Latest Sport Aston News

Sport Aston closed Bank Holiday

All the Sport Aston facilities will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May and Monday 7th May 2013.

New Sports Hall and Squash Courts

A brand new sports hall and squash courts have opened at The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre in Birmingham. These new facilities are a replacement for Gem Sports Centre. It means all indoor sports at Aston University are now located in The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre on Woodcock Street.

The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centres full list of facilities include:

100+ station Gym

25m Pool

Sauna & Steam Room

Two Sports Halls (for badminton, netball, basketball, football, volleyball, kabaddi etc)

Two Squash Courts

Two Dance/Martial Arts Studios

Outdoor facilities include:

Four 5aside 3G football pitches

One 8aside 3G football pitch

You can book these facilities by calling 0121 204 4623 or 0121 204 4626. If you have any questions or would like to book for an event please email sportsenquiries@aston.ac.uk.

Outdoor Recreation Centre 2013/14 season

Contract bookings are now being taken for the 2013/14 football season on the grass pitches at our outdoor recreation centre. Applications should be made to Hilary Heron on 0121 204 4625, h.heron@aston.ac.uk or sportsenquiries@aston.ac.uk

Bookings are also being taken for the floodlit all weather pitch for the winter season for both football and hockey.

Sport Aston Achieves Investors in People Core Award

Sport Aston is pleased to announce that they have received accreditation as Investors in People following an external validation assessment that took place just before Christmas. The assessment report stated that Sport Aston had provided evidence that they were working in advance of the standard having demonstrated compliance with more indicators than were needed for the standard award. The report was particularly positive about staff perception of the organisation, Sport Aston's commitment to training and professional development and the communication systems that exist within the organisation. "Without exception everyone is aware of what the organisation is aiming to achieve and how their job role helps to achieve these aims"

Sport Aston's Director of Sport, Mike Kirkman commented. “I am delighted that the staff here have received this prestigious award. They deserve this recognition for the way they have risen to the many challenges they have faced over the past few years. I am very privileged to work with such a talented and committed group of people. I am very proud of everyone and I look forward to working with them to continue to move the service forward when Woodcock Phase 2 is completed in the spring."

Aston Olympians 2012

Aston hosted the seventh annual Aston Olympians event earlier this month. The event saw 240 children from six local primary schools in the Aston area visit the University over two days.

Once again the weather was on our side with the pupils taking part in five events: Mini Water Polo, Football, Obstacle Courses, Benchball and a Gym Challenge. The cheering, laughing and chanting could be heard all over the campus and the feedback from the children and schools was fantastic.

The event received great support from the students and staff at the University with over 50 volunteers taking time out of their busy schedules to help put on an action packed day for children that don’t normally have access to these sports. Volunteers were given a team leader role which involved looking after a team of 6 children for the day. The day finished with an awards ceremony for the children presented by Jan Wilman (Director of Student Experience) and Professor Helen Higson (Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor).

This annual event is a joint collaboration between Sport Aston and the Titan Partnership, with valuable support from Schools & Colleges Liaison. Sport Aston were also supported by 20 year 10 pupils from Aston Manor High School who helped to run the activities as part of a Sports leadership course they are undertaking.

The teachers from the local schools comment on the quality of the new sport facilities and how good the staff and student volunteers were. The staff and students did Aston University proud and gave the children a day they will remember for a long time. A massive thank you to everyone involved!

Woodcock Swimming Pool is available for Hire

The Woodcock pool is available for hire by staff and the community for a whole range of private events.

The pool is a great venue for events such as team building or maybe a group of you want to hire the pool and have it to yourselves for an hour. For Aston University Staff and Students there is a discount when hiring the pool. If you would like to make an enquiry about hiring the pool please contact sportsenquiries@aston.ac.uk

1 to 1 Swimming Lessons

If you or your child want some extra swimming tuition Sport Aston also offers 1 to 1 swimming lessons with two of Sport Aston’s Leisure Assistants either Nick Campbell or Pete Janossy. Both Nick and Pete are ASA level 2 qualified swimming instructors. A 1 to 1 session can be helpful if there are specific areas you or your child needs to improve on. If you want to book a 1 on 1 session please contact:

Nick on 07952403287 or at ncampbell627@yahoo.co.uk

Pete on 07843393847 or at janibi@freemail.hu.

Round Up of the 13^th February Matches

The sun is shining and the snow has finally cleared, now back to business and back to sport.

Aston University Men’s Basketball won 69 – 59 vs University College Birmingham to continue a very impressive season.

Aston University Women’s Volleyball team also won in straight sets to win 3 – 0 against the University of Lincoln, and the Women’s 1^st Badminton team had a dominant win against the University of Lincoln 7-1

Finally, the Men’s Volleyball team were awarded a walk over victory against the University of Kent. From the Wednesday 6^th February matches the Aston Men’s Football 2^ndteam got a close 2- 1 victory against Birmingham City University.

