Sport in Birmingham: Difference between revisions
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[[Sport]] has always been important in [[Birmingham]], England, from the hundreds of diverse grass-roots sports clubs to internationally famous teams, associations and venues. |
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The city was the first city to have been awarded the title |
The city was the first city to have been awarded the title National City of Sport by the [[Sports Council]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/sport/athletics/city-of-sport.shtml|title=Birmingham & Black Country | Latest News & Updates | BBC News|website=BBC News|access-date=25 December 2019|archive-date=12 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612025338/https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/sport/athletics/city-of-sport.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|[[Football (soccer)|Football]] |
|[[Football (soccer)|Football]] |
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|1874 |
|1874 |
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|Football league championship |
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|[[Villa Park]] |
|[[Villa Park]] |
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|[[Football (soccer)|Football]] |
|[[Football (soccer)|Football]] |
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|1875 |
|1875 |
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|[[ |
|[[EFL League One]] |
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|[[St Andrew's (stadium)|St. Andrew's Stadium]] |
|[[St Andrew's (stadium)|St. Andrew's Stadium]] |
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|[[Birmingham Brummies]] |
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|[[Motorcycle speedway|Speedway]] |
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|1928, 2007, 2015 |
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|[[SGB Championship]] |
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|[[Birchfield Ladbroke Stadium]]<br /> [[Perry Barr Stadium]] |
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|[[Rugby union]] |
|[[Rugby union]] |
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|1873 |
|1873 |
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|[[ |
|[[National League 1]] |
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|[[Billesley Common]] |
|[[Billesley Common]] |
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|[[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] |
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|[[Football (soccer)|Football]] |
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|1878 |
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|[[The Hawthorns]] |
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|[[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]] |
|[[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]] |
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|[[Cricket]] |
|[[Cricket]] |
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|1882 |
|1882 |
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|[[ |
|[[County Championship]] |
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|[[Edgbaston Cricket Ground]] |
|[[Edgbaston Cricket Ground]] |
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==Athletics== |
==Athletics== |
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The Birmingham Athletic Club opened a Gymnasium in King Alfred's Place, in Aug 1865/6, and held their annual display and assault-at-arms in the Town Hall. The first festival of the Birmingham Athletic Club was held in 1868. On 1 March 1880 an association was organised of many of the bicycle clubs, cricket clubs, football clubs, and similar athletic bodies in the town and neighbourhood, under the name of "The Midland Counties Amateurs' Athletic Union."<ref name="Showell"> |
The Birmingham Athletic Club opened a Gymnasium in King Alfred's Place, in Aug 1865/6, and held their annual display and assault-at-arms in the Town Hall. The first festival of the Birmingham Athletic Club was held in 1868. On 1 March 1880 an association was organised of many of the bicycle clubs, cricket clubs, football clubs, and similar athletic bodies in the town and neighbourhood, under the name of "The Midland Counties Amateurs' Athletic Union."<ref name="Showell">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/unknown/showells-dictionary-of-birmingham-thomas-t-harman-and-walter-showell-274/page-2-showells-dictionary-of-birmingham-thomas-t-harman-and-walter-showell-274.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210420/http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/unknown/showells-dictionary-of-birmingham-thomas-t-harman-and-walter-showell-274/page-2-showells-dictionary-of-birmingham-thomas-t-harman-and-walter-showell-274.shtml|url-status=dead|title=Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham, Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell|archivedate=27 September 2007}}</ref> The sport was so popular that in January 1879 the "Midland Athlete" newspaper was first published.<ref>''Catalogue of Printed Books in the Library of the British Museum'', A. W. K. Miller (British Museum Dept. of Printed Books) and Richard Garnett (British Museum), 1905, W. Clowes and Sons</ref> |
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[[File:NIA, Birmingham.jpg|thumb|right|The NIA]] |
[[File:NIA, Birmingham.jpg|thumb|right|The NIA]] |
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Today [[track and field athletics]] takes place at the open-air [[Alexander Stadium]] on a national and international level.<ref> |
Today [[track and field athletics]] takes place at the open-air [[Alexander Stadium]] on a national and international level.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/alexander|title=Alexander Stadium|first=Birmingham City|last=Council|website=www.birmingham.gov.uk|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=12 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612025457/https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/alexander|url-status=live}}</ref> Recent development has seen addition of a High Performance Centre<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=74580&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=10676|title=Birmingham City Council: Birmingham High Performance Centre|access-date=28 March 2007|archive-date=7 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407084215/http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=74580&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=10676|url-status=live}}</ref> for indoor intense specialist training. The Stadium is also home to [[Birchfield Harriers]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.birchfieldharriers.net/|title=Birchfield Harriers - The UK's Premier Athletics Club|website=www.birchfieldharriers.net|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=12 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612025339/https://www.birchfieldharriers.net/|url-status=live}}</ref> who have contributed towards Britain's National and International Athletics for many years and has produced international athletes such as [[Denise Lewis]], [[Mark Lewis-Francis]] and [[Kelly Sotherton]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2842847.stm|title=Golden future for city athletes?|date=13 March 2003|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=12 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612025456/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2842847.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[National Indoor Arena]] is Britain's Premier Indoor Athletics stadium and in 2003 hosted the 9th [[IAAF]] World Indoor Championships in Athletics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/sport/athletics/event.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051126222011/http://www0.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/sport/athletics/event.shtml|url-status=dead|title=BBC Sport: The World's best athletes will compete in Birmingham|archivedate=26 November 2005}}</ref> The city hosted the [[European Athletic Association]]'s [[2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://birminghamathletics2007.com/|title=Explore 1WIN: Your Ultimate Betting and Casino Guide|website=birminghamathletics2007.com|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=4 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004002131/https://birminghamathletics2007.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Cricket== |
==Cricket== |
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[[File:Edgbaston - view of new stand from the north.jpg|thumb|[[Edgbaston Cricket Ground]], home of [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]]]] |
[[File:Edgbaston - view of new stand from the north.jpg|thumb|[[Edgbaston Cricket Ground]], home of [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]]]] |
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Records from the 19th century suggest that there was a [[cricket]] club in existence in Birmingham by 1745, and that a cricket match was being played in Birmingham on the day that the [[Battle of Culloden]] was fought in 1746.<ref>{{cite book|last=Showell|first=Walter|author2=Harman, Thomas T. |title=Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham| |
Records from the 19th century suggest that there was a [[cricket]] club in existence in Birmingham by 1745, and that a cricket match was being played in Birmingham on the day that the [[Battle of Culloden]] was fought in 1746.<ref>{{cite book|last=Showell|first=Walter|author2=Harman, Thomas T. |title=Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|orig-year=1888|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mPLRXZEWdjUC&pg=PA343|access-date=2010-11-27|year=2006|publisher=Echo Library|isbn=1-4068-0555-6|page=343}}</ref> The earliest cricket match in Birmingham for which a definite record exists took place on Monday 15 July 1751, between "Eleven of the Gentlemen of the Holte Bridgman's Club and Eleven of the Gentlemen of Mr Thomas Bellamy's Club, the most of three innings, for Twenty-Two Guineas", at the cricket ground at [[Holte Bridgman's Apollo Gardens]] in [[Deritend]], [[Aston]]. Admission was 2 pence.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bannister|first=Jack|title=The history of Warwickshire County Cricket Club|year=1990|publisher=Christopher Helm|location=London|isbn=0-7470-0217-7|page=10}}</ref> In 1760 a "Society of Cricket Players of Birmingham" advertised in ''[[Aris's Birmingham Gazette]]'' to challenge any other team within 30 miles of the town to a game for the prize of 20 [[guinea (coin)|guinea]]s.<ref>{{cite book|editor=W.B. Stephens|title=A History of the County of Warwick: Volume 7: The City of Birmingham|series=Victoria County History|year=1964|pages=209–222|chapter=Economic and Social History: Social History before 1815|chapter-url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22966|access-date=27 November 2010|archive-date=25 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525105338/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22966|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The [[Birmingham and District Premier League|Birmingham and District Cricket League]] is the oldest cricket league in the world, having been founded in 1888.<ref>{{cite book|last=Davis|first=Alex E|title=First in the field: the history of the world's first cricket league: the Birmingham and District Cricket League, formed 1888|year=1988|publisher=Brewin Books|isbn=0-947731-34-2}}</ref> |
The [[Birmingham and District Premier League|Birmingham and District Cricket League]] is the oldest cricket league in the world, having been founded in 1888.<ref>{{cite book|last=Davis|first=Alex E|title=First in the field: the history of the world's first cricket league: the Birmingham and District Cricket League, formed 1888|year=1988|publisher=Brewin Books|isbn=0-947731-34-2}}</ref> |
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Cricket was extremely popular in Birmingham between World War I and World War II. Records from the ''[[Sports Argus]]'' show that there were 200 teams playing cricket weekly within Birmingham in 1922, a figure which rose to 300 in 1930 and exceeded 320 in 1939.<ref>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Jack|title=Cricket and England: a cultural and social history of the inter-war years|url= |
