Interview: Brighton's Twin Brother

Published in SQ Magazine January 2012

Wandering through the streets of Brighton, it's hard not to realise the wealth of musical talent that surrounds you. Every other bar contains local bands plying their trade in one of the most vibrant musical towns in the UK. One act looking to do exactly the same is Twin Brother, the stage name for multi-instrumentalist Alex Wells.

I caught up with Alex to talk Twin Brother, Brighton and his Glastonbury experience.

Tell us about Twin Brother. How did you start out?

Well basically Twin Brother started at a time when I wasn't in a band. I found I had some stuff I needed to say so thought I'd try my hand at writing. I'd managed to get a mic or two, so produced and played the stuff myself. At first it was scary but after a while it’s lots of fun.

How long have you been writing music?

I started properly writing when I was about 17 I think. I'd written a couple of songs before that but they were sort of 'make up lyrics that sound cool and fit in with the music' rather than actually having anything to say. I wrote 5 or 6 songs for a folky project, and then I made the Twin Brother stuff. I write pretty much every day, but I just never have any time to turn the ideas into polished recordings!

You’ve been likened to acts such as Tom Waits and Nick Cave for your musical approach. Who are your main inspirations?

A friend of mine called Benjamin Blower is a huge inspiration lyrically (he talks about freedom and consumerism and stuff, definitely check him out). I'm really into Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Solomon Burke, Fleetwood Mac, The Walkmen, Buckley etc. But maybe it ends out coming out more like Spoon meets The National. I love that people hear Cave and Waits in there, I'm a huge fan of both but never thought I'd come out with something similar!

The style of your music differs considerably from the reflective Ephemeral Love to the more indie sounding Lungs. How do you describe your sound?

I have a lot of trouble describing the sound. Those tracks come from an album I demoed out a while ago (only some of which are online). I really made an effort to come up with my own ideas and experiment musically. While that's personally rewarding, it does make it difficult to tell people if they are going to like it. I suppose lungs stands out because it sounds a bit like indie from a year or two back. Someone today called my stuff "moody rock" - I kind of like that.

Which part of music writing do you find more expressive and powerful; the lyrics or the music?

 Maybe this is an unpopular opinion but I'd say the lyrics without a doubt. Maybe it’s because I think lyrics can ruin or make a song more easily than the music. Perhaps the music is a vessel for the lyrics and should enhance what's being said. Also, when I feel like the lyrics aren't thought through, I struggle to feel any emotional connection with the song - and that's the point, isn't it?

The Brighton music scene is one of the most vibrant in the UK. How has it helped your music develop?

Probably more than I realise. After playing around the country a bit, I've realised that Brighton is really into a lot of good stuff and really encourages doing new things. Lots of good stuff is being done here and loads of my friends are local musicians doing really interesting things. We sometimes play on each other’s sets (look out of Ez Stone and Bella Spinks).

What are your plans for releasing more material? Hints have been dropped on your Facebook about a release, so is there anything in the pipeline?

I'm dying to get a proper release out. I need to spend some proper time in the studio to come out with something more thought out. I had no idea Twin Brother would go anywhere at all so the tracks we're still playing at the moment are from a 12 track demo I made in 2 weeks in my bedroom. I'd really like to put a bit more effort into it and hopefully get something really good done.

Highlight of your career so far?

Playing BBC Introducing at Glastonbury this year for sure.

How was it at Glasto?

Fearful yet exciting. To be honest I was also really excited to go to glasto as I'd never been before. It's absolutely nothing like anything else and it’s impossible to describe without having been! We were the first on, on the Friday (so pretty much the start of the festival). We had a really decent listening crowd, maybe because we didn't have much to compete with!

Where do you see yourself in 12 months?

Hmmm as long as I haven't had a mental breakdown yet I hope to have a decent album out and do some touring!

Get to know Twin Brother: Quickfire quiz

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee

Bath or Shower?

Shower (haven't had a bath in years... is that bad?)

 Sweet or Savoury?

Savoury (meat)

 Beaches: Sandy or Pebbly?

Pebbly!

 Football or Rugby?

I enjoy playing football, but gotta admit don't really follow either.

Beer or Cider?

Beer

 Fender or Gibson?

Fender

 Film or TV?

Film!

 Mac or PC?

eeeeghhh i kind of hate Mac. I feel cheated ever since I bought one...

Top 10 Goals of 2011!

Published online at SQ on December 3rd 2011


In light of Darren Ambrose's wonder strike for Crystal Palace to dump Manchester Utd out of the Carling Cup in mid week,  claimed to be the 'best goal Utd have conceded at home', I have decided to give you my most memorable goals of the year. A real feast for the eyes.

Golo Guarin - FC Porto vs Marítimo

Considered by many to be European goal of the year (yes Rooney), the audacity of Guarin to  attempt a strike from such a distance surprises even him when it rockets its way into the top corner. The 84km/h shot was purely unstoppable, and ranks up there with some of the best long range efforts ever seen in world football.  It dipped, it swerved and out maneuvered the keeper to shoot itself right to the top of our list, and deservedly so.

Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

No list would ever be complete without a contribution from the little Argentine, and picking his best goal was a challenge in itself (I nearly went for this beauty against Arsenal). Yet his piece of individual brilliance against Real Madrid in the semi final of the Champions League demonstrated just how good he is. Clearly disinterested in giving Mourinho's men any chance of winning, Messi picks the ball up just inside the opposition half and proceeds to beat 5 Madrid player with consummate ease and cooly slot the ball past a flailing Casillas. Running at world class defenders in one of the biggest games in football never looked so easy as when 'The Magician' decides to get involved. Majestic.

