MB Partners Adds Footballer Sam Chaney to Client Roster

Sports agency MB Partners have welcomed a new client with footballer Sam Chaney joining their ranks. 

The midfielder signed a two-year scholarship with Torquay United in 2012 and has a promising future ahead of him. The 18-year-old has been a regular player in the youth team since he joined the club and has made the reserves squad several times.

Commenting on signing with MB Partners, Chaney said: “I am delighted to be joining MB Partners, as I know they can support me off the pitch and I can then focus on my football a lot more and really push on. It’s nice to know they have my best interests, which was showed during our meeting and are passionate about bringing players like myself forward.’

“We are delighted to have Sam on board”, said Jimmy Carter of MB Partners. “Sam possesses that wow factor that is needed to become a top midfielder in the English game and his development over the past two years has been really encouraging. We are all looking forward to working closer with him over the coming years.”

Hearn: Leyton Orient Can Rent the Olympic Stadium

Leyton Orien chairman Barry Hearn has revealed that West Ham might not be the only tenants of the Olympic Stadium and cannot block the League One side from renting the venue.

The League One club’s chairman says the news emerged from a meeting he had had with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).

West Ham won the bid to be the anchor tenants, but Hearn says the LLDC confirmed the Premier League club could not block other companies or clubs agreeing deals to use the Olympic Stadium when it was not being used by the Hammers.

Hearn’s meeting with the LLDC follows a House of Lords report into the Olympic legacy that recommended Orient should be allowed “occasional use” of the stadium.

Hearn said: “West Ham have no say about it, that was the most important thing that came out of the meeting.

“I was not sure if West Ham were guaranteed to be the only football club using the stadium and the breakthrough news for me was that the answer is no, they are just a tenant.

“It is a little light at the end of the tunnel, at least we know there are no legal restrictions to us playing there and the next step is to see what the price would be and then make a decision.”

The LLDC confirmed that once a stadium operator is appointed anyone, including Orient, can approach them and agree a separate deal but West Ham’s matches would have priority.

An LLDC spokesperson said: “We will be appointing an organisation next autumn to manage, maintain and operate the stadium and programme activities and events.

“Once they are appointed Leyton Orient are free, as are anyone, to approach the operator to discuss using the stadium. If long-term use is proposed this would be subject to a further competitive process.”

Australian Formula 3 Championship to Return to Eight Rounds

The Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship will return to eight rounds in 2014 as the series offers the most diverse, viagra 100mg exciting and commercially effective calendar in Australian F3 history.

Six of the confirmed eight rounds have been announced today amongst a calendar that includes major events at Mount Panorama, there Bathurst and Hidden Valley Raceway near Darwin. 

Formula 3 Management has already committed to a return to the Bathurst Motor Festival next Easter, as well as a brand-new three-year agreement with NT Major Events for a continued Formula 3 presence at the SKYCITY Triple Crown event in Darwin. 

The F3 Australian Drivers Championship will return to four major Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals Events in 2014 in the continuation of a partnership that commenced in 2006. 

F3 will race at Sandown Raceway (March), Queensland Raceway (August), Phillip Island (September) and Sydney Motorsport Park (November) with the Nationals offering four circuits that are geared towards producing both exciting ‘wings and slicks’ racing, plus two of the most challenging and fastest circuits in Australia. 

Offering the most challenging and exciting circuits for drivers possible, Formula 3 will next year visit three circuits offering an average lap speed of more than 170km/hr – reinforcing the championships position as the fastest and most challenging for young drivers in Australia. 

Formula 3 will continue to receive the largest possible TV package available at Shannons Nationals rounds with more than one hour per round broadcast between free-to-air network SBS TV and SPEED TV Australia, on FOXTEL. 

Two further high profile events will be announced in due course that will offer Formula 3 competitors, sponsors and supporters a complete calendar with more exposure than ever before in the championships history. 

Formula 3 Management has also confirmed the location of three of the four rounds of the Kumho Cup – a new entry level category aimed at newcomers, state-level competitors and existing teams looking to bring in new drivers at an entry level. 

The Kumho Cup, to be contested by F3 cars built between 1999 and 2004, will be fought out at Sandown, Bathurst and Sydney Motorsport Park with the fourth round yet to be announced. 

The series has also upped the previously-announced prize package; the winner of the Kumho Cup now receiving their entire allocation of 2015 tyres Free of Charge should they make the step up to the Championship or F3 Nationals Classes the following season. 

This is a prize equivalent to the value of more than $12,000. 

Iowa to Host 2017 Solheim Cup

Biennial golf tournament the Solheim Cup have announced their 2017 event will be played at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, LPGA announced Monday.

The contest between teams of European and American golfers was held in Colorado last month with Europe winning 18-10.

The Solheim Cup, which features 12 golfers on each team in a match-play format, will be in Germany in 2015 before going to Iowa.

LPGA commissioner Michael Whan said that Iowa’s history of supporting major golf events — most notably the 250,000 fans the course drew for the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 1999 — played a key role in its selection.

“I believe in 2017, we’re going to blow the standard out of the water of what a Solheim Cup should be,” Whan said. “That’s going to come from a course. That’s going to come from a city. That’s going to come from a state. Most importantly, that’s going to come from a people that respect the game and respect the country.”

