Category: 6. Sports

  • ‘E-scooter crackdown’ and ‘New Forest Green gaffer’

    ‘E-scooter crackdown’ and ‘New Forest Green gaffer’

    pa Anonymous shot of a person wearing a black tracksuit and black gloves carrying a folded e-scooter talking to a police officer who is wearing black trousers and a reflective jacket. They are stood on the pavement and the shot shows the middle of their bodies only.pa

    Wiltshire Police are joining a national clamp down on illegal e-scooter and e-bikes

    Here’s our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.

    Our pick of local website stories

    Stroud Times are reporting on the “worst kept secret” that former Welsh international and Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage will soon be unveiled as the new manager of Forest Green Rovers.

    The Swindon Advertiser did well with a piece on Operation Jetsom – which is a nationwide operation that Wiltshire Police are taking part in to crack down on illegal e-bike and e-scooters.

    Burnham-on-Sea.com have shared the story of how the local coastguard had to respond to a father and daughter attempting to cross the dangerous muddy estuary at Uphill Beach near Brean.

    Our top three from yesterday

    What to watch on social media

    There’s been a lot of reaction to The Wave’s reopening – with some praising the good news and others asking if they will be getting refunds for missed sessions or will be honouring previous arrangements.

    Glastonbury Festival have had a lot of love for a post saying “see you in 723 days,” as the festival takes a year off in 2026 to give the land a rest.

    But the bigger reaction has come to a post by Avon and Somerset Police saying they are investigating comments made by Kneecap and Bob Vylan on stage at the festival on Saturday.

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  • England U-19 defeats India U-19 by one wicket in second Youth ODI – Mid-day

    1. England U-19 defeats India U-19 by one wicket in second Youth ODI  Mid-day
    2. Suryavanshi’s 31-ball 86 gives India 2-1 series lead  ESPNcricinfo
    3. Thomas Rew hits fastest 50-over U19 century for England after Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 45 for India  BBC
    4. Rajasthan Royals Batting Sensation Continues To Impress, Blasts Fiery 86 at a SR of 277 Against England U19  CricXtasy
    5. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Slams 86 Runs From 31 Balls For India U-19 In 3rd ODI  News18

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  • The unspoken spectator rules and dress codes of the tennis tournament

    The unspoken spectator rules and dress codes of the tennis tournament

    Getty Images Smartly-dressed Catherine, Princess of Wales, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Pippa Middleton laughing together while attending Wimbledon tennis tournament, 2019 (Credit: Getty Images)Getty Images

    The Championships have begun, and the quintessentially British tennis tournament has some very particular codes for attendees to follow. How are spectators expected to behave, and what should they – or should they definitely not – wear?

    Afternoon tea, a stiff upper lip and Wimbledon – all so deeply “British” that they’ve become part of the nation’s international brand; the things that seem to make Britain, Britain, and tempt tourists from far and wide to observe them for themselves. 

    The optics of the annual tennis tournament in south London – the strawberries and cream, the Pimm’s, the ball girls and boys – are all intrinsic to this frightfully British institution. It is a marker of “The Season”, alongside the likes of the Chelsea Flower Show, Henley and Ascot, as well, of course, as being a place where balls are expertly hit by rackets. Equally intrinsic to the Britishness of the tournament are its less tangible cornerstones. Its rules and the etiquette are paramount, both in terms of behaviour and dress – in other words, what to wear, and what falls a little long of the baseline. 

    Getty Images Strawberries and cream are a popular spectator tradition at the Wimbledon Championships (Credit: Getty Images)Getty Images

    Strawberries and cream are a popular spectator tradition at the Wimbledon Championships (Credit: Getty Images)

    So what does the etiquette of Wimbledon entail? For starters, according to the self-styled queen of etiquette, Laura Windsor – who advised on the TV series Bridgerton –  don’t call it Wimbledon. “Really, when one refers to Wimbledon, one should say the Championships, as they are the oldest and most prestigious lawn tennis championships in the world.” Another suitable moniker is simply “the tennis”.