Cricket was extremely popular in Birmingham between World War I and World War II. Records from the ''[[Sports Argus]]'' show that there were 200 teams playing cricket weekly within Birmingham in 1922, a figure which rose to 300 in 1930 and exceeded 320 in 1939.<ref>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Jack|title=Cricket and England: a cultural and social history of the inter-war years|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LzkrEbenFZEC|access-date=2010-11-27|year=1999|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-7146-4861-2|pages=46, 47}}</ref> These figures do not include teams playing in competitions within individual firms – in the early 1930s the [[Birmingham Small Arms Company]] alone supported a cricket league of 14 teams.<ref>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Jack|title=Cricket and England: a cultural and social history of the inter-war years|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LzkrEbenFZEC|access-date=2010-11-27|year=1999|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-7146-4861-2|pages=47, 51}}</ref> |
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Today County Cricket is played at the [[Edgbaston Cricket Ground]], home to [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]]. International test matches are also held there. |
Today County Cricket is played at the [[Edgbaston Cricket Ground]], home to [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]]. International test matches are also held there. |
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In 1882, [[Bournville Cricket Club]] was founded in Froggarts Farm on the corner of Bournville Lane and Linden Road, which is now The Old Farm Hotel. The Ground held its first county game when [[Worcestershire]] played [[Essex]] in June 1910, and in 1982 held an [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] champions trophy 3rd Place Play off when [[Papua New Guinea]] played [[Bangladesh]].<ref>[http://www.bournville-cricket.org.uk/history.htm Bournville Cricket Club History]</ref> |
In 1882, [[Bournville Cricket Club]] was founded in Froggarts Farm on the corner of Bournville Lane and Linden Road, which is now The Old Farm Hotel. The Ground held its first county game when [[Worcestershire]] played [[Essex]] in June 1910, and in 1982 held an [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] champions trophy 3rd Place Play off when [[Papua New Guinea]] played [[Bangladesh]].<ref>[http://www.bournville-cricket.org.uk/history.htm Bournville Cricket Club History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820010559/http://www.bournville-cricket.org.uk/history.htm |date=2008-08-20 }}</ref> |
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Birmingham was the host for the first ever Cricket World Cup of either gender, a [[Women's Cricket World Cup]] in 1973. England beat Australia in the finals. |
Birmingham was the host for the first ever Cricket World Cup of either gender, a [[Women's Cricket World Cup]] in 1973. England beat Australia in the finals. |
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==Football== |
==Football== |
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[[File:The Holte End.jpg|thumb|[[Villa Park]], home of [[Aston Villa]] of the [[Premier League]]]] |
[[File:The Holte End.jpg|thumb|[[Villa Park]], home of [[Aston Villa]] of the [[Premier League]]]] |
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The city is home to two of the oldest professional [[Football (soccer)|football]] teams in the world: [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] (1874)<ref> |
The city is home to two of the oldest professional [[Football (soccer)|football]] teams in the world: [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] (1874)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/sport/clubs/villa/club_info.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215005542/http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/sport/clubs/villa/club_info.shtml|url-status=dead|title=BBC Sport: Aston Villa club information|archivedate=15 February 2006}}</ref> and [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (1875).<ref>[http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HistoryDetail/0,,10412,00.html BCFC: History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823053440/http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HistoryDetail/0,,10412,00.html |date=2007-08-23 }}</ref> Nearby [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]'s ground [[The Hawthorns]] used to be divided by the Birmingham/[[Smethwick]] border, but was moved completely into the latter by a minor rationalisation of local government borders in the 1960s and is now in [[Sandwell]]. In addition, Birmingham features several non-league teams including [[Romulus F.C.|Romulus]] and [[Sutton Coldfield Town F.C.|Sutton Coldfield Town]] and professional team [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] played at St Andrew's for two seasons between 2019 and 2021. |
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[[Aston]] in Birmingham is notable for being the location for the first [[football league]], which was invented by [[William McGregor (football)|William McGregor]] on 22 March 1885.<ref> |
[[Aston]] in Birmingham is notable for being the location for the first [[Football League|football league]], which was invented by [[William McGregor (football)|William McGregor]] on 22 March 1885.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.football.co.uk/aston-villa/news/|title=Aston Villa Football Club News and Results Football.co.uk|website=www.football.co.uk|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=1 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601044634/https://www.football.co.uk/aston-villa/news/|url-status=live}}</ref> Aston Villa Football Club were among the founding clubs of the [[Premier League]] in 1992. |
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[[Birmingham City L.F.C.|Birmingham City Ladies]] compete at the top level of English [[women's association football|women's football]], the [[FA WSL]]. |
[[Birmingham City L.F.C.|Birmingham City Ladies]] compete at the top level of English [[women's association football|women's football]], the [[FA WSL]]. |
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==Rugby Union== |
==Rugby Union== |
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[[Rugby union|Rugby Union]] is played in Birmingham by [[Moseley Rugby Football Club]] promoted as Champions to the second tier in April 2006, since re-branded as the RFU Championship. The club was founded in 1873 and reached four cup finals, sharing the trophy with Gloucester on one occasion before an outright win at Twickenham in 2009. Playing for most of their history at The Reddings,<ref> |
[[Rugby union|Rugby Union]] is played in Birmingham by [[Moseley Rugby Football Club]] promoted as Champions to the second tier in April 2006, since re-branded as the RFU Championship. The club was founded in 1873 and reached four cup finals, sharing the trophy with Gloucester on one occasion before an outright win at Twickenham in 2009. Playing for most of their history at The Reddings,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.moseleyrugby.co.uk/SITE_STRUCTURE/index_1.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114155149/http://www.moseleyrugby.co.uk/SITE_STRUCTURE/index_1.htm|url-status=dead|title=Moseley Rugby Club: History|archivedate=14 November 2009}}</ref> in 2000 Moseley relocated to a temporary ground at the [[University of Birmingham]] and now have a new permanent home at [[Billesley Common]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/xdirectory/public/meetingsAndAgendas/agendaDetails.jsp?meetBodType=Executive&meetBodId=&recordId=52186|title=Birmingham.gov.uk: Moseley Rugby Club - All Weather Pitch, Billesley Common|access-date=9 June 2007|archive-date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927224759/http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/xdirectory/public/meetingsAndAgendas/agendaDetails.jsp?meetBodType=Executive&meetBodId=&recordId=52186|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The Solihull-based [[Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.|Birmingham & Solihull Pertemps Bees]] was established in 1989.<ref> |
The Solihull-based [[Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.|Birmingham & Solihull Pertemps Bees]] was established in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.beesrugby.com/About.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816095814/http://www.beesrugby.com/About.htm|url-status=dead|title=Pertemps Bees: History|archivedate=16 August 2007}}</ref> |
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==Other team sports== |
==Other team sports== |
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⚫ | The first ever speedway meeting in Birmingham was held on 12 July 1928 at The Alexander Sports Stadium (now the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium). The last speedway meeting of that season was held on 1 September 1928. The first meeting after World War II was held on 4 May 1946 against [[Norwich]]. It was used up until 1957 and again in 1960. The Birchfield Harriers then refused for the stadium to be used for speedway again.<ref name="BBS">{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk/page.php?8|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704035517/http://www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk/page.php?8|url-status=dead|title=birminghamspeedway.co.uk|archivedate=4 July 2007|website=www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk}}</ref> |
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⚫ | The team then moved to the former Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium which was renamed the Ladbroke Stadium. It staged speedway from 1929 to 1931, and then from 1971 to 1983. It was demolished the following year.<ref name="BBS" /> The team broke up in 1986 after their final meeting at [[Bordesley Green]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2006/10/06/brummie_speedway_feature.shtml|title=Brummie Speedway returns|website=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=25 December 2019|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113052247/http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2006/10/06/brummie_speedway_feature.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In March 2007, Speedway racing returned to Birmingham after 20 years. A new team was created to compete at the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium under the name the "''[[Birmingham Brummies]]''".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk/home.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328201505/http://www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk/home.php|url-status=dead|title=birminghamspeedway.co.uk|archivedate=28 March 2007|website=www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk}}</ref> |
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The Brummies have won several honours since reforming in 2007. These include winning the Midland Shield in 2007, the Premier League pairs in 2009, the Premier League fours in 2010, the National League fours in 2015, the National Trophy in 2016. They also won back to back National League titles in 2015 and 2016. |
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===American Football=== |
===American Football=== |
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The city is home to two amateur [[American Football]] teams. One, the [[Birmingham Bulls (American football)|Birmingham Bulls]], founded in 1983, is amongst the oldest teams playing the sport in the United Kingdom, and play in the [[BAFA National Leagues|BAFANL Division One SFC North]]. The team play their home games at Erin Go Bragh in [[Erdington]]. |
The city is home to two amateur [[American Football]] teams. One, the [[Birmingham Bulls (American football)|Birmingham Bulls]], founded in 1983, is amongst the oldest teams playing the sport in the United Kingdom, and play in the [[BAFA National Leagues|BAFANL Division One SFC North]]. The team play their home games at Erin Go Bragh in [[Erdington]]. |
