The Dragons, born from the success of last season’s Midland League where the Wednesfield Aces won both divisions are a new team made up of talented young riders being given an opportunity to compete at the highest Midland level.

The 2013 season will see the Wednesfield Dragons compete against the Aces, along with other Midland clubs in division 1 and it is hoped that the Dragons will help develop young riders, giving them an opportunity to ride at much higher standard.

Currently new jerseys and logos are being designed by IMP Sport where a leading Midlands leading recruitment firm have stepped in with the funding.

First4Staff with branches in Wolverhampton, Cannock and Telford specialise in the supply skilled and unskilled labour to the manufacturing, engineering and logistics have sponsored local football clubs in the past, however nothing on this scale.

Jason Guy – Managing Director was approached and negotiations set in place after last seasons charity cycle speedway event for Balls to Cancer where Mr Guy competed and fell in love with the sport. Jason, a lifetime Wolves fan and keen sportsman was thrilled by the opportunity.

The sponsorship deal will see Wednesfield Dragons sporting a new look kit with First4Staff branding and using the recruitment firms corporate colours.

The post Dragons hope to emulate Aces’ success appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

We put some of our Facebook visitor’s questions to Kristian, along with a couple of our own, here’s what he had to say…

We’re you interested in gymnastics before or after you started secondary school and what influenced you? (fellow St Edmunds pupil) – Tom Rudevics

I was already interested and competing in gymnastics by then. When I started secondary school at St Edmunds Catholic School I was already training 17-20 hrs a week.

I never had a particular influence. As I started gymnastics at 5 I just followed my older brother not really thinking much of it but luckily I had a talent for it and this was seen by the coaches, so it just progressed from there.

Have you ever faced prejudice among your peers for being involved in gymnastics? If so how did you deal with it? – Dallas Cattell

Luckily I haven’t. I think doing a back flip as my goal celebration in football for many years helped me as nobody else was able to do the sort of things that I could. Another example was being able to walk on my hands, which I remember being something most people in my year wanted to be able to do!

At what point in your training did you realise that there was a chance you could end up competing at the Olympics, and how did that make you feel? – Jerome Turner

Probably not until 2006 when I competed in the Commonwealth Games. It was my first senior competition and after having such a fantastic experience and also winning a bronze medal made me realise that I wanted to do gymnastics as my future with the Olympics being my main goal.

What did it feel like to stand on the Olympic Podium and know the national anthem was being played because of you? – Hayley Woolner Kavanagh

It was a mix of many emotions. I had adrenaline,nerves, butterflies and excitement. It was a unique feeling that I’m pretty sure will be hard to ever repeat, but more than anything I felt joy and pride.

Can you tell us an interesting behind the scenes story from the Athletes Village? – Stuart Davis

The only time I would ever see Usain Bolt in the village would be at the McDonald’s. Must be something in a McDonald’s that makes you run faster?!?!

Are you planning on going Rio or are you going to see how it goes? – WV11.co.uk

My plan is to be at the Commonwealth Games in 2 years. From there on I can completely focus on Rio and try to stay healthy and injury free.

Are you looking for sponsorship? – WV11.co.uk

I am always looking for sponsorship, especially local sponsorships as it helps me to continue to train and compete at the highest level but is also great for the local community.

*If you’re interested in sponsoring Krisitan, we suggest you visit his website for more info – WV11.co.uk

What has life been like since returning from London 2012? Does it feel strange to be recognised in the street and what’s the funniest thing that has happened to you since the Olympics? - WV11.co.uk

Life has been extremely busy but also fun. I’ve enjoyed participating in all the various requests for events but also balancing my training as I have World Cup events coming up in Nov/Dec.

It has definitely been a strange feeling being recognised by a lot more people but I’ve had some really nice comments which is always nice to hear.

Did you ever imagine that you would be asked to switch on the Christmas Lights in your home town? - WV11.co.uk

It’s one of those things that you would like to do when growing up so having the opportunity is a very proud moment.

WV11.co.uk would like to thank Kristian for being such a good sport and answering our questions, we appreciate how busy he must be and how many media requests he must get!

Let’s all give Kristian a big cheer on 22nd November when he switches on the Wednefield Christmas Lights!

The post Exclusive: WV11 talks to Kristian Thomas appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

Sainsbury’s will also be holding races for the kids and there will be a Blind Football Team playing beat the goalie and many other activities.

The Paralympics will run from  August 29th – September 6th in London. Here’s hoping Team GB match the medal success of our Olympians competing at the moment.

Image courtesy BBC

The post Paralympic Torch Comes To Wednesfield appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

Walking from Bridgnorth to Wednesfield, the walk is approximately 18 miles long, along a very busy road and will take place on Sunday 2^nd September starting at 9am

You can sponsor them at www.bmycharity.com/bridgnorth2wednesfieldwalk

 Help for Heroes T-shirts at £10.00 each and  H4H wristbands at £2.00 will also be on sale.

