Browsing: partnership

December 11, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

Table Tennis England and Parkinsonâ€s UK today announce a partnership which aims to create more opportunities for people with Parkinsonâ€s to play the sport.

The formal collaboration between the two organisations builds on a relationship which has grown up over the years as the benefits of playing table tennis for people with Parkinsonâ€s has become clear.

Exercise is recognised as the best and possibly only way of slowing down the symptoms of Parkinsonâ€s. And table tennis is thought to be particularly effective because of its focus on balance, hand-eye co-ordination, reflexes and making split-second decisions and movements.

The key purposes of the partnership are to:

• Develop and promote inclusive and accessible playing opportunities nationwide for people with Parkinsonâ€s
• Increase awareness of the benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinsonâ€s
• Support the training and upskilling of coaches and volunteers to deliver sessions suitable for people with Parkinsonâ€s
• Share learning, data, and insights to strengthen the evidence base for physical activity and Parkinsonâ€s
• Support local clubs to welcome and include people affected by Parkinsonâ€s
• Collaborate on communications and campaigns to celebrate success stories and increase participation

The partnership with Parkinson’s UK will also be a key component of the Ping! For Health project, which was last month selected as one of only six recipients worldwide of one of the ITTF Foundationâ€s Dream Building Fund Generation 2026 projects

Jenny Leach, Senior Programmes and Partnership Manager at Table Tennis England said: “Weâ€re thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Parkinsonâ€s UK and create even more welcoming opportunities for people with Parkinsonâ€s to enjoy our sport.

“We know how powerful table tennis can be in supporting movement, confidence and connection, and we want everyone to feel that there is a place for them at the table.

“This collaboration will help us support clubs, volunteers and coaches across the country to deliver sessions that make a real difference.â€

Jed Parsons, Physical Activity Programme Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Weâ€re delighted to launch this new partnership with Table Tennis England, and Iâ€m excited about the opportunities it will bring for our community, both now and in the future.

“We know that being active can be one of the best ways to live well with Parkinson’s and so many members of our community express their interest in playing table tennis together.

“As a sport, table tennis can be a really inclusive and social way for anyone to get active and I hope that even more people living with Parkinson’s will have the opportunity to get involved across England.”

Check out the video below which illustrates how table tennis can help people with Parkinson’s.

Source link

The Women’s Tennis Association has announced a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz which has the potential to be the largest in women’s sport.

The German car manufacturer will become the premier partner of the WTA and pour $50m (£37.5m) per year into womenâ€s tennis for up to 10 years.

The deal has been described as the “most significant” in the WTA’s history, and could ultimately be worth up to half a billion dollars (£375m).

The National Women’s Soccer League in America signed a $240m (£180m) four-year media rights deal in November 2023, while Nike has invested $350m (£262m) across multiple women’s football leagues.

Announced on Wednesday, the WTA deal will help with the tour’s commitment to have equal prize money at events where both men and women feature by 2027 and at non-combined events by 2033.

Equal prize money was one of the key goals when the WTA was founded in 1973.

American tennis great Billie Jean King, who founded the WTA and was its first president, said the deal shows the tour “continues to lead the way in women’s sport”.

“Our mission statement when we founded the WTA was that any girl born in this world, if she was good enough, would have a place to compete, be respected and make a living playing tennis,” King told BBC Sport.

“This is a real partnership and Mercedes are in it for the long term.

“Seeing a brand like that stand with us sends a message that echoes far beyond tennis.”

Source link

Australia defeated England in the second Ashes Australia vs England Test at The Gabba to take a 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series. Michael Neser was the star with a career-best five-wicket haul. He removed key batters Will Jacks and Ben Stokes in consecutive overs, helping Australia secure a 2-0 series lead.

Scott Boland and Pat Cummins also took wickets, ensuring England could not set a challenging target. England were restricted to 241 in their second innings, giving Australia a slender 64-run lead. Ben Stokes scored a patient fifty, and he, along with Will Jacks, added 96 runs for the seventh wicket.

Chasing just 65 runs, Jake Weatherald (17*) and Steve Smith (23*) completed the target in 10 overs, with Travis Head (22) and Marnus Labuschagne (3) dismissed by Gus Atkinson.

Earlier, England posted 334 in the first innings, and Australia responded with 511, with Mitchell Starc taking eight wickets and contributing 77 runs.

