Shorts: RFU, Exeter Chiefs, Bears
The RFU has hired Anthony Mundy as its Executive Director of Venue.
Mundy will join the organisation in December from Leicester City Football Club, where he has spent the last five years as Operations Director.
Prior to this, he has held the roles of Operations Director at Lancashire County Cricket Club and Facilities Director at the former Ricoh Arena.
In his new position, Anthony will be responsible for leading the commercial activities at Allianz Stadium, including major events, year-round conferences, the onsite hotel, fitness and leisure centre, and the World Rugby Museum.
Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, said, “Anthony joins at a crucial point in our planning and delivery of key transformational projects including the redevelopment of our stadium.”
Mundy added, “I am delighted to join the RFU at this exciting and pivotal time; delivering on the opportunities over the next decade will enable me to pull on my extensive stadium experience as I lead and support the expert team already in place.”
Exeter Chiefs have teamed up with local waste management company DCW to enhance recycling efforts at the club’s Sandy Park home.
This partnership will focus on improving waste management during match-days, encouraging fans to recycle more effectively.
DCW have provided Chiefs with a range of waste management services, including recycling education and waste data analysis to track progress.
Additionally, new recycling stations have been introduced throughout the stadium to make responsible waste disposal more accessible for supporters.
Chiefs believe the initiative will reduce the environmental impact of match days while promoting greater awareness of sustainable practices among their fan-base.
Mark Isaacs, Director of Stadium Operations at Sandy Park said, “We are always looking for new ways to enhance our sustainability practices, and this recycling initiative with DCW is another fantastic step forward.
By making it easier for our fans at Sandy Park to recycle, we’re not only improving our own operations, but we’re also hoping to encourage them to think more sustainably when they leave the stadium.”
DCW staff attended the first game of the Premiership Rugby season to educate fans on how to dispose of waste effectively.
The Chicago Bears led Mini Monsters clinics for more than 850 children across London, ahead of the NFL team’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The programme offers free coaching for girls and boys aged between 7-12, and highlights the importance of healthy eating, physical activity and hydration, alongside non-contact American football drills.
The Bears held three separate clinics last week at Dukes Academy in Haringey, as well as the Bobby Moore Academy in Stratford, and Kennington Park. Each session included coaching from former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman.
This marks the third time in which the Monsters of the Midway have led clinics across the UK, after the team visited Edinburgh and Manchester earlier this year.
Since acquiring UK marketing rights in 2022 via the NFL’s Global Markets programme, the franchise have demonstrated a strong commitment to grassroots initiatives, launching a London based flag league with the New York Jets last year, as well as a new Manchester-based league in April, both of which are for girls aged between 12-14.
“American football offers so many incredible opportunities for young people, these clinics open up a whole new sport which is great for both physical and mental health,” Tillman said.
“The sport has greatly influenced my life, and it has been amazing to see so many children enjoying their first taste of American Football in London. This has been an inspiring week and the perfect build-up for the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”
A new report published by Sport England has found that sport and physical activity have a positive impact on diagnosed mental health problems among children and young people.
Edge Hill University conducted the research, after being commissioned by Sport England to collate and review research across 143 studies.
The new report formed part of the national body’s programme of activity for World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
To mark the occasion, Sport England hosted a parliamentary roundtable last week, which assessed how physical activity can be involved in NHS Talking Therapies.
The organisation additionally published two blogs, citing the importance of physical activity to mental health in the UK.
Former Love Island contestant Wil Anderson has signed with Summit Sports and Supreme PR to manage his transition into professional boxing, aiming for the Misfits Boxing ring.
With a background in martial arts and football, Anderson is now aiming for the Misfits Boxing ring, and is preparing to make his debut in a Misfits show in early 2025.
“Working with Summit Sports and Supreme provides me with the opportunities to become a recognised force on the scene, and as a longstanding boxing fan to work with Summit’s Adam Smith, the most recognisable voice in boxing, provides a unique opportunity for guidance and development,” Anderson said.
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