    Attendees should, she tells the BBC, be behaving “with modesty… That’s our Britishness, isn’t it? We’re prim and proper”. What does this look like? For a start, avoiding many of the kinds of behaviours that are the norm at other sporting events, and instead behaving in ways arguably more in line with theatre-going, keeping things largely hushed, and not cracking out a selfie-stick – they were banned from the tournament in 2015. Although for British etiquette coach and author of Just Good Manners, William Hanson, “anyone who is still using a selfie-stick in 2025 should be monitored closely, anyway”.

    Best behaviour

    According to Hanson, “while people love the social side of Wimbledon, it is worth remembering that it is a seated, sporting event that comes with its own set of court-side rules.” He goes on: “Be punctual, and get in your seat in good time… respect the fact that you can only come and go during a changeover.” Of course, phones should be on silent. But he also extends his guidance to how best to rally around the players, and officials, on court: “Be sporting with your support, and never cheer errors or mistakes. Respect the silence during play, and save clapping and cheering for between points. Avoid disturbing the players by calling out, and remember the umpire’s decision is final – never heckle or question line calls.”

    Getty Images The Panama hat has been a style favourite for Wimbledon attendees since the beginning of the 20th Century (Credit: Getty Images)Getty Images

    The Panama hat has been a style favourite for Wimbledon attendees since the beginning of the 20th Century (Credit: Getty Images)

    Beyond that, “keep your yourself to yourself,” he says. “Be aware of those sitting around you, and keep within the space of your seat – even if it is limited, try not to spill over into someone else’s personal space accidentally.” And, in case you were thinking about sneaking in a tuna melt, “avoid disturbing the peace by rustling wrappers or eating messy or smelly food”.

    Be comfortable and appropriate for the weather, but avoid anything that is overly casual or better worn at the beach – William Hanson

    Most obviously, though, the rules are embodied in what to wear – “the best way to show good behaviour is by dressing appropriately,” says Windsor. While Wimbledon has no strict dress code, smart dress is encouraged, especially on the show courts. Plus certain items, such as ripped jeans, dirty trainers and anything with a political statement, are banned. “Be comfortable and appropriate for the weather,” says Hanson, “but avoid anything that is overly casual or better worn at the beach”.

    Unofficial dress code

    Unofficially, however, Wimbledon has developed its own set of style rules. Take for proof of these unspoken but still-tangible “rules” the criticism that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex faced from some corners for wearing jeans, alongside a hat and blazer, to watch her friend Serena Williams play in 2019.

    For Daniel-Yaw Miller, sports and fashion journalist and founder of the SportsVerse newsletter, “when you think about Wimbledon dressing, everyone has the same kind of thing in mind – either white or beige. You wear a blazer, you can wear a hat.” Guests often favour floral frocks, polka dots and tailoring. By osmosis, a dress code seems to have been landed upon. For Windsor, dressing appropriately means “something that is demure and sophisticated,” such as crisp linen and tailored pieces.

    While Hanson points out that “wide-brimmed hats are best avoided as they can get in the way of those sitting behind you,” Panama hats have become something of an official Wimbledon uniform, popular in the audience from the start of the 20th Century.

    Getty Images Pale-hued, loosely structured tailoring, as worn by Sienna Miller, is a Wimbledon sartorial classic (Credit: Getty Images)Getty Images

    Pale-hued, loosely structured tailoring, as worn by Sienna Miller, is a Wimbledon sartorial classic (Credit: Getty Images)

    Over the years, a number of high-profile celebrities have offered up glowing examples of how to ace it sartorially in the stands of Centre Court. Zendaya, patron saint of “tenniscore”, schooled Wimbledon-goers last year when she wore Ralph Lauren menswear-inspired looks – crisp white and old school tweed suit jackets, blue-and-white-striped shirts and ties. 