Ben Stokes and Will Jacks Set a Series Record with the Longest Partnership in the Second Ashes Australia vs England Test

In the second Ashes Australia vs England Test, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks achieved a series first by putting together the longest partnership of the contest as England struggled to recover. After England collapsed to 128/6 by the end of Day 3, Stokes and Jacks batted sensibly, occupying the crease for over 27 overs and helping England take a slender lead.

Jacks scored 41 off 92 balls, while Stokes reached his fifty from 148 balls. Their stand ended when Jacks edged a defensive shot to Steve Smith, and Stokes was removed soon after by Alex Carey. Ben Stokes made the slowest fifty in the Bazball era since June 2022, needing 148 balls to reach his half-century.

Michael Neserâ€s Five-Wicket Haul Helps Australia Crush England in the Second Ashes Australia vs England Test

In the second Ashes Australia vs England Test, Michael Neser became the main figure with a five-wicket haul. He helped bowl England out for 241 in their second innings, giving Australia a simple target of 65 runs to win.

England had started the second innings with a 16-run lead at 193/6. Captain Ben Stokes scored a patient 50, but Neser removed him and key players, including Ollie Pope and all-rounder Jacks. He finished with figures of 5-42 and bowled England out for 241, leaving Australia a small target of 65.

Twelve months ago, Michael Neser feared his Test career was over after a hamstring injury and being dropped from Cricket Australiaâ€s central contract list. He skipped the County Championship to focus on fitness and impressed in the Sheffield Shield but still missed selection for the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Reflecting on his performance, Neser said, “I mean, I love the Gabba, the fans here. This is my home, the Ashes is such an event for Australians, and to get a five-fa, itâ€s special. A moment I will never forget.â€

FAQs

Q. Who won the second Ashes Test between Australia and England?

A. Australia has won the second Ashes Test at The Gabba and took a 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series.

Q. Who bowled out England in their second innings?

A.Michael Neser took a career-best five-wicket haul to bowl England out for 241.

Q. How much was Australiaâ€s target in the second Ashes Test?

A. Australia needed only 65 runs to win, which Jake Weatherald (17*) and Steve Smith (23*) completed the chase in 10 overs.

Q. When will the third Ashes Test between Australia and England take place?

A.The 3rd Test between England and Australia of the 2025 Ashes is scheduled from 17 to 21 December.

Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.

Source link

Joe Root has finally recorded an Ashes century in Australia to help England edge an absorbing opening day of the second Test in Brisbane.

England’s greatest batsman came to the crease with his team on 5-2 after just 2.3 overs with Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope both being dismissed by Mitchell Starc for ducks.

However, with England’s backs against the wall and aided by some timely knocks from several teammates, Root compiled a magnificent 135 from 202 balls to take the tourists to 325-9 at stumps after the first three sessions of the day/night Test.

On his 30th attempt, Root reached the milestone that has defied him throughout his career, making three figures for the 40th time in Tests.

WHAT A MOMENT ?

JOE ROOT FINALLY HAS HIS FIRST CENTURY IN AUSTRALIA! ??

? Watch #TheAshes LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/5kggVrFowl

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 4, 2025

Root, Archer frustrate Australia skipper Smith

Nevertheless, it will be Root’s and Jofra Archer’s epic unbeaten 61-run stand for the last wicket that will make the headlines after Australia captain Steve Smith appeared to purposely slow the game down to reduce the chances of his openers having to face the pink ball late in the day.

Such was the shamelessness of the ploy that it became acceptable at one point for Ben Stokes, like he has done in the past, to declare on a below-par score with the view of progressing the game and taking a chance to make early inroads.

Instead, England went on the attack as Archer combined power and composure to make 32 off 26 – his best-ever Test knock – to contribute to England’s best-ever 10th wicket partnership at The Gabba in just 7.2 overs.

Jofra Archer just hitting sixes for fun out there ??

? Watch #TheAshes LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/00DWVm58Vh

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 4, 2025

Once England got within 10 minutes of the close, it was Root’s and Archer’s turn to slow down the game, but there will likely be ramifications for both teams after a full day of Test cricket only featured 74 overs.

Crawley justifies England faith

Earlier in the day, Zak Crawley bounced back from a pair of ducks in Perth with a superb 76 off 93, the kind of innings that Stokes and Brendon McCullum demand.

Harry Brook made 31 off 33, Stokes made 19 before running himself out and Will Jacks also added 19 ahead of becoming one of Starc’s six victims.

While the course of the game remains very much in the balance, England will claim a moral victory ahead of their attempt to stay ahead of Australia on day two.