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The other is the Birmingham Lions, the American Football team representing the [[University of Birmingham]] in the [[British Universities American Football League|BUAFL]]. Founded in 1989, they are one of the most successful teams in their league; winning multiple national championships in recent year. |
The other is the Birmingham Lions, the American Football team representing the [[University of Birmingham]] in the [[British Universities American Football League|BUAFL]]. Founded in 1989, they are one of the most successful teams in their league; winning multiple national championships in recent year. |
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===Baseball=== |
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Birmingham is home to [[Birmingham Baseball Club]], which fields two teams, the Metalheads and the Bats, in the West Midlands Baseball League,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.birminghambaseball.co.uk/ |title=Birmingham Baseball Club}}</ref> playing their home games at [[Marston Green|Marston Green Recreation Ground]]. |
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Based in [[Marston Green]], the club claim a number of [[British Baseball Federation|BBF]] division championships. In 2024, the Metalheads won the BBF AA Summer Cup<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/BritishBaseball/photos/summer-cup-2024-is-done-congratulations-to-the-winners-it-has-been-a-triumph-gol/987341399846647/|title = Summer Cup 2024 is done}}</ref> and the West Midlands Baseball League Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/westmidlandsbaseballleague/posts/pfbid02aGCEAtt9dtiziyrRxnbsn5r8BCwxb5P8LxC8gWprq2u24SNGPuHfSFBesuhkCZVyl|title = BIRMINGHAM METALHEADS ARE YOUR WMBL 2024 CHAMPIONS!!}}</ref> |
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===Basketball=== |
===Basketball=== |
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[[Basketball]] was first introduced to Birmingham in 1911 when a YMCA instructor brought basketball to Birmingham YMCA, and a team was produced. The American Rules had been introduced, but the teams in Birmingham found them to be too complicated, and when forming a Local Basketball Association, they compiled a more practical set of rules for their own use. The first basketball tournament for the Senior Championship Cup was held in Birmingham on 6 June 1936. On 9 April 1938 the first Junior Championship Final was held in Birmingham.<ref name="basketball"> |
[[Basketball]] was first introduced to Birmingham in 1911 when a YMCA instructor brought basketball to Birmingham YMCA, and a team was produced. The American Rules had been introduced, but the teams in Birmingham found them to be too complicated, and when forming a Local Basketball Association, they compiled a more practical set of rules for their own use. The first basketball tournament for the Senior Championship Cup was held in Birmingham on 6 June 1936. On 9 April 1938 the first Junior Championship Final was held in Birmingham.<ref name="basketball">{{Cite web|url=http://www.englandbasketball.com/articles/article.aspx?aid=1&pid=3|title=England Basketball: The History Until Now|access-date=9 June 2007|archive-date=15 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615055410/http://www.englandbasketball.com/articles/article.aspx?aid=1&pid=3|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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For England's first international basketball competition, Birmingham provided three players; F. Cole, C. Hunt and A. J. Lee. A Championship Final was held in April 1940 with the Birmingham Athletic Institute (BAI) beating London Central YMCA in the match. Due to World War II, there was no championship for the next six years, resulting in Birmingham retaining the trophy for that period.<ref name="basketball" /> |
For England's first international basketball competition, Birmingham provided three players; F. Cole, C. Hunt and A. J. Lee. A Championship Final was held in April 1940 with the Birmingham Athletic Institute (BAI) beating London Central YMCA in the match. Due to World War II, there was no championship for the next six years, resulting in Birmingham retaining the trophy for that period.<ref name="basketball" /> |
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More recently, basketball was played by the [[Birmingham Bullets]], who competed in the top United Kingdom basketball league. The Bullets went on a season-long break from competitive action in 2006, however, and subsequently went into liquidation and ceased to exist. The Birmingham Bullets were later replaced by the [[Birmingham Panthers]] for the [[2007–08 British Basketball League season|2007-08 season]]; however a lack of success led them to fold after a single season.<ref>{{cite web| author = Collin Tattum | title = Basketball team to replace Bullets | url = http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/mail/sport/tm_headline=basketball-team-to-replace-bullets%26method=full%26objectid=18797522%26siteid=50002-name_page.html | year = 2007 | |
More recently, basketball was played by the [[Birmingham Bullets]], who competed in the top United Kingdom basketball league. The Bullets went on a season-long break from competitive action in 2006, however, and subsequently went into liquidation and ceased to exist. The Birmingham Bullets were later replaced by the [[Birmingham Panthers]] for the [[2007–08 British Basketball League season|2007-08 season]]; however a lack of success led them to fold after a single season.<ref>{{cite web | author = Collin Tattum | title = Basketball team to replace Bullets | url = http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/mail/sport/tm_headline=basketball-team-to-replace-bullets%26method=full%26objectid=18797522%26siteid=50002-name_page.html | year = 2007 | access-date = 2007-03-24 | publisher = Birmingham Mail | archive-date = 12 June 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240612025340/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/ | url-status = live }}</ref> A third basketball team, [[Birmingham Knights]], was founded in 2011 and joined the league in 2013; playing their home games at North Solihull Sports Centre. However, as had happened with the Birmingham Panthers before them, Birmingham Knights folded after a single season; in which they had lost every single game. |
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===Hockey=== |
===Hockey=== |
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[[Field hockey|Hockey]] is a very popular sport with [[Edgbaston]],<ref> |
[[Field hockey|Hockey]] is a very popular sport with [[Edgbaston]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.edgbastonhc.co.uk/news/we-need-you-volunteering-roles-available-2850573.html|title=We Need You, Volunteering Roles Available|website=www.edgbastonhc.co.uk}}</ref> Harborne and [[Bournville]] being the leading clubs in the city. |
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Edgbaston Hockey Club were founded in 1885, making them the second oldest hockey club in the country. Matches are played at the University of Birmingham |
Edgbaston Hockey Club were founded in 1885, making them the second oldest hockey club in the country. Matches are played at the University of Birmingham and at Edgbaston High School. Bournville Hockey Club were founded in 1902 as a section of the Bournville Athletic Club. Their first game was against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Small Heath]] on 15 November 1902, in which they lost. Bournville has produced international hockey players including [[David Griffith-Jones]], who was selected to play for [[Wales]] in 1955 becoming Bournville's first international player. Bournville have moved venues in their history as a result of Cadbury's closure of the sports facilities at the factory. They are currently based at the University of Birmingham and King Edward VI High School for Girls. [http://homepages.which.net/~burnell/bhchome.html Bournville Hockey Club]</ref> |
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===Netball=== |
===Netball=== |
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Dozens of junior and senior [[Netball]] clubs exist in Birmingham such as the [[Birmingham City Netball Club]] (founded in 1995<ref> |
Dozens of junior and senior [[Netball]] clubs exist in Birmingham such as the [[Birmingham City Netball Club]] (founded in 1995<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghamcitynetballclub.org.uk/ |title=Home |website=birminghamcitynetballclub.org.uk |access-date=11 July 2010 |archive-date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612025500/http://www.birminghamcitynetballclub.org.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) and [[Sutton Town Netball Club]] (founded in 2006) (http://Suttontown.hitssports.com) which coordinates junior and intermediate netball teams (under-18s). |
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The Birmingham (adult) Netball League plays from September to March (approximately) and has roughly 100 teams which are arranged in 13 divisions. The 1st division includes some of England's top clubs like for instance Linden who are based at [[Nechells Community Centre]] and are currently the National Clubs League Division 1 leaders. There are several other Netball leagues in the UK of which Birmingham teams contribute considerably.<ref> |
The Birmingham (adult) Netball League plays from September to March (approximately) and has roughly 100 teams which are arranged in 13 divisions. The 1st division includes some of England's top clubs like for instance Linden who are based at [[Nechells Community Centre]] and are currently the National Clubs League Division 1 leaders. There are several other Netball leagues in the UK of which Birmingham teams contribute considerably.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birmingham-netball.co.uk/|title=Birmingham Netball – Netball League|access-date=23 April 2006|archive-date=24 April 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060424045217/http://www.birmingham-netball.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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A "Netball Little League" was established in 2003 for the areas of Bournville and [[Selly Oak]].<ref> |
A "Netball Little League" was established in 2003 for the areas of Bournville and [[Selly Oak]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birmingham-netball.co.uk/littleleague/index.htm|title=Birmingham Little League|access-date=9 June 2007|archive-date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191226/http://www.birmingham-netball.co.uk/littleleague/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Rugby League=== |
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The city hosts a semiprofessional [[Rugby league]] club, the [[Midlands Hurricanes]] as well as an amateur club, the [[Birmingham Bulldogs]], who compete in the Co-operative RLC Midlands Premier League (RLC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghambulldogs.co.uk/ |title=Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League |access-date=2 November 2016 |archive-date=3 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103234134/http://www.birminghambulldogs.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Softball=== |
===Softball=== |
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[[Softball]] is a rapidly |
[[Softball]] is a rapidly growing sport in Birmingham, having recently flourished since the founding of the Birmingham Bobcats in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghambobcats.co.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501160949/http://www.birminghambobcats.co.uk/ |archive-date=2013-05-01 |title=Birmingham Bobcats {{!}} Play Softball in the West Midlands}}</ref> The Birmingham Softball League, an affiliate of the [[British Softball Federation]], runs a summer season with league games played at the [[Birmingham City University]] Pavilion,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.britishsoftball.org/news/view/bsf-celebrates-record-single-sex-nationals|title=British Softball Federation|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-date=12 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612030021/https://www.britishsoftball.org/news/view/bsf-celebrates-record-single-sex-nationals|url-status=live}}</ref> while the Bobcats remain an independent national touring squad. Additionally, BCU routinely hosts the British Single-Sex National Championship tournament. |