    Other smashes include Meghan in neat pleats and white shirts, Keira Knightley in a dropped-waist Chanel dress, Tom Cruise, year-on-year, in natty suit after natty suit, Alexa Chung in Aran-knit cardigans and crisp cotton poplin skirts, and Pierce Brosnan in navy linen suits with neat pocket squares. Arguably, however, queen of SW19 dressing is Sienna Miller, thanks to her broderie anglaise dresses and easy-breezy linen suits, bright white Galvan jumpsuits and polka dots. Others have aced it despite not sticking to the script – see Grace Jones in a flight suit for a perfect example, or Idris Elba in a striking Super Eagles shirt.

    You go to Wimbledon tennis for a fascinating day out, for an insight into what the past of British society looked like – Daniel Yaw Miller

    Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is the royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, often wears green or purple, the official colours of the tournament since 1909. In recent years she’s attended in a plethora of shades of green, such as a forest green Dolce & Gabbana crepe midi-dress in 2019, and in 2021 an emerald green Emilia Wickstead number – the colour of the grass at the beginning of the tournament, if not the end. Last year, Kate wore a purple Safiyaa dress to present the trophies for the men’s singles.

    Sense of tradition

    The presence of royalty every year underlines the event’s sense of tradition, and tennis has long been associated with wealth, status and glamour. “Tennis was this social game, rather elite and glamorous,” says Elizabeth Wilson, author of Love Game: A History of Tennis, from Victorian Pastime to Global Phenomenon –  its original setting was the country house. “It is, without doubt, a traditionally upper-class sport, and that essence still permeates through a lot of tennis,” says Miller. He likens it to cricket, or Ascot, “where you have to be so respectful, as an outsider coming in, of the rules”.

    Getty Images The Princess of Wales often wears green or purple – the Championships' official colours – when attending the tennis (Credit: Getty Images)Getty Images

    The Princess of Wales often wears green or purple – the Championships’ official colours – when attending the tennis (Credit: Getty Images)

    Even among tennis tournaments, Wimbledon is extra-proper. “You look at other grand slams, [it] is the polar opposite,” Miller says, mentioning some examples: walk-out music, players dancing as they come out, Kiss Cam, hot dogs for sale and T-shirt guns. 

    It is, says Miller, “one of the last bastions of old-school British culture in the mainstream”. Its archaic quality is, for some, part of its charm and appeal. “I see Wimbledon as essentially like a museum. You go there for a fascinating day out, for an insight into what the past of British society looked like,” he says.

    All this also has its downsides. “From a fan perspective, you’re really made to feel like you’re stepping into a space that is not yours,” says Miller. You need, to a certain extent, “to act like you’ve been there before”.

    Shifting codes

    Over the years, however, Wimbledon’s codes have been shifting. In lots of ways Wilson thinks “it’s more participatory 1751365187”. In the past, “people have described how the atmosphere was more like a cathedral, there was a rather holy atmosphere – whereas that’s very far from how it is today.”

    Hanson agrees. “If we think of the Henman Hill/Murray Mound (and the rest), levels of patriotism and emotion, it is unlike public displays we would have seen in the past.”

    Crowds do now whoop and shout, at least between points, and even partake in the occasional Mexican wave, which, according to Wilson, “nobody would have thought of doing in the 1950s”. When Miller went last year, he “could definitely feel that it was a bit more of a modern tennis experience”. He can feel it, he says, “loosening up, just the tiniest bit”.

    Getty Images Guests who regularly ace the event style-wise, left to right, David Beckham, Alexa Chung and Idris Elba (Credit: Getty Images)Getty Images

    Guests who regularly ace the event style-wise, left to right, David Beckham, Alexa Chung and Idris Elba (Credit: Getty Images)

    Dress-wise, also, attitudes are softening. Miller sees Idris Elba and David Beckham as shining examples of dressers who know how to be Wimbledon-appropriate without looking stuck in the past. “The look is more ‘fancy barbecue’ than ‘super formal event’”.