Source link

With AEW currently in the full swing of the Continental Classic tournament, it’s easy to forget there’s plenty of other stuff going on with the promotion, in and out of the ring. And one of those happenings is a merchandise deal that has likely been in the works since AEW and New Japan descended on the UK for Forbidden Door this past August.

Taking to X on Tuesday afternoon, the UK based wrestling apparel company BLKSMTH announced an official partnership with AEW. A press release later that day provided more details, revealing the two sides  will “produce officially licensed collections in collaboration with All Elite Wrestling’s roster of premier talent.” The first releases from the collaboration will be association football jerseys for AEW stars Willow Nightingale, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, and Swerve Strickland.

BLCKSMTH are proud to announce an official partnership with @AEW.

Following a sold out collaboration at the Forbidden Door Merch Store, we are excited to announce an upcoming range of premium wrestling merchandise with All Elite Wrestling. #ForgedByGreatness pic.twitter.com/ofe5wju1SL

— BLCKSMTH (@BLCKSMTHApparel) December 2, 2025

As noted, AEW had first worked with BLKSMTH at Forbidden Door, likely brought together by New Japan, which has also collaborated with BLKSMTH in the past. Like with this roll-out, the AEW/BLKSMTH merchandise consisted of jerseys with designs inspired by Nightingale, Allin, Omega, and Strickland, with a limited amount sold at Forbidden Door. The jerseys all sold out, according to BLKSMTH, prompting them and AEW to reach a full-time partnership.

In addition to its working relationship with AEW and New Japan, BLKSMTH’s website shows the apparel company also produces merchandise for TNA and several wrestlers, including AEW’s Will Ospreay, Josh Alexander, Lio Rush and “Speedball” Mike Bailey, TNA’s Leon Slater and Mike Santana, WWE’s Alex Shelley, and British wrestling standout Michael Oku. The company also makes t-shirts, tracksuits, pants, jackets, and other accessories.

Source link

Donâ€t plan on the NXT-TNA partnership ending anytime soon.

With TNA Wrestling reaching a media rights deal with AMC Networks, sports business insider Blake Avignon reported that WWE intended to end its existing partnership with TNA. Avignon claimed that a 60-day termination clause was built into the WWE-TNA agreement, with TNAâ€s new deal with AMC activating it.

Multiple wrestling news outlets, including PWInsider, Fightful Select, and Sports Illustrated, have since poured cold water on this report. TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva specifically told The Takedown on SI that the “partnership is strong, and less than zero truth to it ending.â€

A high-ranking source in TNA additionally told The Takedown that the aforementioned report was “100 percent bulls**t*.â€

PWInsider reported that sources in both WWE and TNA were “adamant†that the multi-year partnership between the two sides will continue on. Moreover, WWE officials were said to be aware of TNAâ€s television deal with AMC well in advance of the official announcement made earlier today. WWE NXT was also referenced in todayâ€s joint press release from TNA and AMC.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select added that WWE even aided in the TNA-AMC agreement, which will kick off with the airing of “Thursday Night iMPACT!†on January 15, 2026. WWE and TNAâ€s partnership allows talents from NXT and TNA to cross over into each otherâ€s brands for matches and other events. On rare occasions, TNA talents have emerged on WWEâ€s main roster; WWE Raw star and TNA alum AJ Styles also notably appeared at TNA Slammiversary.

READ MORE: TNA Announces TV Deal With AMC, New Timeslot For Impact

Source link

The TNA Wrestling and WWE NXT relationship is still going strong heading into TNA’s new TV deal.

On Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that TNA and AMC have reached a multi-year media rights deal that will begin with the Thursday, January 15, 2026 episode of Impact. TNA President Carlos Silva appeared on Busted Open Radio following the announcement and addressed what this means for the TNA-NXT working relationship. Silva said the partnership remains ongoing — and he’s excited to see how it grows in 2026.

“Absolutely,” Silva responded when asked if the TNA-NXT relationship will continue. “It’s a big part of helping us get this deal. It’s a big part of now being able to almost give back a little and provide a big platform for some of those superstars as well. And so, absolutely. The storylines, the things we’re doing together, they’re just going to continue to grow into 2026,” Silva said.

“The last 5-6 months have been awesome, and I think there’s more to come. 2026 is just going to build off of that and be even bigger.”

WWE and TNA formally entered into their multi-year partnership in January 2025. In today’s press release announcing the TNA-AMC deal, the “groundbreaking” relationship with NXT was explicitly mentioned.