Wayne Rooney - Manchester Utd vs Manchester City

It was always going to be included. THAT Rooney goal as it's often referred to now has become his Cantona moment. In a tight Manchester derby, little looked to separate the 2 teams, but the class of Rooney was the difference between the sides on the day. A good, but not undefendable cross from Nani, looking to fly behind Rooney's head was met with a sailing right foot which sent the ball over a motionless Joe Hart. Like something out of Fifa, Rooney cites the goal as his best ever, and it seems hard to believe he will ever score a more impressive, memorable goal in his career. But there's always time.

Dejan Stankovic - Inter Milan vs Shalke 04

There a number of outrageous own half attempts that go horribly wrong and make players look like arrogant fools. But when they come off, and in the manner of which Stankovic's did against Shalke 04 in the Champions League last season makes it all worth while. After a booming headed clearance from the keeper, he'd probably thought he'd done enough to stem the pressure for the moment But in immediate reply, Stankovic responded with a extraordinary volley from just in side Shalke's half, which flew its way into a empty net. Technically brilliant, the control and confidence needed to smash the ball home remains one of the standout goals from 2010/11 Champions League campaigns.

Sergio Aguero - Manchester City vs Swansea

This may not be the most astonishing goal of 2011, but what is signified was what made it so special. One of the most dazzling debuts in recent memory, Aguero only played the last 25 minutes against Swansea, but managed to notch 2 goals and an assist in that time. Striking fear across the rest of the Premier League, his energy and control was unstoppable, and this goal set to immediately justify his £38 million price tag. He hasn't done bad since either, racking up 12 goals in 18 appearances so far this season, he's sure to score many more great goals as the season progresses.

Andre Iniesta - Barcelona vs Viktoria Plzen

Barcelona could have a goal reel dedicated just to them with the exquisite football they continue to play year in year out.  This goal against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League group stages exemplified everything Barcelona about Barcelona. Quick, one touch passing, fast movement, perfect control and a cool finish. Just oozing with class. Like all of their goals.

Neymar - Santos vs Flamengo

At just 19, the Brazilian striker is already being nicknamed 'The New Pele', and for good reason. His pace, movement, skill and finishing ability are all on clear demonstration with this wonder goal against Flamengo in the Brazilian league. His electrifying speed and unbelievable pieces of skill (check :25 in the video, I still can't figure out how he did it) led to one the best individual goals of the last few years. Unfortunately, however, he's agreed to stay on at Santos until at least 2014, so we won't be seeing him in the Premier League anytime soon, but he'll be high on the priority list of teams across the world.

Giovanni Dos Santos - Mexico vs U.S.A.

The only international goal on the list, Giovanni Dos Santos' inch perfect chip against U.S.A. in this years Gold Cup Final sealed the win in emphatic fashion. In a tight space, surrounded by defenders, Dos Santos managed to carve just a foot of space to slot the ball into the only part of the goal available, looping tantalisingly over the U.S. defender into the top corner. Top marks for innovation, and even better marks its delivery.

Ivan Perisic - Borussia Dortmund vs Arsenal

Amongst a host of top Champions League goals, highlighting the calibre of the tournament, Ivan Perisic's last minute equaliser against Arsenal is certainly up there. As Dortmund desperately searched for a point against the Gunners, up stood Perisic to take matters into his own hands, and smash a left footed volley perfectly into the top corner. A stunned Szczesny could do nothing as the ball floated (what seemed like an age) into his path, and with perfect technique, guided the ball home. Unfortunately, it looks like his efforts were futile as Dortmund look pretty certain to sink out of the campaign this year, the strike was admirable nonetheless.

Gareth Bale - Tottenham vs Inter Milan

The performance that put his price tag up £5 million alone, Bale's scintillating hat - trick against Inter Milan in the San Siro was on the most impressive individual performances from a British player abroad in recent memory. Despite scoring 3, almost identical goals, it is his first that was marked the most impressive. Starting from deep inside his own half, Bale made Samuel and Zambrotta, 2 of world football's most experienced defenders look like mere schoolboys, as he breezed past them and harrowed a powerful shot into the bottom corner. The tight angle, the pressure, and the distance he'd covered all contributed to  what was a fantstic effort from the Welshman, and worthy of much more than the consolation it was.

Some that didn't make the cut

Thomas Muller - Bayern Munich vs AS Roma

Eden Hazard - Lille vs Marseille

Heather O' Reilly - U.S.A. vs Columbia

Who makes it to your top 10? Do you agree with this list? I want to know! Make sure to comment with your thoughts and opinions!

Slamball: The True Rise of the Underdog

Published in Nerve Magazine October 2011

For those that remember, Slamball needs no introduction. Way back in 2002, broadcast on the now non – existent UK channel Trouble, Slamball found its way to our screens, and smashed its way to commercial success in just a matter of years.

Yet this unique hybrid sport, which combines elements of basketball, American football and gymnastics, is only just recovering its momentum, after a 5 year hiatus and turbulent economic times threatened to destroy the game before it even began.