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⚫ | The first ever speedway meeting in Birmingham was held on 12 July 1928 at The Alexander Sports Stadium (now the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium). The last speedway meeting of that season was held on 1 September 1928. The first meeting after World War II was held on 4 May 1946 against [[Norwich]]. It was used up until 1957 and again in 1960. The Birchfield Harriers then refused for the stadium to be used for speedway again.<ref name="BBS"> |
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⚫ | The team then moved to the former Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium which was renamed the Ladbroke Stadium. It staged speedway from 1929 to 1931, and then from 1971 to 1983. It was demolished the following year.<ref name="BBS" /> The team broke up in 1986 after their final meeting at [[Bordesley Green]].<ref> |
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===Volleyball=== |
===Volleyball=== |
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[[Volleyball]] takes place on a small scale across various venues in the city, several amateur teams exist such as "''Selly Baskets Volleyball Team''", "''[http://pages.zoom.co.uk/carola.germany66/Volleyball/holyhead.htm Persian Phoenix Volleyball Club]''"and "''University of Birmingham Volleyball Club''" [http://www.ubvc.co.uk/] who are currently in first division of the national league for men and the Super 8 level for women. |
[[Volleyball]] takes place on a small scale across various venues in the city, several amateur teams exist such as "''Selly Baskets Volleyball Team''", "''[https://web.archive.org/web/20070615132049/http://pages.zoom.co.uk/carola.germany66/Volleyball/holyhead.htm Persian Phoenix Volleyball Club]''"and "''University of Birmingham Volleyball Club''" [http://www.ubvc.co.uk/] who are currently in first division of the national league for men and the Super 8 level for women. |
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===Water polo=== |
===Water polo=== |
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There are many ground root [[Water Polo]] teams in existence across the Greater Birmingham area such as [[County Borough of Warley|Warley Wasps]] who were established in 1888, the team runs both male and female water polo teams.<ref> |
There are many ground root [[Water Polo]] teams in existence across the Greater Birmingham area such as [[County Borough of Warley|Warley Wasps]] who were established in 1888, the team runs both male and female water polo teams.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://warleywasps.tripod.com/|title=Warley Wasps|website=warleywasps.tripod.com|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=21 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221015005/https://warleywasps.tripod.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Also "''[[Sutton Coldfield]] Water Polo Club''" and "''[[Solihull Water Polo Club]]''" offers water polo training for children and Adults with qualified Water Polo coaches.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.birmingham-sport.org.uk/b-sports/index.php?_cp=sports-swimming-localschemes |title=Birmingham Sport: Local swimming schemes |access-date=9 June 2007 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927161407/http://www.birmingham-sport.org.uk/b-sports/index.php?_cp=sports-swimming-localschemes |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The City of Birmingham Swimming Club draws from the local water polo clubs and competes at a national level.<ref> |
The City of Birmingham Swimming Club draws from the local water polo clubs and competes at a national level.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.swimbirmingham.org.uk/|title=Swim Birmingham – Learn To Swim|website=www.swimbirmingham.org.uk|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=12 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512044616/https://www.swimbirmingham.org.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Lacrosse=== |
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[[Lacrosse]], a popular Canadian game, was introduced to Birmingham on 23 June 1883 by a team of Canadian Amateurs and [[Iroquois]] Indians, who exhibited their prowess at the Lower Grounds. The game never quite took off in the city, however the [[University of Birmingham]], [[Birmingham Lacrosse Club]] and [[Aston University]] have lacrosse teams.<ref>[http://www2.bham.ac.uk/usb_page.asp?section=00010001000100190007000100030016 University of Birmingham - Lacrosse]</ref><ref> |
[[Lacrosse]], a popular Canadian game, was introduced to Birmingham on 23 June 1883 by a team of Canadian Amateurs and [[Iroquois]] Indians, who exhibited their prowess at the Lower Grounds. The game never quite took off in the city, however the [[University of Birmingham]], [[Birmingham Lacrosse Club]] and [[Aston University]] have lacrosse teams.<ref>[http://www2.bham.ac.uk/usb_page.asp?section=00010001000100190007000100030016 University of Birmingham - Lacrosse]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.birminghamlacrosse.co.uk/|title=HOME|website=Birminghamlacrosse|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=22 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322212748/https://www.birminghamlacrosse.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Racket sports== |
==Racket sports== |
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===Badminton=== |
===Badminton=== |
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The National Indoor Arena has hosted international [[badminton]] events such as the [[World Indoor Badminton Championships]]. The [[All England Open Badminton Championships]] are now held at the NIA<ref> |
The National Indoor Arena has hosted international [[badminton]] events such as the [[World Indoor Badminton Championships]]. The [[All England Open Badminton Championships]] are now held at the NIA<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/text.asp?section=0001000100190019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607220700/http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/text.asp?section=0001000100190019|url-status=dead|title=Badminton England: The Yonex All England Open 2007|archivedate=7 June 2007}}</ref> as a result of the tournament outgrowing all previous venues. |
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===Tennis=== |
===Tennis=== |
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The first ever game of [[lawn tennis]] was played in [[Edgbaston]] in 1859 by Major [[Harry Gem]] and [[Augurio Perera]], both residents of the city.<ref>''Lords and Landlords: The Aristocracy and the Towns, 1774-1967'', [[David Cannadine]], 1980, Leicester University Press</ref> |
The first ever game of [[lawn tennis]] was played in [[Edgbaston]] in 1859 by Major [[Harry Gem]] and [[Augurio Perera]], both residents of the city.<ref>''Lords and Landlords: The Aristocracy and the Towns, 1774-1967'', [[David Cannadine]], 1980, Leicester University Press</ref> |
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Tennis is not nowadays regularly associated with inner city urban areas, however several schemes nationwide are working to rectify this under achievement including "Tennis For Free".<ref>[http://birmingham-sport.org.uk/b-sports/index.php?_cp=sports-tennis-news-viewOne*32 Birmingham Sport: Tennis For Free in Birmingham]</ref><ref>''Tennis for everyone in Brum'', Birmingham Post, June 25, 2004</ref> Many local tennis clubs and teams still exist in Greater Birmingham such as the 'Birmingham City Tennis Club' and international tennis is still played at Edgbaston's Priory Club.<ref> |
Tennis is not nowadays regularly associated with inner city urban areas, however several schemes nationwide are working to rectify this under achievement including "Tennis For Free".<ref>[http://birmingham-sport.org.uk/b-sports/index.php?_cp=sports-tennis-news-viewOne*32 Birmingham Sport: Tennis For Free in Birmingham] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927161428/http://birmingham-sport.org.uk/b-sports/index.php?_cp=sports-tennis-news-viewOne*32 |date=2007-09-27 }}</ref><ref>''Tennis for everyone in Brum'', Birmingham Post, June 25, 2004</ref> Many local tennis clubs and teams still exist in Greater Birmingham such as the 'Birmingham City Tennis Club' and international tennis is still played at Edgbaston's Priory Club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.edgbastonpriory.com/epc/doc.asp?page=77|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429220119/http://www.edgbastonpriory.com/epc/Doc.asp?page=77|url-status=dead|title=Edgbaston Priory|archivedate=29 April 2007}}</ref> |
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==Other individual sports== |
==Other individual sports== |
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[[Boxing]] is popular in the city with many clubs and famous professional boxers such as [[Patrick Cowdell]] and [[Robert McKracken]] who have continued to support boxing in the UK by turning their skills to coaching new up- and- coming boxers. There are many professional boxers from Birmingham including Robert McKraken, [[Frankie Gavin (boxer)|Frankie Gavin]] and [[Matthew Macklin]]. |
[[Boxing]] is popular in the city with many clubs and famous professional boxers such as [[Patrick Cowdell]] and [[Robert McKracken]] who have continued to support boxing in the UK by turning their skills to coaching new up- and- coming boxers. There are many professional boxers from Birmingham including Robert McKraken, [[Frankie Gavin (boxer)|Frankie Gavin]] and [[Matthew Macklin]]. |
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Famous Birmingham/Shropshire boxer [[Richie Woodhall]] works and trains with [[Birmingham Boxing Academy]] (BBA) and the city's premier boxing team [[Team Ringside]] [http://www.richiewoodhall.com/biography.htm]. The BBA is a charitable organisation that works alongside lesser privileged children of central Birmingham. Richie also commentates for [[ITV Network|ITV]], [[BBC]] and |
Famous Birmingham/Shropshire boxer [[Richie Woodhall]] works and trains with [[Birmingham Boxing Academy]] (BBA) and the city's premier boxing team [[Team Ringside]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20070825130318/http://www.richiewoodhall.com/biography.htm]. The BBA is a charitable organisation that works alongside lesser privileged children of central Birmingham. Richie also commentates for [[ITV Network|ITV]], [[BBC]] and Sky. |
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[[Prize-fighting]] was long the popular sport of high and low life blackguards, and Birmingham added many a redoubtable name to the long list of famous prize-fighters, whose deeds are recorded in "[[Fistiana]]" and other chronicles of the ring. The earliest account of a local prize-fight is of that which took place in October 1782, for 100 guineas a side, between Jemmy Sargent, a professional, and [[Isaac Perrins]], one of the Soho workmen. Jemmy knuckled under after being knocked down thirteen times, in as many rounds, by the knock-kneed hammer man from Soho, whose friends, it is said, won £1,500 in bets through his prowess.<ref name="Showell"/> [[Bob Brettle]] was active in the 1850s.<ref name="Meet">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Meet+Bob+Brettle,+the+bare-knuckle+boxing+landlord%3B+back+in+time-a0160382044|title=Meet Bob Brettle, the bare-knuckle boxing landlord; back in time.|date=2007-03-11|work=Sunday Mercury|publisher=Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd| |