    For Hanson, points of etiquette prevail. “Etiquette is all about how our actions and behaviours affect or impact other people. We need to be considerate and careful in how we behave to ensure that everyone has a great day watching tennis. Wimbledon thrives on its age-old rituals, and remains one of the key traditional British summer sporting events – hopefully, for this special fortnight, we can all remember our manners, on court and off.”

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  • Maini returns for Mahindra in Berlin

    Maini returns for Mahindra in Berlin

    The news marks the latest collaboration between India’s brightest junior single-seater talent, and the only Indian team currently competing at World Championship level in motorsport, as part of the FIA’s all-electric racing series.

    Maini widely impressed earlier this season, setting the benchmark time under the lights in a dedicated Rookie Free Practice session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, his first taste of the Mahindra M11Electro and Formula E’s GEN3 Evo era.

    That followed on from Season 10, in which Maini served as Mahindra Racing’s official Reserve Driver and also participated in last year’s Rookie Test around the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit.

    In parallel, Maini has also impressed in his full-time racing activities in FIA Formula 2. He recently claimed victory on the streets of Monaco, taking his tally to two career victories and seven podium finishes as one of the series’ standout names.

    Maini will conduct a full day of running at the test, with the team set to confirm its other participating driver in due course.

    “I was really impressed with the Mahindra M11Electro in Jeddah, it’s a great car to drive and I can’t wait to experience it again in Berlin,” said Maini. “Mahindra is a manufacturer I’ve worked with first-hand a lot over the last 18 months, and I’ve seen the hard work and development that has gone into improving the team’s results on- track.

    “It’s a great source of pride for me to represent them, and to help them push on and keep that rate of development going.”

    Mahindra Racing CEO and Team Principal, Frederic Bertrand, added: “The whole point of the Berlin Rookie Test is to encourage and nurture the next generation of potential Formula E stars, and Kush is definitely a talent to watch in that regard. “We’ve been very impressed with his performance and attitude on every occasion he’s stepped into a Mahindra Racing car so far and look forward to working with him again in Berlin.”

    Find out more

    CALENDAR: Sync the dates and don’t miss a lap of Season 11

    WATCH: Find out where to watch every Formula E race via stream or on TV in your country

    TICKETS: Secure your grandstand seats and buy Formula E race tickets

    SCHEDULE: Here’s every race of the 2024/25 Formula E season

    HIGHLIGHTS: Catch up with every race from all 10 seasons of Formula E IN FULL

    PREDICTOR: Get involved, predict race results and win exclusive prizes

    HOSPITALITY: Experience Formula E and world class motorsport as a VIP

    FOLLOW: Download the Formula E App on iOS or Android

     

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  • Guardiola left to rue missed opportunities as Manchester City exit Club World Cup

    Guardiola left to rue missed opportunities as Manchester City exit Club World Cup

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left to rue his side’s inability to capitalise on a host of first-half chances as the Premier League side suffered a shock elimination from the Club World Cup against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on Monday.

    Marcos Leonardo scored twice, including the 112th minute winner, as the Riyadh-based outfit won 4-3 in extra-time in Orlando with the first-half performance of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proving pivotal in Al-Hilal’s win.

    “The level in this competition is a World Cup,” said Guardiola, who led City to the Club World Cup title in 2023. “The only regret I have is that we allowed them to run a little bit more than expected.

    “Against a team that defended so deep, the wingers have been brilliant. The chances that we had in many, many departments. Bounou made a lot of saves and, in the end, you have to score, you have to be clinical.”

    City had taken a ninth minute lead through Bernardo Silva but a string of saves from Bounou in what remained of the opening 45 minutes kept the Saudis in contention.

    Leonardo and Malcom scored inside the first six minutes of the second half to turn the tables on Guardiola’s side before Erling Haaland levelled in the 55th minute, taking the game into extra-time.

    Kalidou Koulibaly’s header put Al-Hilal back in front, only for Phil Foden to equalise again for City, and Leonardo eventually killed off the Premier League side eight minutes from the end of extra-time.