A National Pool Lifeguard qualification course is now available to book and due to start on the 2^nd March 2013, take advantage and you can get it at an great price. Places are filling fast and there are only 7 slots still available.

Have you decided to take on the challenge #Swimathon 2013 on 27^th – 28^th April. If you haven’t yet it’s not too late, set yourself a challenge and raise money for the Marie Curie charity in the process.

Have your say? We are always looking to improve our facilities and services. So let us know what you think.

Get in touch with us at @Sport_Aston on Twitter or search Sport Aston on Facebook

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Round Up of the 28th November Matches.

Congratulations to the Aston Netball team who recorded their first win of the season with 41 -27 score line against University of Wolverhampton.

The Men’s Tennis team won 10-2 and to continue an impressive set off 3 wins in a row.

The Men’s Basketball team finally had a challenge this week but still dispatched the University of Wolverhampton 71 – 61.

The Indoor Cricket team have completed three wins in a row. Their latest win was against Coventry University with a very close score line of 96 – 95.

It seems to be becoming routine for the Women’s Volleyball team as they beat their opponents again this week winning 3 sets to 0.

We are happy to announce that we have selected the students for this year’s Sports Scholarship programme. Sport Scholarship students are students that have been very successful within their sport and also aided the development of their sports team at Aston University. So well done to: -

Dashuai Zhang, Elizabeth Archer, Joanne Ellett, Filip Kobielski, Dana Ivanova, Mohsan Hussain and Philip Hewitt.

We are also getting closer to the Christmas break and from Friday 21^st December all Sport Aston facilities are closed until the 2^nd January 2013. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

@Sport_Aston on Twitter or Sport Aston on Facebook

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Round Up of the 21st of November Matches.

Last week the Men’s Basketball team demolished their opponents scoring 99 points in the process, but this week they not only scored a hundred but went one better, with another comprehensive win two weeks in a row this time beating University of Wolverhampton 57 – 101.

The Aston Volleyball Ladies team won 3-0 to continue their impressive form so far. Table Tennis won a very close match 9 – 8 against University of Birmingham.

The Indoor Cricket team won both their matches this week 71 – 69 against University of Derby and 87 – 86 Oxford Brookes University.

The Women’s Water Polo team beat league rivals Nottingham at home 14-7. This means they have beaten every team in the U-polo league in the first leg and are top of the league. Michelle Byrne moves 2^nd and Alisha Braley 4^th nationally in the U-polo’s highest goal scorers ranking. The club now has six wins from six games this season!

November has also brought some horrendous weather to say the least, and as a result some our matches were called off as a result.

Never the less as we approach the Christmas break it’s starting to come down to a few select teams who could be in the running for Aston’s Sport Team of the Year. Can the other teams turn it around in Term 2.

On a positive note this week we’ve been interviewing potential Sports Scholarship students who play there sport at a very high level and contribute to sport in some way at Aston University. Next week we will be announcing which students have been awarded the Sports Scholarships.

We are always looking to develop and improve the services we offer to our members at Sport Aston so if there’s anything you’d like us to do just get in touch and let us know.

Get in touch with us at @Sport_Aston on Twitter or search Sport Aston on Facebook

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Round Up of the 14th of November Matches.

There’s only one place to start this week and it’s got to be the Men’s 1^st Basketball teams demolition of the Staffordshire Men’s Basketball team winning 99- 22. (But surely I’m not the only one who’s a little bit gutted they didn’t reach the 100).

The Women’s Volleyball teamcarried on from where they left off last week sweeping aside the University of Bedfordshire to win 3-0. The Men’s Badminton team also put together impressive win beating the University of Worcester 6 – 2.

Last week Aston University men’s tennis got their groove back and this week was no exception with their clean sweep victory of 12–0 against University of Northampton.

Our honourable mentions this week go to:

Men’s Football 3^rd team who drew 4–4 against BCU’s 3^rd team, and the Men’s Hockey team whose undefeated streak ended this week with a 5–2 loss against Nottingham Trent University.

However, we want everyone to remember sport does not have to be competitive, make sure you keep active and enjoy yourself. Get a mate or a group and take advantage of the high quality affordable facilities available on campus. Choose from 5-aside football pitches, badminton, squash, swimming and basketball.

We hope a lot of people managed to take advantage of our free Wellbeing week sessions last week. We would like to say a big thanks to everyone that took part in some way during Wellbeing Week.

We want you to have your say! So if there’s anything you would like to see at Sport Aston, get in touch with us at @Sport_Aston on Twitter or search Sport Aston on Facebook

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Round Up of the 7th November Matches.

This week saw Aston University sports team’s most impressive performances of the young season so far.

The Men’s 1^st Basketball team got back to winning ways this week beating University College Birmingham 56–45. Likewise, the Aston University Men’s Tennis team got back in their grove winning 8–4 against De Montfort University.

