Big Wrestling Open Day
Just two days after Sport England published figures that showed record numbers of people are playing sport, Wrestling Clubs across England opened their doors in a co-ordinated “Big Wrestling Open Day” to encourage even more particiation.
Working together towards such an event was first proposed back in October 2013 by the club delegates of two seminars (Salford & London), where Svend Elkjaer, (from the Sports Marketing Network, @Sportsmarketer on Twitter,) a recognised leader in developing sports participation, inspired those present on methods to “Grow their Clubs.”
Svend’s slogan was that by making their clubs Vibrant and Visible they can make them Viable!
These general “Grow your Club” seminars were followed up with specific Open-Day planning seminars, (again Salford & London,) in March 2014. A manual on how to run a successful Open-Day was distributed to participating clubs.
“As wrestling is looking forward to the increased exposure from being included in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Wrestling Clubs are looking forward to welcoming newcomers to come and have a go.”
“It’s an ideal sport for kids – a bit rough and tumble. We’re blessed at the moment in that we’ve got a lot of good youngsters that we’ve had for a while – girls as well.
“We always want more people to come, though. We’ve got good numbers at the moment, but we can always put other sessions on. The main thing is to keep kids from hanging around on the streets.”
Wrestling is a sport for everyone. As long as you have a reasonable level of fitness you’ll be fine. Most clubs have wrestlers at the club from five years of age up to wrestlers who are 50 plus. It’s a tough sport so occasionally you will take the odd knock just as you would in martial arts or rugby.
No special clothing or equipment is required. Base layer training gear is good for wrestling, otherwise an old T-shirt and loose shorts will be fine. Until you acquire a pair of wrestling boots then you train on the mats barefoot.
Wrestling also gives participants many more benefits than just the physical aspects.
“We help our wrestlers to have a positive outlook on life, and we provide peer support and team-building exercises.”
“Wrestling also gives a natural high, and encourages people to stay away from drug or alcohol abuse.”
Said Sharples Wrestling Club via Twitter, “@Sportsmarketer amazing open day 2day @SharplesWrest very productive day. Lots of new faces. Big thank u 2 all volunteers on a busy day.”
Display of wrestling skills at 2014 Asian Championships