    The win takes Al-Hilal through to a quarterfinal meeting with Brazil’s Fluminense while City return to England.

    “We would have loved to continue, it’s not easy to be here once every four years,” said Guardiola.

    “The team still has that feeling, that the team is doing well. But we go home and now it’s time to rest, to refresh our minds and come back for next season.”


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  • Rugby World Cup Weekly 10

    Rugby World Cup Weekly 10

    The planet’s best female rugby players are entering the final straight ahead of Rugby World Cup 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

    1. New Zealand name final pre-RWC squad 

    The two-time reigning Rugby World Cup holders New Zealand have named a 33-strong squad for their final warm-up matches ahead of RWC 2025. 

    Headlines from the group who will first play a trial match against a Black Ferns XV on 5 July before taking on Australia on 12 July include: 

    • Four changes from the victorious Pacific Four Series squad
    • Returns for experienced backs Kelly Brazier and Renee Holmes
    • Alana Bremner stepping up as co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant
    • Laura Bayfield and Mia Anderson in line for possible debuts

    2. Hosts England head to Italy for last training camp

     England, the team New Zealand have beaten in the past two RWC finals, are also entering the very final stages of their preparations for RWC 2025. 

    Having been in camp in England for a month, the world No.1 ranked side is heading to Treviso, Italy for some work in the sun.

    With temperatures set to rise beyond 30 degrees Celsius, head coach John Mitchell has promised the team’s “most uncomfortable training camp of all”. 

    3. Blow for France as Sansus suspended for RWC opener

    France’s talismanic scrum-half Bourdon Sansus will miss her nation’s first Rugby World Cup 2025 match against Italy on 23 August, after being suspended for two matches following her comments on refereeing standards in France’s Elite 1 club competition. 

    Sansus, who was nominated for World Rugby’s 2024 Player of the year award, will also miss France’s final World Cup warm-up match versus England on 9 August. 

    It is a challenge for the world No.4 ranked side, with Sansus lighting up the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, not least with this magical drop goal: 

    Sansus will return for France’s second Pool D match against Brazil on 31 August.

    4. Boost for Australia as Duck, McKenzie & Moleka star

    Australia got more than just a boost in confidence from their A team completing a comfortable 50-22 RWC 2025 warm-up victory over Samoa at the weekend. 

    Indeed, not only did experienced duo Piper Duck and Arabella McKenzie look lively in their first international appearances of the year, but teenager Manu’a Moleka touched down twice to stake a claim for a promotion to the big time. 

    Former skipper Duck had not played for the Wallaroos since July 2024, while playmaker McKenzie had also been out of the international limelight all year. 

    Next up for Australia is a two-match home series versus Wales, starting 26 July. 

    5. Canada & South Africa ready for double-header

    World No.2 ranked side Canada have trimmed their initial pre-RWC 2025 training squad from 38 players down to 32 for their up-coming two-match tour to South Africa. 

    Highlights include a first tour for sevens star Carissa Norsten – named the HSBC SVNS Series Rookie of the Year in 2024. Plus a debut for rising youngster Taylor McKnight. 

    South Africa meanwhile have assembled a highly experienced squad, ready to take on the in-form Canadians on 5 July, and again a week later. 

    Just four players (three forwards and one back) of the 26-strong squad did not travel to New Zealand for RWC 2021, with Nolusindiso Booi – South Africa’s most experienced player of all-time – captaining. 

    6. Kildunne & Reed deliver ultimate fan guides to York & Bristol

    If you are heading to either York (six Pool stage matches) or Bristol (both semi-finals and two quarter-finals) to catch some Rugby World Cup 2025 action, we have what you need. 

    Check out Ellie Kildunne’s exclusive guide to hometown York.

    The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year has revealed her favourite places to go pre-match, the key rugby pubs, the must-do tourist attractions and more. 

    And in a similar vein, Bristol Bears legend, and RWC 2014 winner Amber Reed has delivered the inside track on Bristol. 

