Sport

Amir Khan’s 2004 Olympics silver medal proved a catalyst and sparked a surge in the popularity of boxing in his hometown of Bolton, attracting young lads to the local gyms, all wishing to emulate their new found idol.

A report estimates that a run to the Champions League semi-finals is worth as much as £4million to a home city’s economy while the final generates more than £25million pounds in revenue for the city’s businesses and travel companies.

MCC Young Cricketers mentor and former England international Mark Alleyne says Ashton spinner Mohammad Abid is in the right place to develop as he looks to hone his skills and make his way to the professional game.

Former under-19 Lancashire representative Matt White, who currently plays for Loughborough MCCU and toured Abu Dhabi recently as part of the combined MCC Universities side, hopes to copy former England captain Andrew Strauss’ successful balancing of playing and studying simultaneously.

The Nine Lives Fund, a partnership between Forever Manchester and the Chambers of 9 St. John’s Street, made possible a tour for Denton Girls Football Club which involved a visit to the Hillsborough Memorial that displays the names of the 96 fans that died in the 1989 disaster.

The women-only programme was introduced in Manchester at Alexandra Park on Tuesday April 28 where girls took part in some sessions with Keothavong and CEO of Women in Sport Ruth Holdaway.

A Manchester school pupil could barely contain his delight after being surprised by Land Rover and some of Sale Sharks’ biggest stars with the news that he will be an official Rugby World Cup mascot.

Kevin Mirallas’ second-half goal added to first-half strikes from James McCarthy and John Stones to seal a comfortable victory for Roberto Martinez’ Toffees at Goodison Park on Sunday, Manchester United’s second straight loss.

Rochdale AFC manager Keith Hill has called for greater maturity from his side next season after their faint playoff hopes slipped away with a 3-2 defeat to MK Dons at Spotland on Saturday.

With Manchester City 10 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea with just four games to go, Fernandinho admits defending their title is beyond their reach so a small triumph would be to pip Manchester United to second place.

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond was frustrated after the game with the result leaving his side eight points adrift of the top six with just two games to play and needing some fortune to qualify for European action next season.