Created initially by Mason Gordon, who envisioned a sport that recreated a real life video game, integrating the athleticism of basketball, with the hard-hitting intensity of American Football. Consisting of a standard basketball court, with the minor addition of 4 trampolines on each end, a whole new breed was born. With the freedom of ‘full contact’, players had to out – muscle, out – jump and out manoeuvre their opponents using the trampolines to sail high above the rim for monstrous slam-dunks. Two-time Slamball champion James “Champ” Willis defines Slamball simply as “rock and roll”, capturing the essence of complete spectatorship; competiveness, physicality and jaw dropping athleticism. 

But the idea wasn’t enough. Gordon had to market his product. He managed to get acclaimed TV producer Mike Tollin on board, and with that came a wealth of opportunity in terms of coverage. Through the construction of a prototype court in Valencia, California and the recruitment of 5 showcase players, Slamball showed its worth to a host of TV executives.


With that, Slamball made its TV debut in 2002 on US channel Spike TV, and was soon complimented by a significant following across America, Italy and the UK. It even managed to get the original Coach Carter on board the coach the team Rumble. Not bad for one guy and an idea. And it appeared to pay off.

So without the multi – million dollar contracts of the NFL, or the deep player pool of the NBA, Slamball began to develop, under the scrutinous media spotlight never before seen with a sport so young.

With high ratings on Spike TV and millions of people tuning in to the Slamball Championship Game on CBS Sports, everything was going perfectly. Prior to the launch of the 2nd season, the league saw 20,000 applications from prospective players, as well as 2 additional teams and a new court built. The exposed TV saturation had paid dividends for Gordon, as coverage spread everywhere for his sport, from The New York Times to Jay Leno.Yet the success wouldn’t last long. Slamball peaked too early.


It saw the glossy heights of the commercial mainstream without having the backbone that decades of development bring. After just two seasons, television distribution negotiations broke down as creators Gordon and Tollin came into disrepute over the direction of the sport. Ultimately, TV companies saw Slamball as the packaged, entertainment product reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters, whereas Gordon remained faithful for its prospect as a legitimate, competitive sport. And so it went underground.


Coaches and players alike went back their respective sports, and Slamball was brushed under the carpet.

It looked as if it was yet another high concept idea that lacked the realistic grounding needed to gain credibility.

However these fatalistic ideas were never enough to stop Gordon and Tollin materialising their vision. “There are no shortcuts to building something that endures.” Mason cites this throwaway line as a main inspiration for refusing to yield, and his devotion in propelling the sport back into the mainstream. He, closely alongside his team, worked tirelessly throughout a five-year hiatus to develop the sport as a credible, athletic league.


After much redefining, and a clear focus to market the sport as a professional franchise league opposed to a “made for TV” exhibition, Slamball made its return in 2008. For the first time, Slamball was distributed internationally by media outlets such as China, Spain and Italy and began its redevelopment as a professional sport.


Unfortunately, little has been publicised of the league post 2008, as the economic downturn derailed much of Slamball’s process. Niche sport sponsorship wilted, and with that Slamball suffered, yet the game continues to grow under the persistent leadership of Gordon and Tollin.


As with any developing sport, it needs the time, money and participation to grow. Basketball was invented in 1891, but it wasn’t until 70 years later were 3 pointers introduced, so it’s far from the finished product. Yet Gordon has announced big plans for Slamball’s future. He claims there are television agreements in place for the new season, as well as plans to open Slamball gyms around the world to promote the sport at a grassroots level. He’s even ambitiously; some might say naively claimed Slamball aims to one day become an Olympic sport. But one step at a time.


So for all the ambition in the world, what remains to be seen is whether Slamball can shrug off the overbearing “TV showcase” persona it has accumulated from it’s intensified beginnings. Its image has obviously been revamped; as Slamball is now backed by huge sport media company IMG, with goals of authenticity and credibility fore fronted, opposed to that of instant, disposable gratification.


Turbulent times are sure to follow for Slamball, but with grand plans in place, only time will tell if they materialise. Gordon claims: “I made a decision when I came up with Slamball, that hell or high water I would see this thing through.” One thing is for sure; you wouldn’t put it past him.


Visit the Slamball website, or if you want to see what all the fuss is about, take a look at the video. 

Check out the magazine layout of this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/slamball1

RELAYS: Looking Towards The Future

Published in Nerve Magazine in December 2011

London 2012 doesn’t just bring the world’s biggest sporting spectacle to the UK. Along with it comes numerous legacy projects such as RELAYS (Regional Educational Legacy in Arts and Youth Sport), that aim to inspire young people around the country to engage in sport. Attached to the 2012 deal to host the Olympics in London came the responsibility of establishing lasting effects after the games, and realising the potential that next summer can bring.

Situated in the South West, RELAYS works together with 11 of the regions universities, including Bournemouth, to create and organise events and festival to highlight the liberating impact of sporting activity. As a government led scheme, RELAYS looks to get youths of all ages, background and sporting experience involved in various activities tied to 2012.

Virginia Bailey, the RELAYS Schools Events Coordinator at Bournemouth University claimed that her target for the scheme was to leave a lasting legacy not only for the participants, but also for the students who volunteer.

“I hope that for those involved when they leave BU and are looking for employment, their time with RELAYS has a positive impact in helping them get the job they want.”

Virginia, who’s role within RELAYS is to give students the opportunity to get involved with volunteering at sport festivals and events across the region, said it was imperative that the scheme doesn’t end after 2012.