    From where to watch subsequent RWC matches on TV to which community rugby clubs deserve a visit, these guides have it all. 

    Bristol RWC 2025 Matches pic

    7. Heat guidelines in place for RWC 2025

    England may not always be associated with sunshine and scorching temperatures but World Rugby has made it clear, they are prepared should a heatwave hit the RWC 2025 hosts in August and September. 

    From introducing water breaks to extending half-time, there are a host of measures in place. 

    heat stress 2

    8. New docuseries on USA’s Ilona Maher

    Ilona Maher’s star continues to rise.

    The Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze medallist already has more than eight million followers across social media, has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and now Maher is to feature in a docuseries, made by Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon’s documentary company, Hello Sunshine. 

    Next stop – she hopes – is England versus USA in Pool A on 22 August. You can be there.

    9. Player spotlight: Wales’ versatile Courtney Keight

    Not many players have appeared at wing, full-back and centre in the space of their first 20 international caps, but Wales’ Courtney Keight has always been a bit different. 

    A former netballer, the 27-year-old did not discover her true rugby skills until her university days. But she has been making up for lost time since and is now hungrily eying up her first Rugby World Cup appearance. 

    Not even a mega sand dune can stop her… 

    10. Team spotlight: fast-rising Ireland

    Ireland were not even at RWC 2021. Now, the emerald green team sit fifth in the world rankings – behind only the four semifinalists from three years ago – have a recent victory over six-time world champions New Zealand in their back pocket and boast 2024’s World Breakthrough Player of the Year, Erin King, in their ranks. 

    It is a remarkable story. 

    Not many are going to fancy facing the Pool C team, who appear to be speeding through the gears. 

    11. Rugby World Cup Replay: Woodman-Wickliffe’s first and last

    It is a stunning 20 Rugby World Cup tries and counting for New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. 

    Seen by many as the GOAT, Wales fans might want to look away as here is her first ever effort, recorded at RWC 2017 and her most recent, in the RWC 2021 quarter-finals. Both were against the women in red. 

    How many more will she get? 

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  • The ITA Academy to Support High-Quality and Harmonised Training for Anti-Doping Workforce

    The ITA Academy to Support High-Quality and Harmonised Training for Anti-Doping Workforce

    Through its training and certification programs, the ITA Academy plays an essential role in protecting athletes and supporting their right to fair competition. By ensuring that doping control officers, blood collection officers, chaperones, educators, and other clean sport professionals are thoroughly trained and up to date with international standards and best practice, the ITA Academy helps build an environment where athletes can trust the processes that govern clean sport. Well-prepared anti-doping personnel are crucial to delivering testing, education and other clean sport activities that are reliable, respectful, and consistent across borders. 

    Over 3,300 professionals from 157 countries and 95 anti-doping and academic organisations have already completed ITA Academy training programs. As such, the ITA’s training programs are already embedded as essential training and development for the workforce of many anti-doping organisations. Through live and virtual formats, the ITA Academy supports National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (RADOs), International Federations (IFs), Major Event Organisers (MEOs) and individual professionals with a growing portfolio of training and certification programs. 

    “The ITA Academy is a service to the global anti-doping community, offering harmonious education and training designed to strengthen clean sport globally, as well as certification to build and uphold trust in the implementation of anti-doping programs,” said Benjamin Cohen, ITA Director General. “By recognising completion of our programs under the ITA Academy, we aim to provide even greater recognition to the achievements of our graduates and practical opportunities for them at the many sporting events under ITA’s supervision. Our training programs now cover training for all core professional roles when it comes to on-the-ground delivery of anti-doping programs, providing a trusted framework of training that can be adopted by all anti-doping organisations.” 