Aston Badminton teams were without a doubt the star sports group of this week, with the Women’s 1^st Badminton team trouncing University of Lincoln 7-1 and the men’s Badminton team continuing their good season with a unlucky 4-4 draw.

The Women’s Volleyball team seamlessly swept aside the University of Nottingham winning 3–0. Men’s Hockey team must also receive a mention, as they remained undefeated despite being held to a 2-2 draw against Staffordshire.

Same again next week please.

For those who don’t already know, Monday 12^th – Friday 16^this Wellbeing Week at Aston University and here in Sport Aston we’ve got FREE Fitness Classes, Badminton, Squash Courts and even some free swimming times. Drop in to The Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre to find out what free session you can get involved in!

In other Sport Aston news we need to let you know that between the hours of 09:30–11:30 and between 14:30–15:30 you can play Badminton and Squash for only £2, to book simply call us on 0121 204 4623

If you’re interested in playing some 5-aside on the 3G ASV Pitch above the car park but are struggling to get an evening spot, don’t forget we’re open from 10am and take bookings all throughout the day.

We would love you to share your Sport Aston pictures and posts with us @Sport_Aston or #sportaston on Twitter and Sport Aston on Facbook.

Round Up of the 31st October 2012 Matches.

Just like in the professional game, this week in BUCS was all about the cup matches.

The Men’s Aston Hockey team continues to be in destructive form sweeping aside their competition, to make it three wins in a row and remain undefeated for the year. They won their match 6-3 against University of East Anglia.

I’m not sure whether the Men’s 4^th Football team have been taking notes from the goal fests in the Capital One Cup this week, but they continued the trend dispatching their opponents with a comprehensive 6- 1 win.

Also in Aston University Sports team news, last week the Women’s Water Polo team won 15–7 over Gloucestershire at home in the U-polo league. This puts them 1^st in their league with the 1^st, 2nd and 4^th highest goal-scorers in the league to date. What an incredible start to the season.

Phase 2 of the building works around The Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre continues to make great process and is set for opening in the spring of 2013. This means Sport Aston will have another amazing facility to offer you, visit our Facebook or Twitter page to see pictures of how the build is progressing.

Don’t forget you don’t need to have a membership to take part in any of our classes, and it’s just £2.40 per class for Aston staff and students or you can get a ‘12 for 10’ card for £24.

We would love you to share your Sport Aston pictures and posts with us @Sport_Aston or #sportaston on Twitter and Sport Aston

Round Up of the 24th October 2012 Matches.

Aston Men’s 1^st Basketball team won a close game 68–62 against Nottingham Trent University 1^stthis week. Aston Men’s Hockey Team made it two wins on the bounce on with a win against Harper Adams University College 5–2.

The Women’s Volleyball team also secured a 3-1 win against University East Anglia. The Aston Tennis team battled their way to an 8–2 victory over the University of Leicester.

Bring on next Wednesday!

Zumba and Box fit continue to hugely successful selling out two weeks in a row, and our Studio Cycling and Thighs Tums and Bums are receiving great feedback from our members.

But don’t forget you don’t need to have a membership to take part in any of our classes, and it’s just £2.40 per class for staff and students or you can get a 12 for 10 card.

We would love you to your share any Sport Aston pictures and posts with us @Sport_Aston or #sportaston on twitter and Sport Aston Facebook.

New Sports Hall, Squash Courts and Changing Facilities Open Now!

Phase 2 is complete and has a brand new sports hall, two new squash courts and additional changing facilities. All the new facilities can be accessed through The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centres main reception and is now open.

The outside of the squash courts has a living wall. As the plants grow you might see a bit of a pattern emerge.

The new sports hall is looking great and we cannot wait to get in a try it out. Just waiting for the lines to go in. Hopefully you will all get the chance to try it in term 3.

There will be two new squash courts in the new part of the Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre. They are both glass backed and will be a big improvement on the ones currently available at Gem.

This the the second new squash court and these will be available to use in term 3.

We have added some additional changing rooms, toilets and showers in the new section.

There is some fancy metal work around the outside of the sports hall.

This is the corridor that connects the new phase 2 section to the existing part of the Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre. On the right of the picture where the window is is the Hammer Strength room and behind the camera is reception.

The new sports hall has had it's lights installed and turned on for the first time and the base for the the floor is going in. The walls of the sports hall will be green and the floor will be blue.

This picture shows the two new squash courts on the right hand side. The gap will be where the glass backs of the courts will be installed.

This is a picture of one of the new squash courts being painted.

This is the spectator area with the sports hall on the left and some nice skylights to let natural light into the building. This side of the sports hall will have a rebound board and net to protect you if you are watching a football match.

This picture is looking down past the new changing rooms on the left towards the reception area of Woodcock. This will be the access point between the current area of Woodcock and the new section.

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