“It’s massively important to ensure RELAYS isn’t just a government condition, but actually a huge opportunity to boost sporting involvement, both for students and kids.”

When it was announced in 2005 that London was to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, Virginia claimed it was “my mission to make sure I was going to be part of the greatest sporting event in the world, and RELAYS has facilitated that for me.”

Not only do I get to work on an exciting and rewarding project which is part of the South Wests 2012 legacy, I am also very fortunate to work with an amazing team of RELAYS staff and volunteers.”

One of those 4000 RELAYS volunteers is BU student Adam Doherty, who involves himself with the coaching of children locally as well as recruiting new members. As a main facet of the scheme is to organise sporting festivals and events for regional schools, Adam claimed this was the most empowering reason for his involvement.

“After coaching them for an hour, they begin to understand the game and want to do it again. That's what it's all about and the reason why I do it, and if it wasn't for Relays I would never have had the opportunity.”

Adam, who felt an obligation to volunteer due to the opportunities he had been given as a kid to get involved in sport, said that the values behind the Olympics are great promoter for getting kids involved. Values of respect (fair play, healthiness) excellence (competitiveness, participation) and friendship all contribute greatly to help build a sense of love towards sport.

With over 200 events held already and nearly 70,000 young people engaged, RELAYS continues to grow in the build up to next year. Yet the individual affects on local schools is the most rewarding according to Virginia.

“One particular school saw a huge improvement in the number of girls taking part in PE after running a street sports and arts festival called "Urbanise". The school where struggling to engage with the girls during PE but after trying out free running, street dance and street soccer, a number of clubs where set up which saw a much improved attendance from what they had before.”

Yet RELAYS isn’t purely about getting youths involved in sports; it’s about improving the confidence and involvement of kids in all manner of activities. As well as this, it has facilitated a number of opportunities for volunteers, as members of the crew are now undertaking placements abroad to improve their coaching and leadership skills.

If your interested in getting involved with RELAYS and leaving a lasting impact of the London 2012, then contact  Virginia Bailey at vbailey@bournemouth.ac.uk or visit http://www.universitiessouthwest.ac.uk/Relays.aspx for more information. 


Check out the magazine layout of this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/relays

Futsal Flare Heats Up BU

Published in Nerve Magazine in October 2011.

With a new varsity season well under way and teams forming for the upcoming year, one sport that hasn’t got the recognition it deserves in recent years is futsal. The BU men’s team have reached the national finals for the past 2 years, and with new head coach Luke Williams and ex - England international taking over reigns for the season, the finals are in sight again.

Luke, a graduate from BU and captain of the varsity futsal team in 2009 said that although he had to wait to see the calibre of the players he was inheriting the “target is always to reach the national finals.”

BU will compete in the BUCS Premier League Western, alongside the likes of; Plymouth, Hartpury, Bath and Gloucestershire and whilst Bath always produce strong varsity teams, Luke claimed you never know where supremacy will lie.

“It’s the same with any varsity sport, year on year everything changes. It depends on what players you keep, what squad you inherit, if you get some good new players come in then you can compete, but it varies every season.”

As for the league season, which kicked off on the 26th October, Luke said the team will play 5 or 6 league games throughout the year at annual tournaments, making each game pivotal for the side’s success, in the sense that 2 losses could ultimately end a side’s contention for the nationals.

“We have to prepare carefully, as normally the tournaments are hosted in collective arenas, with teams playing up to 2 games a tournament. BU is actually hosting one of the rounds at the University this year, so we’ll benefit from the home advantage.” 

"All the elements of a good sport player are pivotal in futsal.” 

With futsal’s South American origins, the game is played at a much higher intensity than regular 11 a side, or even 5 a side, due to its focus on creativity and ball control. With 5 players including a goal keeper, teams play indoors in tight pitch conditions, and Luke claimed that technical ability is massive to be successful in futsal:

“You need to be comfortable on and off the ball, as well as comfortable with both feet. There are no set positions as such, so you have to be tactically astute and prepared to defend as well as attack. All the elements of a good sport player are pivotal in futsal.”

Luke himself has played futsal internationally for England, and said that his transition from 5 a side football was the best decision he could have made:

“I started with 5 a side football, and was invited along to some England futsal trials. I played a few games for England so I was thrown in at the deep end and managed to go down the futsal route. I just loved the sport and have been playing ever since.”

A sport which boasts responsibility for the skills of the likes of Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos, futsal requires a much more energetic approach to football, with the focus on small, intricate play to form attacks. As well as this, the pressure of constantly having to be aware of everything around you makes the game one of high intensity.

As for his love of the sport, Luke maintained that although 11 a side is great to play; he preferred futsal for the opportunity to contribute so much more to the team:

“11 a side can be really frustrating. You could have 10 touches in 90 minutes, but in futsal you have so many touches of the ball that you’re constantly involved in the high intensity of the game.”

This is obviously an increasingly popular view with players looking for new challenges, as BUCS University futsal leagues are growing in numbers ever year, with more and more participating universities signing up for futsal. Yet although at a Varsity level the sport is growing, Luke said that internationally, England are still in the “developmental stage” and need much more work to challenge the world’s best teams.

“Your top futsal sides are the likes of Spain, Italy, and South American teams from which the game originated. England are a long way down the rankings at the moment at 89th, but they are building up.”

