UKFAS - Charity Season 2015

Christmas and New Year has been and gone, the Hockey season is coming to an end in around two months’ time and then it just well what to do during the off-season until September.

Well I like to think of it’s as Charity season when the hockey family come together to play Ice hockey and raise money for 8 great charities at the UK Forum All-Stars. Last year in Sheffield the UKFAS managed to raise a total of £49,100 and in doing that pass the 100k mark since the start of the All-Stars in 2008.

We get to do it all over again now the teams for the 8 teams were announced on New Year’s Eve and the 7 months of hard work and fundraising began straight away. The actual tournament takes place on the final weekend of July on Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th when it returns to Sheffield for another year at Ice Sheffield.

There is so many good things going on amongst the All-Stars this year just purely on the different ideas that several Allstars have got for their fundraising and ideas that could really expand the UKFAS and really put them out there in the public eye for example two things that really stand out is the Banger 3k rally and the Tri-Rink Challenge but I’ll be getting into them in more detail sooner rather than later as they both deserve their own special coverage because of how brilliant they both are but to get you started to keep up to with both you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter by going to https://www.facebook.com/banger3k?fref=ts for Facebook and for twitter just follow @Banger3k and for the Tri-Rink Challenge just simple follow https://www.facebook.com/TriRinkChallenge and @3rinkchallenge and that should get you started on what you need to know at the moment and like I already said I’ll be going into both in great detail soon. So far to date on the last update for the 2015 event over 7k has been raised as of the 9th February and last year by this point they had only raised £4697.

The All-Stars is without the doubt one of the best things I’ve ever been apart off.

It’s not just the All-Stars I’m going to be looking into as several of my friends are doing big charity stuff and definitely want to help support them and put their charity work across. Starting with Rosemary Wilcockson who is raising money for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and will be shaving her head on the 21^st February at the Steelers home game vs Coventry Blaze. Rosemary will be donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust and will be raising money for Weston Park. Secondly another friend of mine Beth Dudley who is doing the Hope Walk on the 18^th April who is aiming to walk to raise awareness for mental health issues and fundraise to help Mind continue its aim to give support to sufferers. I will hopefully have more in depth articles in the coming weeks for both.

So keep an eye on articles looking more into everything as we try our best to cover all these great charities this year. On Another note if you're involved with All-Stars and if you want us to help get you out there and publicise please just message us, email us or DM us on twitter the details are down at the bottom! Don't be scared to get in contact I want to cover as much of the All-Stars as possible.

I'm also playing in the UK Forum All-Stars 2015 in Sheffield representing the Blue Cross for a second year in a row and any donations big or small will be appreciated and you can donate by pressing the button below.

Thanks for reading guys. If you want to get involved please contact us on twitter or find us on Facebook and like us and leave a comment:-
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The Walkeden Review: My All-Star Weekend 2014

My first All-Stars weekend is over! Well, my first one I've played in and hope to be in Cardiff next year for the 2015 All-Stars!

Thomas Martin Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with Thomas Martin about his involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

TM - I first heard about the All-Stars 5 years ago from a few friends who took part in the original weekend and signed straight up to take part in Cardiff 2010 where I played for Breast Cancer Care with a team of 6 other players (one who was another goalie!) and finished dead last. Despite the result though we all had a great time and made lots of new friends and nothing was going to stop me signing back up for the next three years where I played for the Help for Heroes team.

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

TM - The All-Stars to me is all about the UK hockey community showing how fantastic everyone involved with our sport is. The support for beginner players is great, the banter between the more advanced guys, the fun everyone has all weekend and of course how eager everyone is to do something good and raise money for charity that not only are there 8 teams full of players but a waiting list to get into the event too! Hockey fans and players really are something special.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

TM - Having won the trophy in 2011 for Help for Heroes I thought this would be an easy question to answer but it’s not that straight forward! I loved winning but the memory that sticks out the most for me is in my first year in Cardiff when we tried to give one of our tired players a rest by pulling a forward for the extra goalie! One of the most ridiculous 5 minutes of hockey you’d ever see but we couldn’t stop laughing, it was great!

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

TM - This year is special for me as I’ve been picked as the Captain for the team representing the Blue Cross, I’ve been bugging Dave Grant for years to include a charity which benefits animals and he really couldn’t have picked a better one. They care for ill, injured and unwanted pets all over the UK as well as supporting owners who need help or advice even helping those who have just lost a pet.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

TM - Yeah the next big milestone after £100k will be £200k but really the target is always going to be for everyone to put in as much effort as they can to raise as much as they can, not everyone will manage to raise £500 but it’s great seeing some of the imaginative ways people raise money from the 505 ride going on at the moment to me wearing a Crosby jersey last year or players dying their hair, anything goes and I’m sure this year will be another record breaker!