[[Prize-fighting]] was long the popular sport of high and low life blackguards, and Birmingham added many a redoubtable name to the long list of famous prize-fighters, whose deeds are recorded in "[[Fistiana]]" and other chronicles of the ring. The earliest account of a local prize-fight is of that which took place in October 1782, for 100 guineas a side, between Jemmy Sargent, a professional, and [[Isaac Perrins]], one of the Soho workmen. Jemmy knuckled under after being knocked down thirteen times, in as many rounds, by the knock-kneed hammer man from Soho, whose friends, it is said, won £1,500 in bets through his prowess.<ref name="Showell"/> [[Bob Brettle]] was active in the 1850s.<ref name="Meet">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Meet+Bob+Brettle,+the+bare-knuckle+boxing+landlord%3B+back+in+time-a0160382044|title=Meet Bob Brettle, the bare-knuckle boxing landlord; back in time.|date=2007-03-11|work=Sunday Mercury|publisher=Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd|access-date=1 August 2010|location=Birmingham, England|archive-date=20 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020200213/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Meet+Bob+Brettle,+the+bare-knuckle+boxing+landlord%3B+back+in+time-a0160382044|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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During the late 18th century William Futrell (a well known Birmingham pugilist) becomes publisher of the first boxing paper. |
During the late 18th century William Futrell (a well known Birmingham pugilist) becomes publisher of the first boxing paper. |
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There are twelve boxing clubs in Birmingham.<ref>[http://www.abae.co.uk/Clubs/index.asp ABAE: Boxing Clubs]</ref> |
There are twelve boxing clubs in Birmingham.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060331173901/http://www.abae.co.uk/Clubs/index.asp ABAE: Boxing Clubs]</ref> |
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===Mixed Martial Arts=== |
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Mixed Martial Arts is a popular sport in the city with many clubs such as Team Renegade which is home to the current UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards who is from Aston, Birmingham. |
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===Golf=== |
===Golf=== |
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[[Golf]] is a popular sport in the city with many clubs. Boldmere, Cocks Moors Woods, Harborne Church Farm, Hatchford Brook, Hilltop, Lickey Hills and [[Pype Hayes]] are all large high quality golf courses within Birmingham city.<ref>[http://www.leisure.birmingham.gov.uk/sites/Golf/golf2.htm Birmingham Leisure: Birmingham Golf Courses]</ref> |
[[Golf]] is a popular sport in the city with many clubs. Boldmere, Cocks Moors Woods, Harborne Church Farm, Hatchford Brook, Hilltop, Lickey Hills and [[Pype Hayes]] are all large high quality golf courses within Birmingham city.<ref>[http://www.leisure.birmingham.gov.uk/sites/Golf/golf2.htm Birmingham Leisure: Birmingham Golf Courses] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615064427/http://leisure.birmingham.gov.uk/sites/Golf/golf2.htm |date=2006-06-15 }}</ref> |
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Professional Golf is played at the [[The De Vere Belfry|Belfry]] (4 km outside Birmingham) which sometimes hosts The [[Ryder Cup]].<ref>[http://2002.rydercup.com/europe/course/history.html The Ryder Cup: The De Vere Belfry]</ref> |
Professional Golf is played at the [[The De Vere Belfry|Belfry]] (4 km outside Birmingham) which sometimes hosts The [[Ryder Cup]].<ref>[http://2002.rydercup.com/europe/course/history.html The Ryder Cup: The De Vere Belfry] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20031204144438/http://2002.rydercup.com/europe/course/history.html |date=2003-12-04 }}</ref> |
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===Swimming=== |
===Swimming=== |
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Birmingham's first [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] club formed in 1862 under the title of the "''Birmingham Amateur Swimming Club''". The "''Birmingham Leander Swimming Club''", based at Northwood Street Baths, commenced their aquatic activities in June 1877. The two clubs merged to form the "''Birmingham and Leander Swimming Club''" and moved to Woodcock Street Baths, now part of [[Aston University]].<ref name="Swimming" /> |
Birmingham's first [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] club formed in 1862 under the title of the "''Birmingham Amateur Swimming Club''". The "''Birmingham Leander Swimming Club''", based at Northwood Street Baths, commenced their aquatic activities in June 1877. The two clubs merged to form the "''Birmingham and Leander Swimming Club''" and moved to [[Woodcock Street Baths]], now part of [[Aston University]].<ref name="Swimming" /> |
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The celebrated swimmer, [[Captain Webb]], visited Birmingham several times, and the Athletic Club presented him with a gold medal and purse on 4 December 1875. In 1949, the Birmingham Association of Swimming Clubs partnered with Warwickshire Amateur Swimming Association to win a bid to stage the "International Speed Swimming Contest for the Bologna Trophy", which was staged at Woodcock Street Baths. The [[Birmingham Baths Committee]] organised a visit as part of a tour by the "''Het Y''" Swimming Club of [[Amsterdam]] in 1950.<ref name="Swimming">''The City of Birmingham Baths Department 1851–1951'', J. Moth, 1951</ref> |
The celebrated swimmer, [[Captain Webb]], visited Birmingham several times, and the Athletic Club presented him with a gold medal and purse on 4 December 1875. In 1949, the Birmingham Association of Swimming Clubs partnered with Warwickshire Amateur Swimming Association to win a bid to stage the "International Speed Swimming Contest for the Bologna Trophy", which was staged at Woodcock Street Baths. The [[Birmingham Baths Committee]] organised a visit as part of a tour by the "''Het Y''" Swimming Club of [[Amsterdam]] in 1950.<ref name="Swimming">''The City of Birmingham Baths Department 1851–1951'', J. Moth, 1951</ref> |
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More recently [[The University of Birmingham]] trains some of the most promising professional swimmers in Britain.<ref>[http://students.bugs.bham.ac.uk/swimming/ University of Birmingham Sport: Swimming]</ref> The team has won bronze medal consecutively in the [[British University Sports Association|BUSA]] team championships 2003-04 and |
More recently [[The University of Birmingham]] trains some of the most promising professional swimmers in Britain.<ref>[http://students.bugs.bham.ac.uk/swimming/ University of Birmingham Sport: Swimming] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615023805/http://students.bugs.bham.ac.uk/swimming/ |date=2006-06-15 }}</ref> The team has won bronze medal consecutively in the [[British University Sports Association|BUSA]] team championships 2003-04 and 2004–05. |
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The "''[[City of Birmingham Swimming Club]]''" also trains swimmers of all ages and competes professionally at local and national level as does "''Perry Beeches Sutton Swimming Squad''", "''Boldmere Swimming Club''", "''Orion Swimming Club''" (located at [[King Edward VI High School for Girls]]) and "''Solihull Swimming Club''" (located at Tudor Grange Sports Centre, [[Solihull]]). |
The "''[[City of Birmingham Swimming Club]]''" also trains swimmers of all ages and competes professionally at local and national level as does "''Perry Beeches Sutton Swimming Squad''", "''Boldmere Swimming Club''", "''Orion Swimming Club''" (located at [[King Edward VI High School for Girls]]) and "''[[Solihull Swimming Club]]''" (located at Tudor Grange Sports Centre, [[Solihull]]). |
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School swimming was introduced in the city in April 1875 following a campaign by [[Joseph Chamberlain]], which commenced at a Meeting of the |
School swimming was introduced in the city in April 1875 following a campaign by [[Joseph Chamberlain]], which commenced at a Meeting of the council on 10 November 1874. Following co-operation between the City of Birmingham Baths Department and the [[Birmingham School Board]], schools were able to buy books of tickets to allow pupils to swim under the guidance of teachers at pools.<ref name="Swimming" /> |
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==Other sports and pastimes== |
==Other sports and pastimes== |
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In 1778 there was one at the ''Salutation'' [[inn]], at the bottom of Snow Hill; in 1741 there was also one at the ''Hen and Chickens'' in the High Street. A new green was opened at the ''Union Tavern'' on Cherry Street on 26 March 1792. There was also a green at [[Aston Hall]] and [[Cannon Hill Park]] during the [[Victorian era]]. |
In 1778 there was one at the ''Salutation'' [[inn]], at the bottom of Snow Hill; in 1741 there was also one at the ''Hen and Chickens'' in the High Street. A new green was opened at the ''Union Tavern'' on Cherry Street on 26 March 1792. There was also a green at [[Aston Hall]] and [[Cannon Hill Park]] during the [[Victorian era]]. |
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In 1825 a bowling green was laid out at the corner of Highfield Road and Harborne Road, for "a very select party" of [[Edgbaston]]ians. Bowls is still played in the city today with the existence of The Northfield & District Bowling Association and The Yardley Wood & District Mid-Week Bowling Association.<ref>{{cite web |
In 1825 a bowling green was laid out at the corner of Highfield Road and Harborne Road, for "a very select party" of [[Edgbaston]]ians. Bowls is still played in the city today with the existence of The Northfield & District Bowling Association and The Yardley Wood & District Mid-Week Bowling Association.<ref>{{cite web|work = This is Worcestershire|title = CommuniGate: Grasshopper Crown Green Bowling Club associated clubs|url = http://www.communigate.co.uk/worcs/grasshopperbc/|access-date = 2008-09-21|archive-date = 21 June 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070621035529/http://www.communigate.co.uk/worcs/grasshopperbc/|url-status = live}}</ref> |
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===Greyhound racing=== |
===Greyhound racing=== |
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[[Greyhound racing]] is a popular event in the city with |
[[Greyhound racing]] is a popular event in the city with a large stadium at [[Perry Barr Stadium]]. A trust has been established in Perry Barr for retired greyhounds.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rgtperrybarr.co.uk/ |title=Perry Barr RGT |access-date=9 June 2007 |archive-date=17 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517081240/http://www.rgtperrybarr.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Former stadiums are [[Hall Green Stadium]] (1927-2017), [[Kings Heath Stadium]] (1927-1971) and [[Birchfield Ladbroke Stadium]] (1928-1984).<ref>{{cite book|last=Barnes/Sellers|first=Julia/John|title=Ladbrokes Greyhound Fact File|year=1992|publisher=Ringpress Books|isbn=0-948955-22-8}}</ref> |
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===Ice skating=== |
===Ice skating=== |
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Birmingham's last ice rink closed in 2003 and a project began campaigning for a new rink.<ref>[http://www.birminghamiceskating.co.uk/ The Birmingham Ice Skating project - Campaigning for a new ice rink in the UK's second city]</ref> |
Birmingham's last ice rink closed in 2003 and a project began campaigning for a new rink.<ref>[http://www.birminghamiceskating.co.uk/ The Birmingham Ice Skating project - Campaigning for a new ice rink in the UK's second city]</ref> |
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In the winter of 2005 one of the largest temporary outdoor ice skate rinks in Britain was erected on [[Centenary Square]]. Another rink was constructed in the square in the following year.<ref> |