So although England are a long way off producing the next string of Rivaldo’s; at a varsity level futsal continues to go from strength to strength, and the upcoming season for both BU and the UK promises to be one to watch.

The futsal season kicked off on the 26th October but training still runs Friday 8-10pm in the Sports Hall as Talbot Campus if you’re interested in playing in the upcoming season. You can keep up with the progress of both the men’s and women’s teams through the BUCS website: www.bucs.org.uk.


Check out the magazine layout of this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/futsal

The Olympic Torch Comes To Bournemouth: A Special Review

Published in Nerve Magazine in October 2011 in collaboration with James Hartnett. 

When Coca Cola perched their iconic red bus down at Talbot Campus to give people the chance to get their photo taken with the Olympic Torch, anticipation for 2012 to kick off got that little bit more real. Nerve Sport headed down to the event to catch all the hype that next year is already giving off, with interviews from all the key people involved.

On the road since May, the Coca Cola Torch Tour is travelling to every major town and city in the UK to give people the opportunity to become part of London 2012 by having their photo taken with the historic torch, as well as nominating 1 of 8000 torchbearers who will carry the Olympic flame through Bournemouth next year. With the tour now reaching its finale, the NUS tour is the final leg, with the bus visiting 20 selected universities across the UK, making students the only candidates left available to become torchbearers.

The torchbearer themselves will become part of a completely unique Olympic event. By taking part in a 70 day tour across the UK, 8000 people will travel 300m each through their own town or city with the Olympic flame; a feat that has never been performed at any Games before. The idea behind this is that 95% of the UK population will be within 1 hour drive of the Olympic flame, and for people who weren’t able to get tickets for 2012, this is a way of feeling a part of the legacy. It is estimated that within the 70 day tour, the flame will travel 8000 miles across the nation until the opening ceremony kicks off on July 27^th.

Bournemouth is set to have the torch towards the end of the tour on the 13^th July, and according to organisers, the town the flame ends up in each night will host a huge celebration, with a range of musical artists and events to commemorate the occasion, all whilst the flame remains alight.

Yet the day wasn’t simply about the torch, it was about promoting all things Olympic, whether that be university based, or through the local community. Sport BU used the day to increase sport participation at the university, with rowing and kicking competition as well a punch bag tournament, designed to increase student involvement in sport. This was supplemented the presence of various volunteering opportunities, including the Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Arts and Youth Sport) which aims to increase sporting participation to schools around the area in conjunction with 2012.

Andy Cope –Coca Cola Torch Tour Team Representative

Part of a small team touring every corner of the UK, Coca Cola Torch Tour Representative Andy Cope spoke to us about the journey.

“We’ve been on tour for about 3 and a half months now, and visited over 100 locations. We will literally finish one evening and drive up to 100 miles to our next location. We’ve done all the music festivals, most of the theme parks and currently this is the last leg of the tour; the NUS tour which will last 4 weeks.”

Talking about the aims of the tour, Andy highlighted the importance of getting everyone involved in next year. “2012 is a huge event for the UK as a whole, and I know loads of people that have applied for tickets and haven’t been able to get any, myself included. But the Olympic torch tour will go all around the UK, so everyone will be within 1 hour drive of the Olympic flame.We know how much it means to everybody. Everybody loves the Olympics here.” As students are the only remaining candidates eligible to become torchbearers, Andy reinforced the importance of young people representing Britain, as they represent the brand motto of “Future Flame”.

“People at university are the future and young people are leading us there, so we want young brand ambassadors that people can look up to and bring fresh ideas to the community.”

The decision to who the 8000 torcbearers will become will be passed to a panel including Olympic athletes, brand ambassadors and the International Olympic Committee, and Andy claimed the board were looking for passion.

“We’re looking for future flames so someone with a passion for anything. It could be sport, environment, or anything that gives back to the community. You need to sell yourselves to us and we can decide whether you can carry the flame next year.

The arrival of the Olympic Torch was obviously the focus for the day, and Andy explained the fascinating story behind the Olympic flame’s journey:

“The flame is always lit by the power of the sun, using a parabolic mirror in Greece. It is then transported by private plane with 24-hour security alongside back up flames from the original fire source.

You can’t just light it from any means; it has to be from the sunlight in Greece. If it any point, all the back up flames do go out (which won’t and hasn’t happened), we would have to transport it back to Greece to relight it. So in reality, the flame itself is more important than the torch. “

Virginia Bailey

Virginia Bailey, the schools coordinator for local volunteering scheme Relays (Regional Education Legacy in Arts and Youth Sport) spoke of her pleasure in welcoming a leg of the Torch Tour to Bournemouth.

“Visually it’s been fantastic.  It’s starting to get people really excited about next year, and it’s been a great platform to launch everything Olympic related that we’re doing down at the university.”

“These guys have been on tour since May, hitting every corner of the UK to get everyone involved in the biggest sporting event in the world. It’s a brilliant idea”

Due to the scope of the event, the Olympics has facilitated for a number of volunteering opportunities available next year. Virginia spoke of the impact: “We’ve already had 100 people sign up to various volunteering schemes so today has really fore fronted the various ways students can get involved in the Games.”

As for Relays, which aims to improve school involvement in sport in the build up to the Olympics, Virginia said she would love to see one of her volunteers chosen as a torchbearer for Bournemouth.

“All our volunteers have been brilliant, not only today but with their overall contribution to Relays in general. One of our guys has just won a South West award for volunteer of the year, so hopefully some of our people have a good chance of becoming a torchbearer.”