The Solheim Cup will be arguably the most prestigious golf tournament ever held in central Iowa.

In addition to the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 1999, Metro Des Moines has hosted a Champions Tour event, the Principal Charity Classic, since 2001.

“We look forward to getting to know you much better, and we’re really excited about the fact that you’re coming back in 2017. I’m delighted that our state will be the home of the 2017 Solheim Cup,” Iowa governor Terry Branstad said. “Iowans are well-known for their generosity, their strong sense of community and their welcoming attitude.”

Failed Kings Bidder Funds Group Trying to Block New Sacramento Arena

Hedge fund manager Chris Hansen, who tried to buy the Kings and relocate them to the Seattle earlier this year, was revealed to provide funds for an anti-arena effort in Sacramento by California’s Fair Political Practices Commission.

The organisation sued the law firm Loeb & Loeb on Thursday in an attempt to force them to disclose whose $80,000 had been spent to gather signatures that could have derailed the city’s arena effort that is required to keep the Kings.

According to Gary Winuk, chief of the enforcement division for the FPPC, Hansen donated $100,000 to gather the signatures necessary to put the arena to a vote because of the $258 million in public subsidy. If the effort was successful and the arena wasn’t built by the NBA’s required completion timeline, then new owner Vivek Ranadive and his group that bought the team for a league-record $535 million in mid-May would be at risk of losing the team.

“While I’m sure everyone can appreciate how easy it is to get caught up the heat of battle, with the benefit of hindsight, this is clearly a decision I regret,” Hansen said in a news release. “I wish the city of Sacramento and Kings fans the best in their efforts and they have my commitment not to have any involvement in their arena efforts in the future.”

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Russian GP in 2014 Given Hope after Race Promoters & Russian Automobile Federation Strike Deal

The Russian Grand Prix promoters said on Monday they have reached an agreement and resolved their differences with the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) concerning the staging of the next year’s event.

Last week the RAF official site announced that next year’s inaugural Russian Formula One Grand Prix in Sochi has been thrown into doubt over a dispute between the Russian Automobile ruling body and the race’s promoters.

But these issues are seemingly been resolved.

“We just couldn’t miss the chance to reach an agreement,” the Omega Centre company (promoters) general manager Oleg Zabara was quoted as saying by Sport Express daily. “We are really interested in a good partnership with the RAF for years.”

“We’re set to sign an official contract with RAF this week before sending an application to stage the 2014 race to the F1’s ruling body, the FIA. We’ve already reached the agreement, which we now need to formalise.”

Earlier the federation had said that as a result of the row they had missed the deadline to submit their application to stage the 2014 race with FIA, adding that the Sochi GP’s only chance of making next year’s calendar was for the RAF to persuade the FIA there was an important reason for missing the cut off point.

Last month, Sochi promoters announced October 19, 2014, as the proposed date for their first race to be staged at the venue set to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

Glamorgan Cricket Announce Operating Loss

Glamorgan County Cricket Club have reported an operating loss of £315,793 for the financial year, yet announced a positive earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £398,882.

The county’s EBITDA represents a year-on-year improvement of £2,076,641, while the aforementioned operating loss compares with a £2,058,805 in 2011.

The net cash balances on December 31 2012 totalled £481,027.

Glamorgan chief executive officer Alan Hamer revealed his thoughts on the loss by saying: “While it is disappointing to report an operating loss, our trading performance during the past year is much improved.

“Despite the poor weather, income levels in 2012 remained similar to the previous year’s and the financial contribution generated from staging last year’s one-day international and also the Friends Life t20 finals day was also in line with budget.

“Like all businesses, liquidity is a key measure and it is pleasing to report that our cash balances have improved significantly during the past 12 months.”

Peyton Manning Becomes Papa John’s Latest Franchisee

Papa John’s, remedy the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, pharm today signed a new “franchise player” for the brand, cialis announcing Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning as its newest franchisee.

Manning, in partnership with Papa John’s, will own 21 restaurants in the Denver area.

“Customers and franchisees place a premium on quality, and that’s where Papa John’s competes and wins – in our products and how we operate our business with franchisees and partners. I don’t know of a person or business partner who has a higher standard on quality or competes more fiercely than Peyton Manning – on and off the field,” Papa John’s Founder, Chairman and CEO John Schnatter said. “Having Peyton as a franchisee is a huge win for our brand, especially for our customers in Denver, where our business has never been better.”

“I’ve been a fan of Papa John’s pizza for a long time, and now knowing John Schnatter, his team and the business intimately over the past year, I am thrilled to formally join Papa John’s as a franchisee in partnership with the brand,” Manning said. “It’s a smart investment now and will be long after I’m done playing football. I’m particularly impressed by John’s drive to make everything about Papa John’s better along with his ambition and plan to continue growing the brand around the world. Also, Papa John’s being the Official Pizza of the Denver Broncos makes this even more exciting.”