“TNA Wrestling in 2025 announced a ground-breaking, multi-year partnership with WWE and its NXT brand, thus WWE stars appear on TNA programming, and TNA stars appear on WWE shows,” the press release said. “In November, TNA stars Nic Nemeth and Matt Cardona, among others, appeared on WWE programming as well as Leon Slater, Xia Brookside, Léi YÇng Lee and others were on WWE/NXT.”

The first Impact episode on AMC and AMC+ will air live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas on January 15.

Exclusive access to podcasts and newsletters

Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated’s wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.

previous story

Source link

Despite fans panicking over TNA Wrestlingâ€s blockbuster deal with AMC, insiders say the WWE–TNA relationship isnâ€t ending—at least not yet.

PWInsider shut down the rumors with a clear message: the crossover between WWEâ€s NXT and TNA isnâ€t going anywhere just because of a new TV home.

“To answer the vast multitude of emails we have received about this today, NO the WWE-TNA deal is not ending as a ripple effect of TNA signing a TV deal with AMC Networks,†the site reported.

Sources from both companies confirmed that the partnership—officially announced in January 2025 as a multi-year deal—is still on. In fact, WWE was in the loop well before the AMC deal went public.

“WWE sources also confirmed they were made aware of TNAâ€s deal with AMC well in advance of todayâ€s announcement, so it was not a case of TNA blindsiding them,†the update continued. WWE sources also pointed out that NXT was referenced in todayâ€s press release from AMC and TNA.â€

It all started when media exec Blake Avignon, who previously broke the WWE–AAA news, revealed that TNAâ€s U.S. TV rights deal with AMC had officially been finalized. And itâ€s not small change—weâ€re talking triple the initial estimates.

“Sources: TNA is headed to AMC. The multi-year U.S. rights deal is finalized and is expected to land around $30M,†Avignon posted.

That kind of money comes with big expectations—and big consequences. According to Avignonâ€s sources, the AMC deal triggered a 60-day termination clause in TNA and WWEâ€s working agreement, leaving the door wide open for WWE to walk away if they choose.

“With 1.15.26 set as the launch date, sources also indicate WWE intends to end its NXT–TNA partnership. Their agreement includes a 60-day termination clause, and the AMC deal activates it.â€

But despite the clause, WWE isnâ€t slamming the door—yet.

TNAâ€s press release, issued jointly with AMC, confirmed that Thursday Night iMPACT! will premiere live from Dallas, TX on January 15, 2026, airing weekly from 9–11 p.m. ET on both AMC and AMC+.

“We are super excited to bring the in-ring excitement, energy and drama of TNA Wrestling to AMC,†said TNA President Carlos Silva.
“TNA Wrestling heads into 2026 the hottest it has ever been.â€

“TNAâ€s impressive growth and success is driven by the stories, characters and non-stop action fans love,†added Dan McDermott, Chief Content Officer of AMC Networks.
“What a great opportunity to come together and make Thursday Night iMPACT! a dynamic and entertaining weekly event on AMC and AMC+.â€

So whatâ€s really next for WWE and TNA? The deal could end—but right now, all signs say itâ€s still alive and kicking. But with TNA climbing to new heights on a major network, the dynamic between the two companies may never be the same.

Do you think WWE will eventually end the deal with TNA now that theyâ€re on AMC? Or could this partnership grow even bigger in 2026? Drop your thoughts below—weâ€re watching.

December 2, 2025 11:57 am

Source link

Andy Murray says he “probably didn’t get the results I would have liked” for Novak Djokovic during his time coaching his former rival.

Murray, who ended his playing career at the 2024 Paris Olympics, joined Djokovic’s coaching team last November but they parted company after just six months.

In his first coaching role, the 38-year-old Murray partnered with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open and three other tournaments.

In an interview with The Tennis Podcast, Murray said: “You’re working with not only one of the best tennis players but one of the best athletes of all time, so my expectation was that it was going to be extremely challenging.

“Novak, like myself, is a challenging character in terms of the way he goes about his tennis, [it] is extremely demanding.

“I look back on it and I’m glad that I did it. It’s an amazing experience that I’ve had.”

Djokovic overcame Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semi-finals at the Australian Open, but was forced to retire injured from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

On his return to action, Djokovic suffered first-round losses in Qatar and at Indian Wells before losing the Miami Open final to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.