FSB - Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

TM - The quality of the hockey may not be the best but there will be plenty of fun to be had and there are also auctions and raffles with some great items up for grabs!

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

TM - If you can head over to:-

·         www.justgiving.com/tommartin-33

·        Or text BLUX90 and £3 to 70070

The best bit of news is my company are doubling the amount I’ve raised so your support will be much appreciated!

Thank you for reading and thank you to Thomas Martin for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find Thomas on Twitter @Thomas_o_martin so give him a follow and give him some support and why not sponsor him a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom

@TomWalkeden

David Grant Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with David Grant about his involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

DG - My story starts with a phone call to the other co-organiser, to see if he thought this idea for a weekend tournament had merit, and would he be prepared to be one of the organisers of this event. That was back in 2008, and sat here a week before the 7th Edition, it's amazing to think how the popularity of the weekend has grown throughout the hockey community to see what the weekend is now

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

DG - Community - it's the efforts from everybody which has made it the success that it is, everyone plays their part to ensure everyone has a great time and that it is a successful weekend.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

DG - I have been lucky to have seen so many fantastic memories over the years, from people playing the game for the very first time, to moments when we remember lost members of our community. The weekend gives everyone the chance to create their own memories and this year I'm sure there plenty will leave Sheffield on the Sunday with memories that will last a lifetime.

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

DG - I'm representing the British Heart Foundation, and it's a charity close to me as I lost my father through a heart attack, and If through raising money helps them with research to prevent another family going through what mine did - then it's worh it all the way.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

DG - It's very crazy to think we're very close to passing the £100k mark, never in my wildest dreams ever think we would break that target, but of course the next one will be the £150k mark. We are very close to matching the figure raised last year before we've started this year's event, so to think what we can get up to, I don't think a figure between £40-50k is unreasonable.

FSB - Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

DG - Because coming down to watch the weekend gets you involved in something special, and you will see people who can't play the game (myself included) giving their all to represent the charity they are playing for.

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

DG – There are two ways you can sponsor me

·        https://www.justgiving.com/David-Grant56/

·        Text DGBH56 £1 to 70070

Thank you for reading and thank you to David Grant for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find David on Twitter @davidgknights so give him a follow and give him some support and why not sponsor him a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom
@TomWalkeden

Alex Smith Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with Alex Smith about his involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

AS - This is actually my 1st year playing in the UK Forum All-Stars; I was down to play last year but had to pull out last minute sadly. I've seen it go from strength to strength since it started in 2008 and it's always been an event I've wanted to be involved in.

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

AS - It stands for a great weekend playing an amazing sport, with great people and most importantly raising money for some great charities.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

AS - Well as I haven't played in the Tournament before it has to be getting picked to play this year as I know how many people register so it was great that I got picked, My team are also the opening match on Saturday so that will also be a great honour. Hopefully will be closing out the tournament in the final on Sunday too.

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

AS - I'm representing Sheffield Children's Hospital, they are quite close to my heart as I was in there as a child and I know what great work they do in helping sick children.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

AS - Yeah that should definitely be the next target. It’s going from strength to strength each year. Well it’s just under a week before the weekend and we’re already on 24k, so I wouldn't be surprised if we hit over 50k which would be an amazing effort by everyone involved.

FSB - Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

AS - Because its raising money for 8 great causes, there will be some great hockey on show and some funny moments which will not to be missed and overall it’s just a great fun filled weekend with loads going on in a great atmosphere. Not to be missed!!

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

AS - My Just giving page is www.justgiving.com/alex-smith88 please give generously guys it’s for a great cause.

Thank you for reading and thank you to Alex Smith for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find Alex on Twitter @steelersmith88 so give him a follow and give him some support and why not sponsor him a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom

@TomWalkeden

Geraint Walters Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with Geraint Walters about his involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

GW - I got involved in 2010 out of the blue really as myself and some mates were on a public skate in Cardiff just before the ice was being cut ready for the All-Stars weekend. I was speaking to some people involved by the BBQ that was happening by the changing rooms and stuck around to watch before offering to help for future years.

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

GW - For me, the All-Stars is about the charity. Supporting charities playing the sport you love is possibly the best thing you can do. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve helped someone, somewhere who are affected.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

GW - I think the best memory was last year when we got quite a bit of corporate sponsorship in as well as passing £30k milestone. Was also an honour to receive the Grant-Hubback award at Sheffield 2013.