Papa John’s has locations in 32 countries on five continents and in September opened its 4,000 restaurant. The brand also recently unveiled its 2013 franchise development incentive program, which, effective immediately, includes zero franchise fee, 0% royalty for 18 months, and $50,000 in restaurant equipment for new restaurants opened through 2013. Papa John’s growth, despite ongoing economic pressures and uncertainty, is a result of its never-ending commitment to quality, Schnatter said.

Manning’s involvement with Papa John’s dates to 2011, when he was featured in Papa John’s efforts to market its novel Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience in which Papa John’s awarded a free pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX to all members of its Papa Rewards online customer loyalty program after America correctly called the coin toss for Super Bowl XLVI.

Manning and Schnatter kicked off the 2012 NFL regular season where they left off at Super Bowl XLVI by offering all of America the chance to win another free large one-topping pizza. Featured in national television ads, Manning convinced Schnatter to give away 2 million large one-topping pizzas to Papa Rewards members throughout the regular season – double the number of pizzas Papa John’s gave away last regular season.

Manning will tout his status as a Papa John’s franchisee on camera Sunday night during his appearance in a custom integration on NBC TV’s “Football Night In America” telecast, when he and Schnatter will unveil for fans another “big treat” for Halloween during NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” telecast from Denver.

Papa John’s is in the third year of a multi-year sponsorship with the NFL and is also the Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins.

KPMG Golf Business Forum Reflects the Importance of Sustainability & Innovation

By Ismail Uddin

The Ninth annual KPMG Golf Business Forum was staged in the beautiful  Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, Italy, 17-19 September where over 220 delegates from 30 countries engaged in networking sessions on the current issues on Golf.

Innovation and sustainability proved to be key recurring themes throughout the three-day conference with a special keynote speech from Twenty20 cricket creator Stuart Robertson, addressing how to drive participation in sport and linking directly to an enlightened panel discussion on sustainability in golf and ‘triple bottom line’ benefits – people, profit and planet.

Opening: Innovation in Business: Need for new ideas to Generate Growth

Adam Bates, the UK Head of Foresight & Innovation, KPMG began the session by  suggesting “the world is changing and we need to move with the times.” To demonstrate this he asked the attendees to get up on their feet. He asked “how many people have previously owned a Nokia phone, if you have please remain standing”. Majority of the audience remained standing but when asked “if they still had a Nokia phone” the majority sat down reiterating his point that technology constantly changes.

Session 1- Golf in Italy

This session focused primarily on Golf in Italy and the need to improve participation in Italy.

“A lot of people want to play golf but there is not enough space in Italy,” according to legendary Italian golfer Constantino Rocca. His sentiments reflects the facts that there are less than 102,000 golfers playing on 232 courses in Italy. But this is a 137% increase in the past 20 years, resulting in a net increase of 161 new golf facilities. KPMG’s findings also reflected that 71% of participation in Italian golf courses came from the north of the country.

Andrea Sartori, Head of KPMG’s Advisory Practice and moderator of this session delved a little deeper into the reason why Italian golf has not reached its pinnacle yet. He said he was “a little sceptical of bringing KPMG to Italy due to the Politics and bureaucracy” in the nation, creating barriers for Golf.

A key component of why Italy has not seen high Golf returns was membership fees on courses were high compared to most European countries. Approximately one-third of clubs require a payment for an initiation fee which may be a deterrent to budding golfers.

Flavia Coccia from the ENIT (Italian Tourism Board) suggested politics have never promoted tourism in golf. Golf courses in Italy are very guarded, private clubs very hard to sell. This creates barriers for golf.

Arnaldo Cocuzza, vice-president of CMAE, suggested a solution to the participation problems by allowing non-club members to play on courses.

He added: “Everyone speaks about golf. But there are barriers.  What is missing is municipal golf courses.”

Carlo Manca, Director of Advisory Services and Study (instituto) paid tribute to the advancements in TV coverage of Golf in the region by saying: “Sky has made golf more accessible. This has increased demand.”

Romy Gai, Member of the board of Royal Park, added: “Growth of female percentage is very important. Updating family packages and female participation.

The session ended with the audience voting that Italy are 38% likely for HIGH golf Tourism in the next few years.

European Soccer Leagues to Discuss Financial Fair Play at EPFL Seminar

The European soccer leagues plan to decide their own policies on financial controls, third party ownership and how best to address the impact of UEFA’s new Financial Fair Play rules.

Representatives from leagues throughout the continent will discuss the issues at a European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) seminar in Edinburgh next month.

In a statement, the EPFL said: “During the last couple of decades, professional football has grown exponentially in terms of global appeal, attractiveness and income, driven by the unconditional passion of millions of fans and the influx of money from TV broadcasters, sponsors and other investors.

“Despite the income rising every year, expenses have also escalated, especially on players’ wages, transfers fees and payments to agents, leaving many clubs under considerable financial distress.”

It said this situation was “aggravated by the impact of this severe and unprecedented crisis which affects the European and global economy” and had resulted in a need to promote “implementation of the highest financial standards and supervision mechanisms to ensure clubs’ financial sustainability”.

The organisation said it was setting up a series of seminars on good financial governance, with the first of them taking place in the Scottish capital.

It said the event would focus on issues including club financial control systems, financial transparency, third party ownership and FFP.