In the winter of 2005 one of the largest temporary outdoor ice skate rinks in Britain was erected on [[Centenary Square]]. Another rink was constructed in the square in the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/11/25/ice_rink_feature.shtml|title=Get your skates on!|website=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=25 December 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308004743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/11/25/ice_rink_feature.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2006/11/24/street_ice_2006_feature.shtml|title=Street Ice 2006/2007|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> |
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===Ludosport (International Light Saber Combat Academy)=== |
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[[Ludosport]], is an International Lightsaber Combat Academy,<ref>{{Cite web |title=LudoSport light saber combat network and Academies |url=http://www.ludosport.net/?lang=en |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=LudoSport}}</ref> teaching light saber combat (inspired by the iconic |
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weapon from the Star Wars movies) as an international competitive sport. |
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Classes started in Birmingham<ref name="Ludosport Midlands Facebook Page">{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/ludosportmidlands/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.facebook.com |archive-date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612030048/https://www.facebook.com/ludosportmidlands/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in January 2016 and pupils train on a weekly basis, with local instructors who have trained with the parent organisation in Italy "Ludosport International".<ref>{{Cite web |title=LudoSport light saber combat network and Academies |url=https://www.ludosport.net/?lang=en |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.ludosport.net |archive-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330022136/https://www.ludosport.net/?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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They regularly hold introductory "Discovery" Sessions where people can come along to try the sport.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/LudoSportBirmingham |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.facebook.com |archive-date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612030053/https://www.facebook.com/LudoSportBirmingham |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The local classes are part of the UK network of Ludosport UK.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/LudoSportUK/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.facebook.com |archive-date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612030105/https://www.facebook.com/LudoSportUK/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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During the COVID-19 lockdown, all classes and competitions were suspended, but lessons re-started in September 2021 now run by the local franchise <ref name="auto"/> |
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===Motor racing=== |
===Motor racing=== |
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Birmingham boasts two female amateur [[roller derby]] leagues the [[Birmingham Blitz Derby Dames]], formed in October 2006 by Bee Bentley who introduced the sport of roller derby to the West Midlands from America. Following this formation, the [[Central City Rollergirls]] formed from a split in November 2007.<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/centralcityrollergirls MySpace.com - Central City Rollergirls - 22 - Fille - Birmingham, UK - www.myspace.com/centralcityrollergirls<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
Birmingham boasts two female amateur [[roller derby]] leagues the [[Birmingham Blitz Derby Dames]], formed in October 2006 by Bee Bentley who introduced the sport of roller derby to the West Midlands from America. Following this formation, the [[Central City Rollergirls]] formed from a split in November 2007.<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/centralcityrollergirls MySpace.com - Central City Rollergirls - 22 - Fille - Birmingham, UK - www.myspace.com/centralcityrollergirls<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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Roller derby is an aggressive quad skating sport where blockers try to stop jammers from scoring points by lapping the blockers. This fast & furious contact sport has already captured the imagination of West Midlands crowds during Birmingham's first public bout in October 2007.<ref> |
Roller derby is an aggressive quad skating sport where blockers try to stop jammers from scoring points by lapping the blockers. This fast & furious contact sport has already captured the imagination of West Midlands crowds during Birmingham's first public bout in October 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://casino-yes.com/|title=casino-yes.com - This website is for sale! - casino yes Resources and Information.|website=casino-yes.com|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510224909/http://casino-yes.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Skateboarding=== |
===Skateboarding=== |
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===Miscellany=== |
===Miscellany=== |
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[[Croquet]] was introduced in 1867; the first code of laws being published in October 1869. There is a croquet club at [[Edgbaston]], which has been in existence since 1900.<ref> |
[[Croquet]] was introduced in 1867; the first code of laws being published in October 1869. There is a croquet club at [[Edgbaston]], which has been in existence since 1900.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://croquet-websites.org.uk/edgbaston/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928073013/http://www.edgbastoncroquetclub.org.uk/history.htm|url-status=dead|title=Edgbaston Croquet Club – Richmond Hill Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3RP|archivedate=28 September 2007}}</ref> The club now play at Richmond Hill Road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://croquet-websites.org.uk/edgbaston/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928073023/http://www.edgbastoncroquetclub.org.uk/find_us.htm|url-status=dead|title=Edgbaston Croquet Club – Richmond Hill Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3RP|archivedate=28 September 2007}}</ref> |
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A [[horse racing]] course was located at Bromford Bridge in [[Bromford]], [[Erdington]] during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>''The Story of Erdington - From Sleepy Hamlet to Thriving Suburb'', Douglas V. Jones, 1989, Westwood Press (ISBN |
A [[horse racing]] course was located at Bromford Bridge in [[Bromford]], [[Erdington]] during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>''The Story of Erdington - From Sleepy Hamlet to Thriving Suburb'', Douglas V. Jones, 1989, Westwood Press ({{ISBN|0-948025-05-0}})</ref> A smaller course was located on the former site of [[Four Oaks, Birmingham|Four Oaks Hall]] in [[Sutton Coldfield]], however its existence was short and it was removed before Sutton Coldfield became part of Birmingham in 1974.<ref>''The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield - A Commemorative History'', Douglas V. Jones, 1994, Westwood Press ({{ISBN|0-9502636-7-2}})</ref> |
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The [[World Snooker Championship 1972|1972]] World Snooker Championship was held in [[Selly Oak]]. It was won by [[Alex Higgins]]. |
The [[World Snooker Championship 1972|1972]] World Snooker Championship was held in [[Selly Oak]]. It was won by [[Alex Higgins]]. |
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==2022 Commonwealth Games== |
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Birmingham will host the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]]. The city [[Birmingham bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games|bid]] to host the event after [[Durban]] withdrew as the host city. Birmingham's bid was the only bid that was submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation to replace Durban. It will be the first international multi-sport event to be held in Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-40334223|title=Alexander Stadium at heart of Birmingham Commonwealth Games bid|work=BBC News|date=20 June 2017|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214123954/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-40334223|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
Latest revision as of 21:51, 10 December 2024
Sport has always been important in Birmingham, England, from the hundreds of diverse grass-roots sports clubs to internationally famous teams, associations and venues.
The city was the first city to have been awarded the title National City of Sport by the Sports Council.[1]
Major teams
[edit]Club | Sport | Founded | League | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aston Villa | Football | 1874 | Premier League | Villa Park |
Birmingham City | Football | 1875 | EFL League One | St. Andrew's Stadium |
Birmingham Brummies | Speedway | 1928, 2007, 2015 | SGB Championship | Birchfield Ladbroke Stadium Perry Barr Stadium |
Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club | Rugby union | 1873 | National League 1 | Billesley Common |
Warwickshire County Cricket Club | Cricket | 1882 | County Championship | Edgbaston Cricket Ground |
Athletics
[edit]The Birmingham Athletic Club opened a Gymnasium in King Alfred's Place, in Aug 1865/6, and held their annual display and assault-at-arms in the Town Hall. The first festival of the Birmingham Athletic Club was held in 1868. On 1 March 1880 an association was organised of many of the bicycle clubs, cricket clubs, football clubs, and similar athletic bodies in the town and neighbourhood, under the name of "The Midland Counties Amateurs' Athletic Union."[2] The sport was so popular that in January 1879 the "Midland Athlete" newspaper was first published.[3]
Today track and field athletics takes place at the open-air Alexander Stadium on a national and international level.[4] Recent development has seen addition of a High Performance Centre[5] for indoor intense specialist training. The Stadium is also home to Birchfield Harriers,[6] who have contributed towards Britain's National and International Athletics for many years and has produced international athletes such as Denise Lewis, Mark Lewis-Francis and Kelly Sotherton.[7] The National Indoor Arena is Britain's Premier Indoor Athletics stadium and in 2003 hosted the 9th IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics.[8] The city hosted the European Athletic Association's 2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships.[9]
Cricket
[edit]Records from the 19th century suggest that there was a cricket club in existence in Birmingham by 1745, and that a cricket match was being played in Birmingham on the day that the Battle of Culloden was fought in 1746.[10] The earliest cricket match in Birmingham for which a definite record exists took place on Monday 15 July 1751, between "Eleven of the Gentlemen of the Holte Bridgman's Club and Eleven of the Gentlemen of Mr Thomas Bellamy's Club, the most of three innings, for Twenty-Two Guineas", at the cricket ground at Holte Bridgman's Apollo Gardens in Deritend, Aston. Admission was 2 pence.[11] In 1760 a "Society of Cricket Players of Birmingham" advertised in Aris's Birmingham Gazette to challenge any other team within 30 miles of the town to a game for the prize of 20 guineas.[12]
The Birmingham and District Cricket League is the oldest cricket league in the world, having been founded in 1888.[13]
Cricket was extremely popular in Birmingham between World War I and World War II. Records from the Sports Argus show that there were 200 teams playing cricket weekly within Birmingham in 1922, a figure which rose to 300 in 1930 and exceeded 320 in 1939.[14] These figures do not include teams playing in competitions within individual firms – in the early 1930s the Birmingham Small Arms Company alone supported a cricket league of 14 teams.[15]
Today County Cricket is played at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club. International test matches are also held there.