Toby Horner – SUBU President

As one of only 20 successful university applicants, Bournemouth University’s Student Union President Toby Horner spoke of the impact the event had at BU.

“The torch is an excellent thing to have, and not only for the university but for the local community too. We’ve had schools coming along today as well as members of the public, so it’s a really good thing for Bournemouth in general, not just the university.

Students have now been given even more opportunities to get involved in sport thanks to new sportBU schemes. Toby told Nerve: “It’s great to see that sportBU have a presence at this event, and we’ve got people recruiting volunteers locally for the Games when they come to Weymouth. It’s just about highlighting the different ways that students can get involved in sport and be part of the Olympics.

“Here at BU we have the initiative to get students more aware of the Games and heighten excitement. In our bid we had a BU Medal Challenge for students taking part in pre-Games physical activity, ranging from free social sports and sport club parties to free group fitness sessions for students taking part in social and group sports.

On the back of a grant from Sport England, sportBU are also running Free Your Fitness – a campaign promoting taster sport sessions throughout the term to really get students involved in sport, be it on land or sea.

Amanda Kevern – Sports Development Officer

SportBU’s Sports Development Officer Amanda Kevern also spoke of her excitement after the Torch Tour, and has high hopes of student involvement in sportBU this year.

“The Coca-Cola tour has allowed us to promote volunteering opportunities within sport, directly linked to the Olympics, be it through participation or volunteering. As well as sportBU promoting physical, healthy activity, we also played host to RELAYS – an Olympic-based athletics project – and the Weymouth and Portland ambassadors scheme – a volunteering opportunity for students wanting to help at next year’s sailing events down here.”

Thanks to the various schemes sportBU offer, the Olympians of tomorrow may only be a stone’s throw away. “Our varsity programme is where we do our elite end of sport. We have students represent us as teams and as individuals, and last year we came 30^th out of 146 institutions in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) competition, being the lowest-populated university of the top 30.

“Athletes also represent us at an international level, and attend the World Games for universities. Alongside this, we also give scholarships for athletes that represent us at a national level or above.”

Dividends often pay off for sportBU athletes, and the university boasts a fleet of talent. A proud Amanda said: “Our golf team is the best in England, and often get invited to represent BU on a large scale.

We also have England football squad trialists, with one player put on the reserve list to represent Great Britain at the World University Games in China this summer.

“Ultimately though, we strive to push both ends – participation and elite – and although varsity trials have finished, there are other ways of getting involved in Sport BU, such as intramural or social sport in the lead up to the Games and beyond.”


Check out the magazine layout for this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/olympic-bus

NBA Lockout: European Effect

Published online at SQ on October 6th 2011

Possibly the biggest talking point in the world of basketball at the moment is the potential NBA lockout for the forthcoming season.
After the current CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) contract expired between the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association and the NBA at the end of June, negotiations into player salaries have broken down, and with that the NBA season has been put on standby.

Whilst the NBA wants to implement a ‘hard’ salary cap that decreases salaries to combat wavering audience numbers, the players want to see their salaries increase, or at least stay the same. Both parties are standing firm on their proposals, with NBPA president and LA Laker Guard Derek Fisher explaining his disappointment in not reaching an agreement on labour, but reinforcing the player’s unity in preparing for whatever the lockout brings.

Much like the NFL lockout that happened this year as well, it is extremely unlikely that the lockout will last all season, as there is far too much at stake financially and professionally for the NBA to not resolve. This said the regular season looks increasingly unlikely to start on time, and as happened in the 1998 lockout, it may have to be shortened considerably.

At the time of writing, labour discussions were moving forward, but were nowhere near conclusive. However, its effect on European basketball could be of big benefit. Several high profile players have already considered relocating to Europe if the season falls short, including LA Laker superstar Kobe Bryant who claims he “hasn’t ruled out” playing abroad, with Turkish team Besiktas reportedly in contact with Bryant’s agent about a possible switch.

The likes of Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Denver Nuggets forward Gallinari are also looking to possible switches abroad, which at the cost of the NBA, will benefit European basketball massively, as the worlds best players may be forced to relocate and boost the publicity of other leagues, if only for a short while.

Olympic Basketball: Team GB's Shot at the Big Time

Published online at SQ on October 2nd 2011.

With 2012 fast approaching, and the anticipation hotting up nicely, Team GB are deep in preparation for their biggest Olympics yet.

For British Basketball, London 2012 holds massive importance. Team GB were granted automatic host participation by governing body FIBA back in March, making it their first Olympic appearance since 1948, an achievement that hopes to boost the popularity of the sport nationwide.

According to James Tombs, the Head of Commercial and Business Operations for the British Basketball Association, its significance for basketball in the UK is huge.

“The fact that all sessions have been sold out during the first rounds of ticket sales means that there will be an awful lot of people that will experience world class basketball for the first time and in doing so realise that GB have great men’s and women’s teams. Hopefully many of them will become fans after.”

Talking about the knock on effects for British Basketball, James highlighted the impact of media coverage and increased live spectators in giving the sport a profile in the UK that has never existed before.

“It would be fantastic if this could generate greater interest at the grassroots level of the sport which in time can deliver a more sustainable sport and begin to produce greater commercial investment allowing further development in all aspects of the game, both amateur and the professional league.”

We may spring some surprises, particularly with a partisan crowd.

