science and medical support
• Superb indoor sports hall facilities suitable for Taekwondo across the region • A strong tradition – the GB team has its elite training academy, the Feat Factory, in the Northwest
• Experience of staging the biggest ever Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Taekwondo
MAJOR EVENTS TRACK RECORD • World Taekwondo Qualifying Tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics • BTCB British National Championships 2007
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328
players took part in World Taekwondo Qualifying Tournament
university facilities
Some of the state-of-the-art facilities in the region.
OUR UNIVERSITIES OFFER A WINNING PACKAGE OF EXCELLENT SPORTS AND SPORTS SCIENCE FACILITIES WITH A GOOD STANDARD OF CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT ALL NEEDS. Professional football teams use campuses such as the University of Central Lancashire and Manchester Metropolitan University for pre-season training, and a number of campuses in the Northwest hosted international teams in the build up to the European Football Championships 1996. We can offer modern sports hall and outdoor options, with leading edge technology provided. They also offer thousands of rooms, often with on-site catering and social centres. We can provide: • Outdoor athletics and pitch facilities of a high standard across the region including the £12m Preston Sports Arena at the University of Central Lancashire • Multi-sport halls, a range of indoor facilities
• Olympic Village-style accommodation, as provided during the Commonwealth Games in Manchester
SPORTS AND ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES CAN BE OFFERED BY:
• Sports medicine specialities at Liverpool John Moores University and MMU Cheshire, with advanced scanner technology
John Moores University in Liverpool
• Centre of Excellence for sport for the disabled at Warrington campus of University of Chester • There is also a world-class educational opportunity for nations looking to prepare their teams prior to the 2012 Games. For example the World Academy of Sport was established in 2005 to deliver global educational solutions for the sports and event industry. It offers executive programmes running over several days duration, right through to a post-graduate Global MBA in Sport and Major Events.
Edge Hill University College, Ormskirk University of Central Lancashire, Preston The University of Liverpool University of Chester Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester & Cheshire Campus University of Manchester
15 Universities in the Northwest
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2
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Carlisle
global destinations by air from the Northwest
hours to London by train
CUMBRIA
8
Kendal
8 flights a day to London City Englands Northwest Lancaster
M6
London Olympic Park LANCASHIRE
Blackpool
M65
Preston
M61
M6
Bolton
M58
G R E AT E R M A N C H E S T E R
MERSEYSIDE
Liverpool
Wigan
Manchester
M57 M60
M62
M56
M53 M56
77 trains a day to London
M62 M66
M6
Chester
CHESHIRE
Crewe
M60
TRAVEL TIMES/DISTANCES Journey and distance Manchester to London 319km (Olympic Village) Liverpool to London 340km (Olympic Village) Manchester to 50km Liverpool Manchester to 347km Glasgow Liverpool to Lake District Manchester to Preston Liverpool to Blackpool Manchester to Wigan Liverpool to Chester
Air
Train 2 hours 20 min 2 hours 30 min
Car
NA
40 min
40 min
1 hour
3 hours 30 min
3 hours 45 min 1 hour 30 min
1 hour NA
4 hours 4 hours
135km NA
2 hours
NA
45 min
45 min
89km
NA
1 hour 20 min
1 hour
33km
NA
40 min
30 min
33km
NA
40 min
30 min
55km
connecting people ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST LIES WITHIN EASY REACH OF LONDON. IT HAS EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS WITH THE REST OF THE UK AND GLOBALLY, BY TRAIN AND AIR. BUT THE NORTHWEST IS ALSO A REGION WITH ITS OWN FACILITIES, COMMUNITIES AND CULTURE – ONE THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL WELCOME.
Both Liverpool and Manchester have vibrant Chinatown areas – Liverpool’s is the oldest established in Europe. You will also find a variety of faith venues: mosques, churches and temples. Cultural diversity is part of the history of the region, and it is a welcoming and tolerant area, showing respect to other beliefs and ways of life. No matter where you come from, you will feel comfortable and secure in the Northwest.
