Wales football legend Ashley Williams urges young kids enjoying Euro 2020 to ‘go and get playing’

By his own admission, Ashley Williams was a rubbish waiter. He didn’t hate his part-time job at Drayton Manor theme park — not many 16-year-olds would mind free rollercoaster rides — but he wasn’t as pumped when working as a petrol station attendant. Yet Williams would not change a thing about his journey, from juggling … Read more

Quinton Shillingford is having to adapt to coach the next generation of boxers

After two decades in the Royal Navy and being unfazed by lockdown, Quinton Shillingford is having to adapt to coach the next generation of boxers for England and Great Britain Quinton Shillingford has swapped submarines for a boxing gym in Portsmouth In 2013, his efforts were rewarded with an MBE and the gym is a … Read more

Introducing Britain’s Coaching Army aiming to boost grassroots sport after the pandemic

Even during those gloomy briefings, when revolving ministers paint an ever more revolting picture, glints of light can occasionally appear. Even from such prolonged misery can vital lessons be gleaned. ‘If there is one thing that this has taught us all, it’s that physical activity is so, so important,’ says Emma Atkins. ‘Chris Whitty said … Read more

Sport England announce plan to tackle inequality and make the country more active

They have had the impossible task of trying to grow grassroots sport and physical activity at a time when the nation has been ordered indoors. But after 10 months stuck in reverse, Sport England on Tuesday announce a 10-year post-pandemic plan to get the country moving forwards again. Only their main mission goes way beyond … Read more

Many sports have suffered during a year of Covid-19 lockdowns… but running and cycling are booming

While grassroots sport is suspended and struggling to survive, two of the only activities still allowed have been able to capitalise on the crisis. The first lockdown last spring spawned a new generation of runners and riders, with almost two million more adults taking up jogging and cycling. And now community sport has been brought … Read more

Bahman Farazmand attempting to cycle equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again

Bahman Farazmand – aged 91 – is attempting to cycle equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again on exercise bike for charity Bahman Farazmand has clocked up a total of 2,038km in the past 10 months 91-year-old is trying to cycle equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats and back He used … Read more