A physiotherapist from Harrogate will be heading to Thailand this summer, hoping to help England win the World Cup – again.
Liam Chapman, 40, will be taking a short break from his usual job as the physiotherapy lead at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate to accompany the England Veterans football team to the 16th Seniors Football World Cup in Bangkok. He said:
“Before joining The Duchy Hospital, I worked at Middlesbrough FC as physio and supported the youth teams. The England Seniors team manager approached me and asked if I wanted to join them in Bangkok. I had worked with some of the players before. It was a wonderful feeling to be approached.”
Liam Chapman (centre) was previously physiotherapist at Middlesbrough FC.
The Seniors World Cup tournament was initially conceived by the Senior Football Association of Thailand as a way to promote the country in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, and has grown to become an annual event.
Each of the eight teams taking part must have players from different age-groups: three aged 40-44, four aged 45-49, three aged 50+, and a goalkeeper aged 40 or over. They will play a total of five games over six days.
The team includes former Premier League players who are still in good shape, such as Barry Hayles, Deon Burton and Sean Davis, as well as non-league players still playing in their 40s. Newcomers to the squad Jon Challoner and Matt Bodkin are still turning out at Stamford and Chatham, following long careers in both the EFL and the Conference. Another still playing at 45 as player-manager at FC Malpas is former Burnley striker Steve Jones, who along with Ian Cox and Dean West make up a trio of former Clarets favourites in the squad.
England won one of their six titles in 2018.
England has won the cup six times – in 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2023 – and Liam, who used to play football professionally for Hull City FC, believes that 2024 could be added to the roll of honour. He said:
“The standard of football is high, and we’ll be out there for 10 days in total. We have a strong squad, and I am confident we can win.”
England first entered the invitational tournament in 2008 with a team of local players called Harrogate Veterans. It has been so successful that the management of the national team has been taken over by the Football Association, but Liam is keeping our district’s connection with the event alive. He said:
“My family are really excited about the tournament and I look forward to sharing updates with them while I am out there.
“In many ways the tournament is more than just football. Research shows remaining active as we get older is great for our physical and mental health. Hopefully, the tournament inspires more people to look into joining a local team sport!”
In addition to the tournament, the competing teams, which include Scotland, Thailand, Germany, Australia, Iran and the USA, will support the “Football for Kids” programme, where players work with schoolchildren, helping them with coaching and sporting activities. Liam said:
“I am really looking forward to experiencing the culture and having the opportunity to share my love of the game with others. Sport is so important for people’s health and wellbeing.”
The 16th Seniors World Cup will take place in Bangkok from June 3 to 8, 2024.
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First day of Christmas fayre was Harrogate’s busiest for six monthsThe opening of this year’s Harrogate Christmas Fayre was the town’s busiest day for six months, Harrogate Business Improvement District said today.
New footfall data shows that on Friday, December 1 — the launch of the fayre — 126,522 people passed through the town centre.
The data, which is based on locations settings on mobile phones, also suggested the town centre has had a busier 2023 than 2022.
It showed 23,246,734 passed through Harrogate up to December 9 this year, compared to a total of 21,631,852 throughout 2022.
Harrogate BID is working with place monitoring platform HUQ to analyse data on the town’s footfall and dwell time over specified periods.
The BID will use the data, which covers 98% of the population, to develop strategies to encourage more people to visit the town centre. Town centre businesses voted in favour of continuing to pay a levy on their business rates this summer to fund the BID for another five years,
Santa was among the visitors to the fayre.
The data is believed to be more accurate than that used previously to measure footfall at Harrogate events because a person is only counted once if they re-enter the specified area.
Matthew Chapman, manager of the BID, said:
“We are very excited to get our teeth stuck into HUQ, which is used in many towns and cities around the UK.
“The system allows us as the BID, along with partners, to look at high street trends and results to evidence even more return on investment from the projects we deliver.
“Understanding where people come to Harrogate from, as well as how long they spend here,will allow us to promote our town more strategically at targeted periods throughout the year.”
Ed Horner, Harrogate BID’s new PR and communications officer, will analyse the HUQ figures to inform future projects, campaigns and events.
Density data statistics allow the BID to track the movement of people in the BID area and create a map showing the most frequently visited sites.
Green indicates less busy areas, while red highlights hotspots.
Cambridge Street, where the traders and stalls were located, was among the fayre hotspots.
The data also allows the BID to track where visitors are coming from and how long they stay in the town centre.