“I
The weather in the Northwest is almost identical to London. The temperature and climate in this region will give you the opportunity to acclimatise to British
CLIMATE COMPARISON
Glasgow
England’s Northwest
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The safety of athletes also extends to their health. There are several major hospitals in the area, with large accident and emergency facilities in Manchester, Liverpool and throughout the region. Most of the sporting venues offer on-site medical facilities as well, including physiotherapy and specialist sports medicine. The legacy of the XVII Commonwealth Games, as well as the other major international sporting events that have been held in the region, means that we have very up to date medical facilities and highly trained staff.
weather conditions, giving you a head start in competition.
Feb
The region has been welcoming people for a long time. Established communities have settled here from around the globe, including Asia, Africa and Europe. More than 70 main languages are spoken in cities in the region, and many tourist and hospitality venues offer multi-language services.
Safety and security are very important. Most facilities offer training times to suit your athlete’s schedule.
Temperature °C
A warm welcome awaits you in England’s Northwest.
London
The Northwest is a great place to be based, close to London and other major UK cities. It is also at the heart of some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside and most vibrant communities. If you want to travel to London, it is only 1.5 hours away by train (from Crewe), and an hour by air. London City Airport is only minutes away from the Olympic Village. We can also offer you accompanied visits to suit your needs.
NORTHWEST BECAUSE OF MY SPORT – BUT I LOVE IT BECAUSE OF THE WARM WELCOME IT HAS GIVEN ME. I MIGHT BE FROM CHINA, BUT I FEEL RIGHT AT HOME IN THE NORTHWEST.” CAME TO THE
Sun Jihai Manchester City FC and China.
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Hilton Hotel, Manchester.
accommodation A MAJOR SPORTING EVENT BRINGS PEOPLE – THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. ATHLETES, COACHES, OFFICIALS – THEY ALL NEED SOMEWHERE TO EAT, SLEEP AND REST. THE NORTHWEST IS EXPERIENCED IN HOSTING SUCH EVENTS, AND HAS A HUGE VARIETY OF ACCOMMODATION TO MEET EVERY NEED. WE CAN GIVE YOU THE COMFORTABLE BASE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PERFORM AT YOUR PEAK. The Northwest aims to make you feel right at home, wherever you come from. England’s Northwest can offer visitors every kind of accommodation, from university level to 5-star luxury. Our multi-cultural heritage also means that a wide range of food is available, in restaurants, cafes and shops. Cities and towns like Chester, Blackpool, Preston, Manchester and Liverpool can offer thousands of hotel rooms with different ratings, from hostel-style through to four and five star venues. There are also many hotels in the other towns, cities and countryside of the Northwest.
Radisson Hotel, Manchester. There are several universities and colleges in the area which can offer accommodation. Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Crewe all have excellent student-style accommodation. Some are arranged in the style of a village, with their own social areas. Some sporting facilities have their own onsite accommodation – such as the Reebok Stadium in Bolton and the Greenbank Academy in Liverpool, where 100% of the rooms are fully adapted for disabled use. All the major facilities on offer are just minutes away from good and flexible accommodation.
Chester Grosvenor and Spa.
try to meet specific requirements and help you find what you need to make your stay here performance enhancing and relaxing.
5,176 competitors accommodated in Commonwealth Games Village
Whatever your needs, for both accommodation and catering, you will find it here in the Northwest. We will always
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Wastwater Cumbria, voted Britains favourite view.
rest and relaxation ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST IS ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND VARIED REGIONS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. IT HAS BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE AND WORLDFAMOUS LAKES. THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT WAYS TO SEE AND ENJOY IT – WALKING, SAILING, CYCLING, OR ENJOYING A GOOD GAME OF GOLF AT ONE OF OUR MANY COURSES. The lakes are stunning to look at, and perhaps enjoy a boat trip around. Wastwater is England’s deepest lake, and it is overlooked by Scafell Peak, England’s tallest mountain at 978m.
Royal Liverpool. The Northwest of England is the perfect place to rest and relax when recovering from jetlag and between training phases. Time off from a busy training schedule is precious, and a base here will allow athletes to make the most of that time.
