Author: Fergus Stevenson
The Surge of Taekwondo: What Next for the UK’s Most Accessible Martial Art
With the British International Open held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester for the second consecutive year, it is important to reflect on how far the sport has come in the UK. This particular section of Manchester is no stranger to an international-level visitor. Whether that be European opposition travelling to the Etihad Campus […]
‘Alcohol in the Bowl Initiative:’ A Review
For the first time since 1984, football fans across the UK have been permitted to enjoy an alcoholic beverage whilst watching the game as part of a two-year trial. Is this a new dawn for football’s hooliganism problems, or is this a cynical commercial move to monetise a new football audience? Drinking alcohol in your […]
Funded By a Spice Girl: Is The Money Just ‘Too Much’ in Motorsport
With the Formula One season under way for 2026, British Touring champion Paul O’Neill explores how his popstar sister helped him break into the sport dogged by accusations of elitism. “Was I stealing a drive from someone who deserved it more? Maybe. Did I care? Not really. You can’t sit around feeling sorry for people.” […]
Lymm RFC: A Community Club on Rugby’s National Stage
As the last remaining amateur team in rugby’s national leagues, Lymm Rugby are the last example of a community club competing at the top level. On a cold Tuesday evening, Lymm Rugby’s training facilities much resemble any other local sports club. A slightly weathered looking clubhouse with four tennis courts tacked to the side. The […]
The Magic of Macclesfield: Rob Smethurst on taking The Silkmen from ruin to Round Four
Ahead of Macclesfield’s mammoth Monday night FA Cup tie against Brentford, owner Rob Smethurst reflects on his club’s dramatic defeat of holders Crystal Palace, and how an impulse purchase helped him turn his life around. “I just couldn’t contain myself.” To the naked eye, Rob Smethurst taking over Macclesfield could have spelled disaster. A club […]
“She Was Just Passionate about Football:” Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Women’s Football Development in the North West
With Ella Toone and Grace Clinton leading their respective Manchester clubs into a title race in the WSL, how has player development evolved over time in the women’s football pyramid? And what still needs to change as clubs look to optimise facilities for elite female athletes? “We didn’t have a girls’ team,” The Lionesses’ triumphs […]
“He Just Wanted to Play The Game:” Antoine Semenyo’s Rise from Non-League to Champions League
As Manchester City’s £62.5 million marquee January arrival, Antoine Semenyo arrives with the physical and technical profile of a player often seen emerging from one of the nation’s top academies. In reality, Semenyo’s story is very different. In Manchester City’s illustrious recent history, it is rare that a player arrives without an illustrious academy background […]