Unexpectedly, according to the BID, visitors have spent the most time in the town centre on Sundays in 2023 so far, with an average of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town announce hydration tie-up
Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!
Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.
Entries close on January 19, 2024.
Harrogate Town AFC have announced a new sponsorship deal with sports drink brand Cellnutrition Sport.
The Sunderland-based company will be the official hydration partner of the club, providing its HYDRATE 78 and HYDRATE 78 Night products to the entire first-team squad for the 2023/24 season.
Both products, which are included in the company’s Cellular Fitness protocol, are designed to aid fast recovery from exertion, sustain focus, eradicate cramps, help deeper sleep, prolong stamina and enhance brain hydration.
First-team manager Simon Weaver said:
“We are thrilled to partner with Cellnutrition Sport, a company that shares our commitment to excellence. Hydration is essential for athletes of all levels, and the Cellular Fitness protocol provides the best hydration solution on the market.
“We are confident that this partnership will help our players perform at their best and recover quickly after games.”
Town trialled the Cellular Fitness protocol for a period of three months at the end of last season.
Ben Rome, first-team strength and conditioning coach said:
“We had an issue with three of our first-team athletes becoming susceptible to cramping in the latter stages of games.
“The three players started to use HYDRATE 78 before, during and after training and matches, along with taking HYDRATE 78 night on an evening before bed.
“The results we saw was an instant improvement in all player’s hydration testing scores, along with a reported improvement in both sleep quality and muscle soreness.
“The three players were able to complete all remaining fixtures without reporting any problems with muscle cramping; one player even scored a crucial equaliser in the 98th minute of a game.”
Spa declared best in region
Rudding Park in Harrogate is celebrating after being named Best Spa in the North East at the annual Good Spa Guide Awards in London.
Rudding Park was a runner-up in this category last year, and this time beat stiff competition from six other finalists across Yorkshire and the North East.
Sarah Johnson, head of Rudding Park Spa, said:
“We are thrilled to have won this award, particularly against such strong competition. We always strive to offer guests the very best experience and are looking forward to launching some new spa experience in the new year.”
Rudding Park Spa has expanded in recent years with £9.5 million of investment and now has a roof-top spa and garden, hydrotherapy pool, spa bath, oxygen pod, garden cabin sauna and cabana.
In September, the estate announced it would invest between £30 million and £40 million to build a brand-new five-star country club.
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Ryan Reynolds fever hits Harrogate ahead of big match
Speculation as to whether Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds will turn up to Harrogate Town’s clash with Wrexham tomorrow evening has been rife today.
Town are expecting a record attendance for the match at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.
The rumour mill went into overdrive when the Harrogate Town Supporters Group account on Facebook posted a picture showing a man of similar size, age and build as the Deadpool A-lister near a four-seater private helicopter, which purported to be of “Ryan Reynolds landing in the grounds of a well-known local hotel this morning”.
The post may well have been a spot of mischief-making, but Reynolds’ presence at the match is not out of the question. He and his business partner and friend, fellow actor Rob McElhenney, bought Wrexham in 2020, and their investment in the club helped it to win promotion from the National League to League Two at the end of last season.
They are not known to frequent games beyond Wrexham itself, but they have come under fire for using private planes to transport players around the country for away fixtures.
The helicopter in the photo is a Bell 206B Jet Ranger currently registered in the fleet of Heliflight UK, which is based at Gloucester, but also has a presence in Wolverhampton, 65 miles from Wrexham.
When the Stray Ferret asked 10 days ago if Wrexham’s star owners were expected at the EnviroVent Stadium tomorrow, Harrogate Town’s spokesman said:
“I would think it’s very unlikely. I’m not aware of Ryan Reynolds having been to any other away games – but you never know.”
Town’s media assistant, Nickolas McInally, said today:
“We are not aware of whether or not Ryan Reynolds plans to attend the match.
“With regards to tickets, this will be a record crowd with only a couple of hundred remaining. Tickets will be on sale online or in the club shop until 2pm tomorrow [Tuesday, November 28].
“We will also have our new stand in use for the first time.”
Tickets for all matches are available online only at the club’s e-ticketing webpage.
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- Football pitch in Killinghall named after local Lioness Rachel Daly
Harrogate’s Rachel Daly ranked 10th best player in world
Harrogate-born Rachel Daly finished 10th last night at the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards in Paris.
The Aston Villa striker was one of two England Lionesses to make the top 10. Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps was fifth.
Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who helped her side defeat England in the World Cup final, was first.
Former Rossett School pupil Daly was top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season and named PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
She was also a member of the England side that won the 2022 European Championships.
Daly’s astonishing achievements have yet to impress North Yorkshire Council, which continues to ignore a petition by Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club — the club where she started her career — calling for a civic honour. The Stray Ferret is supporting the appeal.
None of the four England players on the 30-strong shortlist were able to attend the ceremony because they are international duty. England play Belgium in the National League tonight.
The top 30 was decided by the votes of 100 journalists, who come from the countries which make up the top 100 of the FIFA rankings.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi beat Erling Haaland for the men’s award.
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GALLERY: Rachel Daly returns to Harrogate’s Rossett School
England footballer Rachel Daly returned to Rossett School in Harrogate today to rename a 3G sports pitch in her honour.
Rossett’s most famous former student brought the place to a standstill as pupils and teachers turned out to cheer her.
Headteacher Tim Milburn greeted the Aston Villa striker at 10am before she was whisked away to meet staff and tour the building.
When she re-emerged about half an hour later, pupils formed a guard of honour as she walked from the school buildings, accompanied by her dog Dexy, to the pitch.
When they got there, Rachel — wearing white trainers and clothes by her street fashion brand sponsor Hera — joked about how much Dexy loved the attention and thought it was for her.
Dexy was certainly a hit but Rachel, who was accompanied by her family, was the undoubted star on a rare return to the school she left in 2010.
After a short speech from Mr Milburn, Rachel removed a black blanket to reveal a sign for the newly named Rachel Daly 3G Pitch. Behind her, a group of girls played football on the pitch. She said:
“It’s an honour for me to be here and have this named after me.
“It’s great seeing the young girls out here today and having them on a pitch that’s named after me. It’s a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever get used to.”
Rachel, the current PFA Players’ Player of the Year, spoke about coming home with sand burns after playing on the old astroturf pitch and how Rossett and Harrogate held a “special place in my heart”.
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Mr Milburn described Rachel, who started out at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, as an inspiration not only for Rossett pupils but also for anyone who uses the sports facilities. He added:
“She’s not just a Rossett hero, or a Killinghall hero, she’s a town hero. Why wouldn’t we want to honour her?”
Although the school has been quick to honour Rachel, North Yorkshire Council has yet to indicate whether it will support a call from Killinghall Nomads, supported by the Stray Ferret, for Rachel to receive civic recognition.
The Conservative-controlled council said two months ago it was urgently considering a policy on how to recognise achievements by local people.
The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Simon Myers, whose portfolio oversees such matters, what progress had been made since then but has not received a response.
Here are some images from Rachel’s return to Rossett today.
Headteacher Tim Milburn welcomes Rachel Daly to the school.
Pupils form a guard of honour.
Dexy the dog was never far from Rachel’s side.
Rachel Daly, alongside the Rachel Daly 3G Pitch.
The Rossett Lioness and the sign she unveiled.
Current Rossett footballers look on as Rachel talks to her family.
With current footballers on the 3G pitch.
Dexy takes centre stage again.
Harrogate Town life president George Dunnington has died.
The club announced today that Mr Dunnington, 86, who had been involved with the club for seven decades, died yesterday.
He was first involved with the club as a player in the 1950s.
When his playing days ended in the 1980s he helped the club build a new stand, floodlights, terracing, turnstiles, changing rooms and much more with a team of workers.
Mr Dunnington was elected chairman in October 1986, a position he held until 1998.
He was then elected club president In 2012/13, before being one of the inaugural inductees in the club’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
The club said in a statement:
“George was an inspiration to everyone at the club, his positivity, friendly nature and determination leaving a lasting legacy at the club he dedicated such a big part of his life to.
“Our thoughts are with George’s family and loved ones at this time.”
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Where to watch the World Cup final in the Harrogate district
Pubs, sports clubs and other venues across the Harrogate district are gearing up for a morning like no other tomorrow, as England’s Lionesses face Spain in the World Cup Final.
The match takes place at Stadium Australia in Sydney, kicking off at 11am UK time.
The early start has not deterred fans and businesses alike from making the most of the occasion.
No doubt the biggest cheers will be for Rachel Daly, the former Rossett School student and Killinghall Nomads junior player, who will be hoping to start once again for the Lionesses.
Here’s a round-up of some of the places putting on a special event for the match.
If you know anywhere else, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to the list.