“It was unfortunate what happened in Australia with the injury, but I watched him play ridiculous tennis in that tournament,” Murray said.

“After the injury, it was certainly a difficult few months for him, but also I think for the team and all of us. I was disappointed. Probably didn’t get the results I would have liked for him. But I learned a lot about what coaching is.”

Source link

November 27, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

The Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis Programme is embarking on its 15th year!

The partnership between the Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) and Table Tennis England is one of London and Essexâ€s most successful youth-sport collaborations, extending opportunities for young people aged 11 to 19 to learn, compete and thrive through table tennis.

Over the last 14 years, the programme has provided more than 100,000 young people with the chance to pick up a bat, get active, connect with others and reach their potential through the sport.

The aim for the next two years of our partnership programme aligns closely with the Jack Petchey Foundationâ€s new strategy, maximising reach to new areas and ensuring that all young people, whatever their background or circumstance, have access to inclusive activities and opportunities to achieve their potential.

Peta Cubberley, Partnerships Manager at JPF said: “As a sport, table tennis embraces our values of inclusivity and accessibility, and whether young people play for fun or in competitions, the game promotes physical activity, skills development and fair play. Our long-standing relationship with Table Tennis England continues Sir Jack Petcheyâ€s generous support and vision for table tennis in schools and youth clubs.â€

Johnathon Driscoll, London Area Manager, Table Tennis England, said: “The Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis Programme can make a real difference to young peopleâ€s lives. By providing opportunities where theyâ€re needed most, we can help young people build confidence, feel part of something positive, and discover their potential — both on and off the table tennis court.â€

A two-year approach for lasting change

This two-year programme creates more time for schools and youth organisations to embed activity and measure impact.

• Year 1 (2025/26): Expands access through the Table Donation Scheme — more than 250 new tables and equipment packages for schools and youth clubs running the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme will be distributed, with priority given to those in areas of greatest need. This will run alongside the ever-popular Jack Petchey London and Essex Schools Competitions.
• Year 2 (2026/27): A further 255 table and equipment packages for schools and youth clubs will be distributed, alongside running the London and Essex Schools†competitions. In addition, Table Tennis England will deliver teacher and youth-leader training, development competitions and a dedicated Girls†Festival to further embed table tennis into everyday school life.

This year we will focus on:

• Communities ranked IMD 1-4 (the most deprived quartiles)
• SEND schools and inclusive settings
• Organisations actively promoting girls†participation

Working with partners, local councils and disability organisations, the programme will extend opportunities to the young people who benefit most from accessible, low-cost activity.

Building on last year’s success

In the 14th year of the programme, we reached thousands of young people across London and Essex.

Highlights included:

• 237 tables donated to schools and youth clubs (76% to first-time recipients)
• 1,215 young people competed across county qualifiers and finals
• 120 girls engaged through the Girls†Programme and Festival
• Development Competitions gave students their first table tennis competition experience
• 88% of participants reporting increased confidence and self-belief
• Net Promoter Score +62, showing exceptional enjoyment and recommendation

Table tennis’ impact in schools

Table tennis is simple to start, social by nature and inclusive for all abilities – a sport that breaks down barriers and brings people together.

Feedback from teachers and players routinely highlight the impact the tables have in the playground and in PE lessons.

For example, the PE lead at an Essex academy said: “Weâ€ve noticed a real change in how students mix – table tennis has broken down barriers between year groups and created new friendships across the school.â€

While another teacher at a London Secondary School said: “Lunchtimes have become a real attraction – students have a welcoming space to unwind, meet friends and play together. The sense of fun and connection is incredible.â€

It offers young people a safe, positive space to be active, learn new skills and build resilience both on and off the table. For example, a Year 9 participant said: “Playing in the Jack Petchey competition made me feel part of something bigger – Iâ€ve made friends from other schools and want to keep improving.

Looking ahead

As the new academic period begins, Table Tennis England and the Jack Petchey Foundation remain committed to nurturing young peopleâ€s potential. We will continue to use table tennis to inspire confidence, leadership and connection in line with Sir Jackâ€s belief that “every young person has the ability to achieve if given the opportunityâ€.

Together, we will continue to build on 15 years of success and keep opening doors through table tennis.

Get involved

Table Donation Scheme

Schools and youth organisations signed up to the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme can now apply for the Table Donation Scheme.

Competitions

For competition details and further information on the programme, please click here.

Not part of the Achievement Award Scheme? Please contact the Jack Petchey Foundation directly for information on how to join.

Source link