    The ITA Academy currently offers a range of training opportunities to individuals and organisations, including: 

    • The International Doping Control Officer (IDCO) Training Program 
    • The International Blood Collection Officer (IBCO) Training Program 
    • The Doping Control Officer (DCO) Foundation Training Program 
    • The Anti-Doping in Sport Foundation Course (ADSF) 
    • The International Clean Sport Educator Program (ICSE) 
    • The International Chaperone Training Program (ICT) 

    The ITA Academy also serves to facilitate and coordinate research projects undertaken in collaboration with the ITA in areas related to the implementation of anti-doping programs. As part of the launch, the ITA is pleased to confirm the renewal of its partnership with Berlinger Special, a leading manufacturer of doping control equipment. Berlinger becomes the Official Partner of the ITA Academy, supporting its broader mission to strengthen anti-doping training and professional development. 

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  • Atos successfully supported UEFA Under21 Championship 2025™

    Atos successfully supported UEFA Under21 Championship 2025™

    Next-Gen technologies for Next-Gen players

     

    Paris, France – July 1st, 2025

    Atos, the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football, has delivered key IT services and applications support for the UEFA Under21 Championship 2025, that took place from June 11 to June 28, 2025, in Slovakia. This championship, which brings together 16 European teams, is the tournament where countless football legends started their journey on the global stage.

    Atos supported a total of 31 matches in 17 days, taking place across 8 cities Slovakia. The services provided included:

    • Event Management systems including accreditation, access control solutions, competitions solutions, radio communication and service desk services.
    • Diffusion system like the football service platform, the mobile app, the website including some embedded gaming functionalities such as match predictor and quiz about competitions.
    • End-to-end cybersecurity services, from compliance and threat intelligence to on-the-ground and hybrid-cloud security.

    This year’s championship has proven to be an immense popular success, establishing new records regarding physical attendance with a total of 244,866 spectators, as illustrated by Atos employees that enthusiastically attended the games. The final broke the record for stadium attendance at over 18,000 fans watching in Bratislava. TV audiences set a new standard for the competition, with a cumulated audience of over 100 million.  Ahead of the final, across all competing markets domestic match audiences have seen a 7% increase, and across the Top 6 markets domestic audiences have increased by 55%, thanks to strong audiences in Germany and UK. Digital audience, page views and applications visits, are also expected to establish new heights for the tournament.

    In addition to the key services provided, Atos is proudly supporting the next generation of players and rising stars of European Football with advanced technologies that can be used by coaches to further develop their players and teams’ skills and abilities. The data collected during the tournament are, for example, consolidated through AI to extract and define main strategies and new trends that appeared during the competition, allowing for a deeper understanding of the players and game’s evolution.

     

    “We feel privileged to have witnessed first-hand the emergence of the next football stars at the UEFA Under21 Championship in Slovakia. We made sure to deliver best-in-class IT services during the tournament to allow these young players to enter the global stage and express their incredible potential in the best possible conditions” said Nacho Moros, Head of Atos Major Events.

     

    In addition to marking a coming-of-age moment for some of the most exceptional playing careers, the Under21 championship is also the gateway to the Olympic Games men’s tournament.

    Since the beginning of their collaboration in 2022, Atos and UEFA have established a strong partnership. Atos has been supporting UEFA daily in managing, enhancing, and optimizing its complex technology ecosystem while helping it navigate emerging technological challenges. Atos has also been instrumental in making the UEFA EURO 2024™ a tremendous success, as well as most recently in successfully delivering IT services for the UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025 in Germany.

     

    Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 3 decades, giving it an unmatched experience and the experience and flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions, Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base. 

    Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 or inspiring events such as the Invictus Games Vancouver 2025 or the Special Olympics Torino Winter Games 2025. 

    To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit  Atos Major events. 

    Download the PDF document

    ***

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

     

    Press contact

    Laurent Massicot – laurent.massicot@atos.net – 33 (0)7 69 48 01 80

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  • Campedelli returns to ERC driven by nature

    Campedelli returns to ERC driven by nature

    Orange1 Rally, the rally division of Orange1 Racing, Campedelli’s long-term partner, is underlining its concrete commitment to sustainability by supporting the Piantando organisation’s Silva Project.