Harrogate
The Empress on the Stray will be open from 10am to welcome fans.
The Tap on Tower Street is opening its doors at 11am for the match.
The Den, on Cambridge Road, will be showing the match.
The Balcony at Harrogate Cricket Club will be open from 10am, with bacon butties, hot drinks and the bar open. Book a seat via the website.
Husk Beer Emporium will be open for the match from 11am.
Harrogate Conservative Club on East Parade will be showing it from 10.45am.
Bilton Cricket Club on Bilton Lane is opening at 10am and offering a free pint to anyone who wears their England shirt. Check the club’s Facebook page for booking details.
Starbeck Working Men’s Club on Forest Avenue will be showing the match on a big screen, with doors open from 10.30am.
The Knox in Bilton will be serving breakfast butties from 10.30am ready for kick-off.
The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road will be open from 10.30am and serving sausage and bacon butties.
Knaresborough
Knaresborough Town Football Club on Manse Lane is hosting a watch party, with doors open from 10.30am.
The Cricketers on Thistle Hill will be open from 10am for the match.
Ripon
The Black Swan in Westgate is throwing a Women’s World Cup Final party from 10.30am, with a raffle and England merchandise.
So! Bar and Eats in Old Market Square will open its doors at 10.30am. There will be free bacon sandwiches until kick-off.
Ripon Bowling Club in Bondgate Green is opening from 9am for fans to gather and watch the build-up and match together.
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Rachel Daly aims for World Cup quarter-finals this morning
Rachel Daly will hope to power England into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup this morning.
The Lionesses take on Nigeria at 8.30am at Brisbane Stadium in Australia in a match broadcast live on BBC One.
The winners will play either Columbia or Jamaica in the last eight on Saturday.
Harrogate-born Rachel Daly has played a major role in the Lionesses’ success so far, even though she has been selected as a left-back rather than as a striker.
The former Killinghall Nomads player, whose mother still lives in Harrogate, scored in the 6-1 rout of China in the final group match. Daly also played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat of Denmark and came on as a substitute in the opening win against Haiti.
England, who have reached the last two Women’s World Cup semi-finals, are firm favourites to advance from this morning’s match.
But the tournament has seen numerous shocks already, with defending champions the United States crashing out yesterday on penalties to Sweden.
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Harrogate Town begin fourth football league campaign tomorrow
Harrogate Town fans are optimistic of their side’s chances of avoiding relegation as the club enters a fourth campaign in the English Football League.
Town take on Doncaster Rovers away from home tomorrow in a tantalising Yorkshire derby to open the season.
The club has bolstered its first team with the likes of striker Abraham Odoh from Rochdale and winger James Daly among the summer recruits.
Phil Deighton, a long time season ticket holder at Wetherby Road, said Harrogate should be in a position to avoid the drop again this season.
He added that the additions to the squad during the summer transfer window, in particular Odoh, had pleased him.
Mr Deighton said:
“I am a season ticket holder and have been watching Town for a a long time. Just watching league football is brilliant for me as most of my time watching it has been non-league.
“The preparations for the new season look good, it is nice to see a couple of players that were on loan re-sign permanently and I was pleased that Mr Weaver added in the striking department – I looking forward to seeing Abraham Odoh, he looks a skilful player.
“Overall, I think the pre-season has gone well, just a shame none of the game have been at home, and I think we will do slightly better in the league this season and not have the worry of relegation.”
‘Strongest squad in 14 years’
Town will head into the new season with an away trip to the Eco-Power Stadium to face Doncaster.
Manager Simon Weaver said the squad was the strongest he had in his time at the club.
He said:
“I think it is quite honestly the strongest squad I’ve had at the club in 14 years.
“I’m proud of the efforts of the players in pre-season. The new lads have settled in well, they have integrated into the changing room really easily which is great. The vibe is strong.”
Simon Weaver, Harrogate Town manager.
Weaver also has a fully fit squad going into the new season, with the exception of long term absentee Stephen Dooley who is on the sidelines with an injury.
Ahead of the clash with Doncaster, Weaver said there was massive appetite for the derby but warned that it was “no more important” than any other match.
He said:
“Everybody builds up the first game of the season and that’s because there is massive appetite for it.
“But it’s no more important or no less important than any other game in a 50 game season. We have to stick to what we’re good at and be organised, hard working and have loads of energy and be an exciting team to watch.
“But at the same time, not put too much pressure on because there’s so many games this season and so many points to play for.”
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