  

Yet whilst the sport will certainly benefit from the Olympic inclusion, highlighted by the long campaign by the BBA to secure it, the expectations of the team must stay realistic. Team GB has mentioned a medal as a ‘realistic target’, yet the combined ranking for the men and women’s team is way down at 86, and with teams like Spain and Lithuania dominating at this year’s Euro Basket, mixed with the seemingly unstoppable force that is the USA, who have won 6 of the last 7 gold’s, a medal is a massive goal to push for. Although confident, Tombs maintained the main goal was for the team to just leave everything out on the court and with the home support; see what happens from there.

“We may spring some surprises, particularly with a partisan crowd. It generally provides a bonus for any team playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. We would hope that the home support, as we experienced during the test event will help the guys and girls to go that extra step.”

It is this confidence that has helped Team GB push forward and develop massively over the past few years. The men’s team picked up their first ever finals wins at this years Eurobasket against Portugal and Poland, and with the inclusion of NBA star Luol Deng into the squad, who helped the Chicago Bulls clinch the Eastern Conference and reach the conference playoff final, the position of British Basketball is better than ever.

As for the team, both the men and women’s squad have seen some great performances in the summer. The experience of the likes of 65 time capped Nate Reinking, who Tombs describes as a “consummate professional that always delivers when you need him to”, is pivotal, as well as many younger players beginning to take more responsibility in the achievement of the team. Constantly improving forwards Dan Clarke and Joel Freeland have been stand out players of the last year, cementing their place in squad for their versatility and intelligence.

Our inclusion means lot of people will experience world class basketball for the first time, and realise Team GB have great teams.

Coach Chris Finish has applauded his players for their development over the last few years, expressing how the strong performances in this year’s Eurobasket will have a knock on effect for 2012. Whilst Finch has admitted that the team is still learning, and mistakes have to be ironed out before the summer, the basis for a successful campaign is there.

Yet whilst it remains to be seen whether Team GB can truly push forward and challenge the top ions of international basketball, with a lot of work still to be done to topple the likes of Australia and Spain, let alone the mighty USA, its inclusion is a massive step forward. It gives British Basketball the publicity that has never really existed before, and a chance to prove themselves on the world stage in front of the vibrant home crowd.

So come 2012, Team GB will step out onto the court looking for medals, and never has there been a better time to secure one.

Triple Squash Interview: Part 3 - World Number 5 Laura Massaro

In the final of a 3 part interview, Toby Gray catches up with world number 5 Laura Massaro her year, the Olympics, and the increasingly struggle for squash to reach our airwaves, despite considerable and consistent success over the past few years.

You recently climbed to 5th in the world, your highest ranking yet, so how has the past 12 months been for your career?
The past 12 months has been mainly great but this time last year was a bit turbulent. I was recovering and trying to get fit from a bad ankle injury and didn't make a great start to the season. I reached my seeding in 3 of the 1st bunch of events but I was way off where I wanted to be and way off beating anyone above me. Since about Oct (when I won silver in the Commonwealth games) thing's started to pick up.
I made the final of Carol Weymuller in NY and then won Sharm El Sheikh. I had a great training period over xmas and then pushed hard beating the world number 1 and winning my first WISPA gold event in Cleveland.This was followed with winning National championships. Unfortunately after that I picked up an injury which meant I didn't play great In KL in March and had to withdraw from 2 events after that. After another good training and rehab phase I was fit again though and have just returned from Malaysia and Singapore where I managed to beat the world number 1 and 6. This took my ranking to a career high of 5 and I’m hoping the rest of the season will continue in the same vain.

How did you get into squash?
My Mum and Dad both played and I spent a lot of time at the squash club
when I was young.

What was it about the sport that made it so appealing?
 It seemed like fun when I was young. I love that squash has so many aspects to it. Speed, agility, endurance, tactical, technical and mental.

The world’s top 20 for both men and women is filled with British players, so in terms of popularity and scope, what do you make of the state of squash in the UK?
 It seems quite popular but it's all tied into publicity, funding and tournament. At the top end the men and women's tours are strong throughout the world but not very strong in the UK. We have very few events and England Squash struggle to get sponsors for big events like the British Open. Because of this we struggle to get any sort of publicity and even in the Commonwealth Games when we do very well we are over shadowed by other bigger sports. It's an uphill battle but everyone is dedicated to getting squash in the public eye and trying to get more people involved in the game.

With this influx of British talent, do you think there is enough coverage of the sport across the country?
I don't think squash or the players gets the recognition it deserves. We all train and work really hard and it's a shame people don't get to see the work we put in. I realise squash is a minority sport but it's just unfortunate that with England being so strong as a nation that the public aren't more aware of these successes regardless of the sport.

All of this Olympic talk is hotting up, what do you make of the decision not include squash in the Olympic Programme?
Obviously it's very disappointing. The closer the Olympics get the more disappointing it is that squash won't be part of it. I genuinely feel the athletes involved in squash deserve the chance to win an Olympic gold medal. Hopefully we will get there in the end.

You’ve already achieved massive things in squash, but where do you see yourself, and squash in 5 years time?
Well, hopefully still playing and injury free. To have challenged and won some big titles and to improve my squash level and world ranking.

Triple Squash Interview: Part 2 - World Number 12 Daryl Selby

Published in Nerve Magazine September 2011


In the second interview with Britain's best squash players, Toby Gray asks world number 12 Daryl Selby why he chose squash, 2012, and the big strides needed to place the sport in a much needed media spotlight. 