In 1882, Bournville Cricket Club was founded in Froggarts Farm on the corner of Bournville Lane and Linden Road, which is now The Old Farm Hotel. The Ground held its first county game when Worcestershire played Essex in June 1910, and in 1982 held an ICC champions trophy 3rd Place Play off when Papua New Guinea played Bangladesh.[16]
Birmingham was the host for the first ever Cricket World Cup of either gender, a Women's Cricket World Cup in 1973. England beat Australia in the finals.
Football
[edit]The city is home to two of the oldest professional football teams in the world: Aston Villa (1874)[17] and Birmingham City (1875).[18] Nearby West Bromwich Albion's ground The Hawthorns used to be divided by the Birmingham/Smethwick border, but was moved completely into the latter by a minor rationalisation of local government borders in the 1960s and is now in Sandwell. In addition, Birmingham features several non-league teams including Romulus and Sutton Coldfield Town and professional team Coventry City played at St Andrew's for two seasons between 2019 and 2021.
Aston in Birmingham is notable for being the location for the first football league, which was invented by William McGregor on 22 March 1885.[19] Aston Villa Football Club were among the founding clubs of the Premier League in 1992.
Birmingham City Ladies compete at the top level of English women's football, the FA WSL.
Rugby Union
[edit]Rugby Union is played in Birmingham by Moseley Rugby Football Club promoted as Champions to the second tier in April 2006, since re-branded as the RFU Championship. The club was founded in 1873 and reached four cup finals, sharing the trophy with Gloucester on one occasion before an outright win at Twickenham in 2009. Playing for most of their history at The Reddings,[20] in 2000 Moseley relocated to a temporary ground at the University of Birmingham and now have a new permanent home at Billesley Common.[21]
The Solihull-based Birmingham & Solihull Pertemps Bees was established in 1989.[22]
Other team sports
[edit]Speedway
[edit]The first ever speedway meeting in Birmingham was held on 12 July 1928 at The Alexander Sports Stadium (now the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium). The last speedway meeting of that season was held on 1 September 1928. The first meeting after World War II was held on 4 May 1946 against Norwich. It was used up until 1957 and again in 1960. The Birchfield Harriers then refused for the stadium to be used for speedway again.[23]
The team then moved to the former Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium which was renamed the Ladbroke Stadium. It staged speedway from 1929 to 1931, and then from 1971 to 1983. It was demolished the following year.[23] The team broke up in 1986 after their final meeting at Bordesley Green.[24]
In March 2007, Speedway racing returned to Birmingham after 20 years. A new team was created to compete at the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium under the name the "Birmingham Brummies".[25]
The Brummies have won several honours since reforming in 2007. These include winning the Midland Shield in 2007, the Premier League pairs in 2009, the Premier League fours in 2010, the National League fours in 2015, the National Trophy in 2016. They also won back to back National League titles in 2015 and 2016.
American Football
[edit]The city is home to two amateur American Football teams. One, the Birmingham Bulls, founded in 1983, is amongst the oldest teams playing the sport in the United Kingdom, and play in the BAFANL Division One SFC North. The team play their home games at Erin Go Bragh in Erdington.
The other is the Birmingham Lions, the American Football team representing the University of Birmingham in the BUAFL. Founded in 1989, they are one of the most successful teams in their league; winning multiple national championships in recent year.
Baseball
[edit]Birmingham is home to Birmingham Baseball Club, which fields two teams, the Metalheads and the Bats, in the West Midlands Baseball League,[26] playing their home games at Marston Green Recreation Ground.
Based in Marston Green, the club claim a number of BBF division championships. In 2024, the Metalheads won the BBF AA Summer Cup[27] and the West Midlands Baseball League Championship.[28]
Basketball
[edit]Basketball was first introduced to Birmingham in 1911 when a YMCA instructor brought basketball to Birmingham YMCA, and a team was produced. The American Rules had been introduced, but the teams in Birmingham found them to be too complicated, and when forming a Local Basketball Association, they compiled a more practical set of rules for their own use. The first basketball tournament for the Senior Championship Cup was held in Birmingham on 6 June 1936. On 9 April 1938 the first Junior Championship Final was held in Birmingham.[29]
For England's first international basketball competition, Birmingham provided three players; F. Cole, C. Hunt and A. J. Lee. A Championship Final was held in April 1940 with the Birmingham Athletic Institute (BAI) beating London Central YMCA in the match. Due to World War II, there was no championship for the next six years, resulting in Birmingham retaining the trophy for that period.[29]
More recently, basketball was played by the Birmingham Bullets, who competed in the top United Kingdom basketball league. The Bullets went on a season-long break from competitive action in 2006, however, and subsequently went into liquidation and ceased to exist. The Birmingham Bullets were later replaced by the Birmingham Panthers for the 2007-08 season; however a lack of success led them to fold after a single season.[30] A third basketball team, Birmingham Knights, was founded in 2011 and joined the league in 2013; playing their home games at North Solihull Sports Centre. However, as had happened with the Birmingham Panthers before them, Birmingham Knights folded after a single season; in which they had lost every single game.
Hockey
[edit]Hockey is a very popular sport with Edgbaston,[31] Harborne and Bournville being the leading clubs in the city.
Edgbaston Hockey Club were founded in 1885, making them the second oldest hockey club in the country. Matches are played at the University of Birmingham and at Edgbaston High School. Bournville Hockey Club were founded in 1902 as a section of the Bournville Athletic Club. Their first game was against Small Heath on 15 November 1902, in which they lost. Bournville has produced international hockey players including David Griffith-Jones, who was selected to play for Wales in 1955 becoming Bournville's first international player. Bournville have moved venues in their history as a result of Cadbury's closure of the sports facilities at the factory. They are currently based at the University of Birmingham and King Edward VI High School for Girls. Bournville Hockey Club</ref>
Netball
[edit]Dozens of junior and senior Netball clubs exist in Birmingham such as the Birmingham City Netball Club (founded in 1995[32]) and Sutton Town Netball Club (founded in 2006) (http://Suttontown.hitssports.com) which coordinates junior and intermediate netball teams (under-18s).
The Birmingham (adult) Netball League plays from September to March (approximately) and has roughly 100 teams which are arranged in 13 divisions. The 1st division includes some of England's top clubs like for instance Linden who are based at Nechells Community Centre and are currently the National Clubs League Division 1 leaders. There are several other Netball leagues in the UK of which Birmingham teams contribute considerably.[33]
A "Netball Little League" was established in 2003 for the areas of Bournville and Selly Oak.[34]
Rugby League
[edit]The city hosts a semiprofessional Rugby league club, the Midlands Hurricanes as well as an amateur club, the Birmingham Bulldogs, who compete in the Co-operative RLC Midlands Premier League (RLC)[35]
Softball
[edit]Softball is a rapidly growing sport in Birmingham, having recently flourished since the founding of the Birmingham Bobcats in 2010.[36] The Birmingham Softball League, an affiliate of the British Softball Federation, runs a summer season with league games played at the Birmingham City University Pavilion,[37] while the Bobcats remain an independent national touring squad. Additionally, BCU routinely hosts the British Single-Sex National Championship tournament.
Volleyball
[edit]Volleyball takes place on a small scale across various venues in the city, several amateur teams exist such as "Selly Baskets Volleyball Team", "Persian Phoenix Volleyball Club"and "University of Birmingham Volleyball Club" [1] who are currently in first division of the national league for men and the Super 8 level for women.
Water polo
[edit]There are many ground root Water Polo teams in existence across the Greater Birmingham area such as Warley Wasps who were established in 1888, the team runs both male and female water polo teams.[38] Also "Sutton Coldfield Water Polo Club" and "Solihull Water Polo Club" offers water polo training for children and Adults with qualified Water Polo coaches.[39]
The City of Birmingham Swimming Club draws from the local water polo clubs and competes at a national level.[40]
Lacrosse
[edit]Lacrosse, a popular Canadian game, was introduced to Birmingham on 23 June 1883 by a team of Canadian Amateurs and Iroquois Indians, who exhibited their prowess at the Lower Grounds. The game never quite took off in the city, however the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Lacrosse Club and Aston University have lacrosse teams.[41][42]
Racket sports
[edit]Badminton
[edit]The National Indoor Arena has hosted international badminton events such as the World Indoor Badminton Championships. The All England Open Badminton Championships are now held at the NIA[43] as a result of the tournament outgrowing all previous venues.