Cheshire and Lancashire are both very attractive counties, with hills, valleys plains and forests. You can visit picturesque stone-built cottages and castles, and enjoy the sense of history in the region. You will find good food as well, often a speciality of a particular town or village. There are 1,400km of coastline, stretching from Chester up to Carlisle. The coast is largely undeveloped and is a haven for nature. The waterfront at Formby on the Merseyside coast has protected wildlife such as red squirrels and natterjack toads as well as views out to the sea. Many
unusual birds also make their home here. Lively seaside towns such as Southport, Blackpool and Morecambe offer shops, restaurants and places to relax. The area is also known as England’s Golf Coast. It has three ‘Royal’ golf courses – Royal Lytham and St Anne’s in Lancashire, Royal Liverpool in Hoylake and Royal Birkdale. Royal Liverpool hosted the Open Championships in 2006, Birkdale in 2008 and Royal Lytham is scheduled for the 2012 Open. The Northwest can offer you tranquil countryside, varied sporting and leisure opportunities and a warm welcome. What makes the region special is the fact that country and coast is all within very easy reach of the main cities.
The cities of the Northwest are all within easy travelling distance of many beauty spots, leisure activities and popular attractions. The Lake District is England’s largest national park, and famed around the globe for inspiring the poetry of William Wordsworth. Windermere, one of the most popular lakes with visitors, is within easy reach of cities such as Preston, Blackpool, Manchester and Liverpool. Windsurfing at West Kirby, Merseyside.
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Liverpool’s famous waterfront, a World Heritage Site.
cities and culture THE CITIES OF THE NORTHWEST ARE AMONG THE BEST KNOWN IN THE WORLD. LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER ARE BOTH FAMOUS FOR THEIR FOOTBALL AND THEIR MUSIC – THE BEATLES AND MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE FANS ALL OVER THE GLOBE. STAYING IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST MEANS YOU CAN EXPLORE AND ENJOY THESE VIBRANT PLACES. Liverpool is a city with an 800-year history. It was one of the biggest ports in the world, which has made it a very cosmopolitan place – helping it to be named European Capital of Culture for 2008.
Salford Quays, Manchester.
Liverpool is always associated with music and football. When you visit Liverpool you can see the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, visit The Cavern, and take a Ferry Across The Mersey. You can also see famous sporting venues like Anfield and Aintree Racecourse, home of the Grand National. Manchester is the original modern city with lively days and nights: hundreds of bars, restaurants and cafes are open in the city. It is well-known for its social life, and has a broad range of venues where you can Shopping in Chester.
enjoy time off with friends. Like Liverpool, Manchester is a very multi-cultural city, with a high student population and established ethnic communities. There are 73 languages spoken and 9 major faiths practised in the region. The city is known for its shopping. There are small designer boutiques, unusual shops selling quirky items and large shopping malls like the Trafford and Arndale Centres.
From small villages to huge conurbations, you will find somewhere to suit your tastes in the Northwest.
Blackpool’s famous tower.
It has excellent arts and cultural venues, such as the Science Museum, Urbis and the Lowry. Blackpool has a world famous Tower, miles of sandy beaches and lively seaside charm. Chester is a beautiful and historic city founded during Roman times.
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England’s Northwest
Calgary Vancouver Hamilton Las Vegas
Los Angeles
New York Philadelphia
Chicago
Atlanta Sanford Orlando
Mexico
start here... For further information on how England's Northwest can inspire you, please contact: Training Camps Kevin Hickey FBISC MBE Training Camp Adviser for England's Northwest, c/o Sport England, Astley House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 4AE Tel: +44 (0)7866 735399 Email: nwpregamescamps@sportengland.org
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Toronto
Major Sporting Events Sheldon Phillips - Marketing Manager, Northwest Regional Development Agency, PO Box 37, Renaissance House, Centre Park, Warrington WA1 1XB Tel: +44 (0) 1925 400 100 Email: sheldon.phillips@nwda.co.uk
Bahamas
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Jamaica St Lucia
Antigua & Barbuda
Venezuela
Barbados
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global destinations by air from the Northwest
Iceland
Norway Sweden Scotland Ireland
MANCHESTER
Denmark
Belarus Netherlands Poland Belgium Germany Czech Republic Guernsey Slovakia Jersey Lux’bourg Austria Hungary Switzerland Slovenia Bulgaria France Italy Corsica Croatia Spain Sardinia Greece Turkey Portugal Malta Syria Cyprus Tunisia Israel Libya Morocco
Canary Islands Egypt
Cape Verde
Pakistan Pakistan
Qatar Saudi Arabia
Dubai
India India
Gambia
Kenya
Maldives Maldives
Singapore Singapore
7
7 flights a day to London City
KADM 03/08