How’s your year been?

The last 12 months have been my most successful to date, I was obviously delighted to become British Champion in February and also reaching the top 10 in the world rankings. Both were major goals of mine and to reach them gave me a great boost.

What made you choose squash?

My Dad got me started playing squash when I was 5 years old and I immediately loved playing. I find the sport fast and ever changing, finding myself in different situations every time I play which makes it a very addictive sport.

How is the state of squash in the UK?

The state of squash in the England is strong in the senior ranks (I’m not sure how the other countries in the UK are doing) with ourselves and Egypt dominating many of the top spots in both the men’s and women’s rankings. England squash have got many good initiatives going to try and increase participation and our new national coach Chris Robertson has brought some impetus into the elite side of the coaching. We just need a few more juniors to come through as Egypt seem to be completely dominating all junior events currently.

What needs to be done to boost coverage squash?

I think the media is very important in raising the profile of the sport. People need to know how good England is at squash! It’s easier said than done but I think there are a lot of people putting a lot of time and effort into getting squash recognised and the profile hopefully increased.

With 2012 under a year away, and with squash coming so close to the Olympic programme, what do you make of the exclusion?

Obviously it’s disappointing for squash to be continually overlooked as a potential Olympic sport. I believe it has all the credentials to be included and is a ‘classic’ Olympic sport with a gold medal being the pinnacle for any squash player. I think it all comes down to money these days and the IOC have just seen the dollar sign by including golf. I hope squash can get included in the future but unfortunately I will never be able to play as I’ll be far too old!

Finally, 5 years time, where do you see yourself

I have no idea where I will be in 5 years time. If I’m not still playing then hopefully earning plenty of money somewhere!


Check out the magazine layout of this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/squash

Triple Squash Interview: Part 1 - World Number 9 Alison Waters

Published in Nerve Magazine September 2011.

Squash is a funny sport. Britain boast a world number 1, and 9 players in the men and women’s top 20, as well as one of the best youth academies in the world, yet we hear so very little of it.

In an exclusive 3 part, interview Toby Gray caught up with a host of Britain’s top squash players to discuss the state of the sport in the UK, coverage issues, and reaction to the unfortunate blow not to include squash in the 2012 Olympic Games next summer. First up, world number 9 Alison Waters. 

How is the injury coming along? When are you looking to getting back into competitive action?

 I had an operation 9 weeks ago on a bone spur on my achilles. It is all coming along nicely and I’m doing lots of rehab work in the gym. I hope to be back playing in tournaments by October time. The recovery is quite a gradual process so I’m just taking it step by step and not trying to plan too much in the future.

Your achilles injury has caused some drawbacks this year, but how has the past 12 months been for your career?

 Yes it has been a year or so plagued with this achilles injury. I did well in four tournaments over the summer period last year reaching two finals and two semis’s, which pushed my ranking up to the highest it’s been at three in the world. Then we had the Commonwealth games where I got to the semi finals but had to pull out of the bronze play off and the doubles due to injury. Since then I have played only two tournaments but was hampered with my achilles. This year has been very up and down and definitely the most testing time of my career.

How did you get into squash? What was it about the sport that made it so appealing?

I started squash when I was five and my parents and brother all played so it was always in the

family. We would go up to my local club, and play on the courts there, which I still do now. I have always loved the game. It’s fast and furious and yet with lots of skill as well.  It’s a tough sport but I love every minute of playing and watching.

The world’s top 20 for both men and women is filled with British players, so in terms of popularity and scope, what do you make of the state of squash in the UK?

Squash is going really well in England. We have the current men’s number one in the world, Nick Matthew. Also we have 3 men and 3 women in the top 10 in the world. So things are really good. Also we have the European girls and boys champions so the future is looking good as well. We have a great setup with England squash and the EIS (English Institute of Sport) is one of the best, if not the best set up in the squash world.

With this influx of British talent, do you think there is enough coverage of the sport across the country?

No there is definitely not enough media coverage of squash. For instance Nick Matthew won 2 gold

Commonwealth medals, World Open and was world number one and there was hardly any coverage. If that had been tennis and Andy Murray it would have been national news for months! We  really needed to get into the Olympics to maybe get more coverage and it is such a shame that all the hard work everyone puts in, that the sport doesn’t get the recognition it truly deserves!

All of this Olympic talk is hotting up, what do you make of the decision not to include squash in the Olympic Programme?

Yes it is a hard time for squash players and everyone involved with the sport with all the news about the Olympics in a year’s time. We would love to be in the Olympics and it would be our biggest squash event. The Ultimate! Everyone was really disappointed not to get into 2016, but the WSF and all the other squash organisations/ and countries all round the world are trying to get a really good case together for 2020. We never give up hope that one day squash will be an Olympic sport. I look forward to that day!

You’ve already achieved massive things in squash, but where do you see yourself, and squash in 5 years time?

Well in 5 years time I will be 32 which is a scary thought! At the moment I’m just looking to get injury free and fit again. Once that has happened then my goal is to get my ranking back to the very top and to actually start winning major events. Also to see England remain as one of the world’s best squash countries, as well as hearing that squash has been included in the 2020 Olympic Games. I could hang on and keep playing for another 9 years!

Check out the magazine layout of this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/squash