Tennis
[edit]The first ever game of lawn tennis was played in Edgbaston in 1859 by Major Harry Gem and Augurio Perera, both residents of the city.[44]
Tennis is not nowadays regularly associated with inner city urban areas, however several schemes nationwide are working to rectify this under achievement including "Tennis For Free".[45][46] Many local tennis clubs and teams still exist in Greater Birmingham such as the 'Birmingham City Tennis Club' and international tennis is still played at Edgbaston's Priory Club.[47]
Other individual sports
[edit]Boxing
[edit]Boxing is popular in the city with many clubs and famous professional boxers such as Patrick Cowdell and Robert McKracken who have continued to support boxing in the UK by turning their skills to coaching new up- and- coming boxers. There are many professional boxers from Birmingham including Robert McKraken, Frankie Gavin and Matthew Macklin.
Famous Birmingham/Shropshire boxer Richie Woodhall works and trains with Birmingham Boxing Academy (BBA) and the city's premier boxing team Team Ringside [2]. The BBA is a charitable organisation that works alongside lesser privileged children of central Birmingham. Richie also commentates for ITV, BBC and Sky.
Prize-fighting was long the popular sport of high and low life blackguards, and Birmingham added many a redoubtable name to the long list of famous prize-fighters, whose deeds are recorded in "Fistiana" and other chronicles of the ring. The earliest account of a local prize-fight is of that which took place in October 1782, for 100 guineas a side, between Jemmy Sargent, a professional, and Isaac Perrins, one of the Soho workmen. Jemmy knuckled under after being knocked down thirteen times, in as many rounds, by the knock-kneed hammer man from Soho, whose friends, it is said, won £1,500 in bets through his prowess.[2] Bob Brettle was active in the 1850s.[48]
During the late 18th century William Futrell (a well known Birmingham pugilist) becomes publisher of the first boxing paper.
There are twelve boxing clubs in Birmingham.[49]
Mixed Martial Arts
[edit]Mixed Martial Arts is a popular sport in the city with many clubs such as Team Renegade which is home to the current UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards who is from Aston, Birmingham.
Golf
[edit]Golf is a popular sport in the city with many clubs. Boldmere, Cocks Moors Woods, Harborne Church Farm, Hatchford Brook, Hilltop, Lickey Hills and Pype Hayes are all large high quality golf courses within Birmingham city.[50]
Professional Golf is played at the Belfry (4 km outside Birmingham) which sometimes hosts The Ryder Cup.[51]
Swimming
[edit]Birmingham's first swimming club formed in 1862 under the title of the "Birmingham Amateur Swimming Club". The "Birmingham Leander Swimming Club", based at Northwood Street Baths, commenced their aquatic activities in June 1877. The two clubs merged to form the "Birmingham and Leander Swimming Club" and moved to Woodcock Street Baths, now part of Aston University.[52]
The celebrated swimmer, Captain Webb, visited Birmingham several times, and the Athletic Club presented him with a gold medal and purse on 4 December 1875. In 1949, the Birmingham Association of Swimming Clubs partnered with Warwickshire Amateur Swimming Association to win a bid to stage the "International Speed Swimming Contest for the Bologna Trophy", which was staged at Woodcock Street Baths. The Birmingham Baths Committee organised a visit as part of a tour by the "Het Y" Swimming Club of Amsterdam in 1950.[52]
More recently The University of Birmingham trains some of the most promising professional swimmers in Britain.[53] The team has won bronze medal consecutively in the BUSA team championships 2003-04 and 2004–05.
The "City of Birmingham Swimming Club" also trains swimmers of all ages and competes professionally at local and national level as does "Perry Beeches Sutton Swimming Squad", "Boldmere Swimming Club", "Orion Swimming Club" (located at King Edward VI High School for Girls) and "Solihull Swimming Club" (located at Tudor Grange Sports Centre, Solihull).
School swimming was introduced in the city in April 1875 following a campaign by Joseph Chamberlain, which commenced at a Meeting of the council on 10 November 1874. Following co-operation between the City of Birmingham Baths Department and the Birmingham School Board, schools were able to buy books of tickets to allow pupils to swim under the guidance of teachers at pools.[52]
Other sports and pastimes
[edit]Bowling
[edit]Bowling has long been a popular tradition in Birmingham with bowling greens and quoit grounds often attached to public houses.
In 1778 there was one at the Salutation inn, at the bottom of Snow Hill; in 1741 there was also one at the Hen and Chickens in the High Street. A new green was opened at the Union Tavern on Cherry Street on 26 March 1792. There was also a green at Aston Hall and Cannon Hill Park during the Victorian era.
In 1825 a bowling green was laid out at the corner of Highfield Road and Harborne Road, for "a very select party" of Edgbastonians. Bowls is still played in the city today with the existence of The Northfield & District Bowling Association and The Yardley Wood & District Mid-Week Bowling Association.[54]
Greyhound racing
[edit]Greyhound racing is a popular event in the city with a large stadium at Perry Barr Stadium. A trust has been established in Perry Barr for retired greyhounds.[55] Former stadiums are Hall Green Stadium (1927-2017), Kings Heath Stadium (1927-1971) and Birchfield Ladbroke Stadium (1928-1984).[56]
Ice skating
[edit]Ice Skating Rinks were opened at the Lower Grounds 1 May 1875; at Bingley Hall, 2 October 1875; at Moseley, 6 December 1876; and at Handsworth, 8 October 1877; and, for a time, the amusement was exceedingly popular, more than one fortune accruing from the manufacture of patent and other roller skates. One of the most noteworthy feats on the slippery rinks was the skating of 200 miles in 24 hours by a Mr. F. Betteridge at Bingley Hall, 20 August 1878.
Birmingham's last ice rink closed in 2003 and a project began campaigning for a new rink.[57]
In the winter of 2005 one of the largest temporary outdoor ice skate rinks in Britain was erected on Centenary Square. Another rink was constructed in the square in the following year.[58][59]
Ludosport (International Light Saber Combat Academy)
[edit]Ludosport, is an International Lightsaber Combat Academy,[60] teaching light saber combat (inspired by the iconic weapon from the Star Wars movies) as an international competitive sport.
Classes started in Birmingham[61] in January 2016 and pupils train on a weekly basis, with local instructors who have trained with the parent organisation in Italy "Ludosport International".[62]
They regularly hold introductory "Discovery" Sessions where people can come along to try the sport.[63]
The local classes are part of the UK network of Ludosport UK.[64]
During the COVID-19 lockdown, all classes and competitions were suspended, but lessons re-started in September 2021 now run by the local franchise [63]
Motor racing
[edit]The city is home to Birmingham Wheels motor sport park which features a short-track oval circuit based and MSA Kart Circuit. The oval circuit stages a number of high-profile stock car and banger race meetings, along with a charity race event every winter for Children in Need. The Grand Prix Karting circuit, where Nigel Mansell famously began his motor sport career remains one of the most testing circuits in the UK.
The city also staged the Birmingham Superprix on a number of occasions during the 1980s, a Formula 3000 event which took place on a street circuit in the city centre. Many of the competitors later went on to compete in Formula One, including former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi. Nigel Mansell also lived in Birmingham as a child and into his early adult years.
Roller derby
[edit]Birmingham boasts two female amateur roller derby leagues the Birmingham Blitz Derby Dames, formed in October 2006 by Bee Bentley who introduced the sport of roller derby to the West Midlands from America. Following this formation, the Central City Rollergirls formed from a split in November 2007.[65]
Roller derby is an aggressive quad skating sport where blockers try to stop jammers from scoring points by lapping the blockers. This fast & furious contact sport has already captured the imagination of West Midlands crowds during Birmingham's first public bout in October 2007.[66]
Skateboarding
[edit]Skateboarding is popular in the city. Many small skate parks exist as well as the Epic Skate Park based in Moseley, the park opened in 2003 within a former bus and tram garage. The park is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and now hosts international skate competitions as well as music videos and film.
The skate board wheel was pioneered in Birmingham during the 19th century.
Miscellany
[edit]Croquet was introduced in 1867; the first code of laws being published in October 1869. There is a croquet club at Edgbaston, which has been in existence since 1900.[67] The club now play at Richmond Hill Road.[68]
A horse racing course was located at Bromford Bridge in Bromford, Erdington during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[69] A smaller course was located on the former site of Four Oaks Hall in Sutton Coldfield, however its existence was short and it was removed before Sutton Coldfield became part of Birmingham in 1974.[70]
The 1972 World Snooker Championship was held in Selly Oak. It was won by Alex Higgins.
2022 Commonwealth Games
[edit]Birmingham will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The city bid to host the event after Durban withdrew as the host city. Birmingham's bid was the only bid that was submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation to replace Durban. It will be the first international multi-sport event to be held in Birmingham.[71]
References
[edit]- ^ "Birmingham & Black Country | Latest News & Updates | BBC News". BBC News. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
- ^ a b "Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham, Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- ^ Catalogue of Printed Books in the Library of the British Museum, A. W. K. Miller (British Museum Dept. of Printed Books) and Richard Garnett (British Museum), 1905, W. Clowes and Sons
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