    Developed in Abruzzo in the municipality of Tollo, in the Valle del Foro, this, according to Orange1 Rally, is “an area identified as at risk of hydrogeological instability by the Ministry of the Environment, which is now the focus of a forest regeneration project”.

    An Orange1 Rally communication read: “Silva’s objective is the ecological restoration of land abandoned or damaged by years of intensive agriculture. Through active reforestation, balance, life and biodiversity are restored to ecosystems that have been put to the test.

    Melting glaciers are depicted on the co-driver’s side

    © ERC

    “For this event, Orange1 Rally pledges to adopt 100 adult trees, a concrete symbol of the desire to compensate for the CO2 emissions produced during the Rally di Roma Capitale super special stage. The contribution is not just limited to planting, but brings direct environmental and social benefits, including improvement of the soil, regulation of water resources, restoration of local biodiversity, involvement and awareness-raising of local communities”.

    To highlight Orange1 Rally’s Natures Drives Us initiative, the Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo piloted by Campedelli and co-driven by Tania Canton will carry a special livery “designed to visually portray the message of sustainability that we want to carry throughout each stage.

    “The two sides of the car represent two faces of the same reality: on one side, melting glaciers. A clear and direct reminder of the visible effects of climate change. On the other, a lush green forest, a symbol of rebirth and hope, inspired by the project we are running in collaboration with Piantando. On the roof of the car, the two worlds meet: the skies of the landscapes on the two opposite sides of the car merge into one, a clear, serene, pollution-free sky. It is the horizon we aspire to, the one we want to race towards.

    A lush green forest is a symbol of rebirth and hope

    A lush green forest is a symbol of rebirth and hope

    © ERC

    “Simone will wear a blue racesuit, in reference to the side of the car that represents the melting glaciers; Tania will wear a green racesuit that recalls the wooded side of the car. This livery best represents our commitment, reminding us that rallying and motorsport can also be witnesses of messages of responsibility”.

    Orange1’s Nature Drives Us initiative follows the Orange1 For Women campaign launched ahead of last season’s Rally di Roma Capitale, which shone a spotlight on female empowerment.

    Rally di Roma Capitale hosts round five of the 2025 ERC season from 4 – 6 July.

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  • Pakistan beat Maldives to book semifinal spot at Asian Youth Netball Championship 2025

    Pakistan beat Maldives to book semifinal spot at Asian Youth Netball Championship 2025



    Pakistan and Maldives netball players in action during their fifth group-stage match in Jeonju-si, South Korea on July 01, 2025. — Reporter

    Pakistan on Tuesday advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 with a hard-fought 49-39 victory over Maldives in their final group fixture at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea.

    In a closely contested match, Pakistan led 14-12 after the first quarter but fell behind 24-26 at halftime. They bounced back to regain the lead at 35-32 by the end of the third quarter and finished strong to close out the win.

    Players including Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Sumayya Kouser, Haleema, Jasmine Farooq and Farah Rasheed delivered outstanding performances and were instrumental in the team’s success.

    Chairman of the Pakistan Netball Federation Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz congratulated the team on their impressive performance and progression to the next stage.

    With this victory, Pakistan topped Group B and will face Japan in the semifinal on Thursday, July 3.

    As per the Asian Netball Federation’s new format, the semifinals will be contested between the top four teams from both divisions—Group A (Gold Cup Division) and Group B (Plate Cup Division)—with the top-ranked team facing the fourth, and the second playing against the third.

    The championship, featuring eleven nations, is being held from June 27 to July 4, 2025, under the auspices of the Asian Netball Federation.

    Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and India, while Group B comprises Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia.

    Pakistan began their campaign in dominant fashion, outclassing Saudi Arabia with a 71-15 victory. In their second match, the Green Shirts continued their impressive run by securing a 56-32 win over Chinese Taipei.

    In the third group-stage match, Pakistan overwhelmed South Korea with a commanding 91-6 scoreline. They followed it up with a dominant 79-39 victory over Japan in the fourth match.

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