Call for players Wednesfield Girls FC under 17/18

Well established girls team – playing together since under 10’s require good quality players for all positions for next season 2012/13 to play in central Warwickshire League Charter Standard Club

Training is on a Thursday 7pm – 8pm @ Wednesfield FC Amos Lane Wednesfield WV11 IND, All coaches are CRB checked and hold FA level 1 coaches,

Interested call Paul Smith 07912501860 or smithp72@hotmail.co.uk

The post Wednesfield FC walk for Help for Heroes appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

It is the first time either have competed in the Olympics and this performance follows their Bronze medal awarded for  the team event earlier this week.

Kristian’s sister in law, Emma  Clarke, tweeting from home as the rest of the family were in the North Grenwich Arena cheering Kritian on  said she was  ”Proud beyond belief ” – as we all should be it takes a lot of hard work and determination to qualify for the Olympics, let alone reach the final in such style.  Kristian is a great role model for Wednesfield’s youth.

The competition isn’t over yet for him – There is still Monday’s final in the Vault to come! Catch it live on the BBC from 15:40

Image via Sky Sports

The post Top 10 finish for Kristian Thomas appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

GB suffered a little on rings, their weakest piece, but Kristian put in the performance of his life on vault for a score of 16.550 to keep Britain in the running for bronze. As the tension mounted, Sam Oldham fell on the high bar  - only for Krisitian to again step up to the plate with his own high bar routine and keep their hopes alive! And then Kristian along with team mates Max Whitlock and Dan Purvis landed every move of their floor routines to finish.

For a while it looked like Team GB were taking home the Silver until Japan successfully appealed the scoring after a fall on the pommel horse.

This bronze is the first Men’s team gymnastics medal Team GB have won in 100 years!

Messages on our facebook page suggest the whole of Wednesfield are behind Kristian, with us all sitting on the edge of our seats awaiting his next appearances in the  Men’s Individual All-Around final on Wednesday and in the Vault final on Monday, where if he repeats today’s performance dare we suggest he’ll be going for gold!

Image via ITV

The post Wednesfield Gymnast Kristian Thomas wins Olympic Bronze appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

But more excitingly for us locals as well as taking part with the team Wednesfield’s Kristian Thomas is through to the overall individual final, qualifying in 5th place with 90.256 points  and a score of 15.983 securing him a place in the vault final as the fifth best!

You can catch all the finals on the BBC  Olympic channels with Kristian being screened in;

Mens Team  - Monday 30th July 16:30
Men’s Individual All-Around – Wednesday 1st August 16:30
Men’s Vault – Monday 6th August 15:41

The post Wednesfield Olympic hopeful through to finals appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

Former St Patrick’s School student Kristian took up gymnastics when his parents enrolled him in a class at the age of 5 and has been competing since he was just 8 years old. moving on to  international competitions since 2003.

You can see him compete  in the Gymnastics qualification round from 11am on BBC on Saturday 28th July

We’ll be watching and rooting for him and we hope you will be too!!

Follow Kristian on twitter @Kristian_Thomas

The post Wednesfield’s Olympic Dream! GO KRISTIAN GO! appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

The event which takes place on Friday 14th September at 7:30pm will be raising money in aid of  the Balls To Cancer charity which aims to fight cancer with fun, raising funds for male cancer awareness and research.

HiQ Tyres, Chapel Ash Wolverhampton have agreed to sponsor the event and entrants are required to raise a minimum £50 to confirm their place. Entry is on a first come first in basis as numbers are limited. Race bikes will be provided by Wednesfield Aces. Entrants will be required to provide their own cycle helmet and wear long trousers and sleeves.

Competition open to non speedway riders

The competition will be open to 16 non speedway riders for a series of fun races. Each rider will compete in 5 heats with the winner decided by the highest points scored, a podium will be in place for the top three receiving a trophy and all riders will receive a medal.

The event is particularly aimed at parents of young riders that think they’d like to have a go, but haven’t due to competition levels, though anyone else who wants to enter to experience Cycle Speedway at ‘Grass Roots level’ is most welcome.

Come and support a good cause!

WV11 co-founder James Clarke will be racing despite having no speedway experience and Wednesfield’s neighbourhood Police Sergeant Simon Causer will also be taking part, having recently cycled from Wolverhampton to Aberdovey for charity.

We’re hoping that everyone will come and support the riders as they bid to raise money for a very good cause – entrance is free, so come on down to watch the action!

After the race meeting, riders and spectators are invited to a gathering at Gilberts Bar, Field Street, Willenhall for drinks and a buffet.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Glyn Rowley at rowl@me.com or on Twitter @WednesfieldAces or on 07905664610 for more information.

The post Wednesfield Aces / Balls To Cancer Charity Event appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.

Thousands of local people lined the streets of Wolverhampton, Willenhall and Walsall for this once in a lifetime occasion.

Wolverhampton City Council has produced a video with the highlights of the day which you can watch below:

The post Thousands line the streets as Olympic Torch comes to Wolverhampton appeared first on WV11.co.uk - News and events in Wednesfield.