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

GW - I will be representing British Heart Foundation this year as it’s something close to many people but also close to me as my grandfather passed away with heart disease before I was born. It’s a terrible disease and something that needs to be supported more.

Last year I played for Prostate Cancer UK as someone close to the hockey family in Cardiff was diagnosed with it and we thought it was good for us to show him support by us representing them. We also got a shirt made for him with name and number and got the whole team to sign the shirt despite them not knowing him which made him up when we presented it to him.

If you’re ever in Cardiff for a game, keep an eye out for a Prostate Cancer UK Shirt and that’s the guy we supported.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

GW - £200k is a long way away but yes it’s a goal we have for the next few years. As I look after the fundraising side of the weekend, we’re at £26500 right now and before the weekend, I expect us to be close to £30k if last year’s final week is anything to go by and around £40k hopefully after the weekend itself.

FSB - Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

GW - There are many reasons for people to attend the weekend. The biggest being to support the charities. Also support the players and get back into the flow of watching hockey again ahead of the new season. It’s a great weekend which I’m proud to be part of and despite the amount of work and time we put in, when you look back; you know it’s worth it.

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

GW - From my previous post, I’m raising money for British Heart Foundation this year and £45 short of my £1500 target.

• You can donate at www.justgiving.com/Geraint-Walters5
• Or by sending a text with the code MUMF85 £2 to 70070

Thank you for reading and thank you to Geraint Walters for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find Geraint on Twitter @FarmerG5 so give him a follow and give him some support and why not sponsor him a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom

@TomWalkeden

Matthew Newton Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with Matthew Newton about his involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

MN - This will be my second year playing in the All-Star tournament, having sponsored people in previous years, I finally got involved, to be part of the fundraising, hockey and banter.

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

MN - The All-Stars in my eyes is a group of fantastic people all giving up their own time and money to help various causes across the UK, it’s great to see how the hockey community comes together for events such as this. Which is growing from strength to strength each year.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

MN - My favourite memory has to be my first goal at last year’s tournament. Not just because I am a defenceman, but I had a couple of people in the crowd who agreed to pay £5 sponsorship per goal I scored, remember Tom...
(Yes I Remember and I sponsored you as soon as the puck hit the back of the net as well)

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

MN - I am playing for the Sheffield. Children’s Hospital charity for the second year running, I spent time there when I was young, so it’s nice that I can give something back.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

MN - I honestly don't think that £50,000 is out of reach for this year, which would be amazing. The more people that are aware of the event, the more will come to watch us and support the charities

FSB - Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

MN - People should come down to the rink to watch different level players from across the globe come together and enjoy the selves whilst raising lots of ££££ for VERY WORTHY CAUSES, and there are opportunities to win some awesome prizes too.

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

MN - There are two easy ways to help me raise more money, 

• Text MATN69 £1,£2,£3,£5 or £10 to 70070
• Or visit www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Newton11

I hope to see more and more new faces at the weekend, 26th and 27th July, Ice Sheffield, BE THERE.....

Cheers,
Matt

Thank you for reading and thank you to Matthew Newton for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find Matthew on Twitter @NewtonMatthew11 so give him a follow and give him some support and why not sponsor him a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom

@TomWalkeden

Kirstie Davies Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with Kirstie Davies about her involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

KD - Well, this would be my third All-Stars I have been too but the first one I've played in. We first found out about it from a friend Steve baker. He let us know that it was in Cardiff and that my sister should register to play as she is a goalie in inline hockey and wanted to try out ice hockey. She loved the first one so registered for last year’s All-Stars again. I came up to Sheffield to watch and was itching to get on the ice. So I decided to buy some skates. Join the Cardiff Comets Ice team to get some experience and here I am playing this year. I love the atmosphere at all stars everyone is so friendly, players and supporters. I also love that no matter what your ability is on the ice everyone is welcome to play.

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

KD - The All-Star weekend to me is a weekend where I can meet new people and friends. Have a great time and laugh and just really enjoy myself.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

KD - I would say my favourite memory to date was last year. My sister was unable to come out on the town so me and a few of her team mates (Michael Walsh, Adam Dadswell and David Paul) brought a party back to her room and it was better than most my nights out.

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

KD - This year I am representing Blue Cross I would say it was special to me because I am a huge animal lover.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

KD - I think the total for this year might be between £35,000-£40,000 maybe even more!

FSB -Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

KD - I think people should come because through experience even though you’re not on the ice with the team you can still get involved with everyone and all the fun and mischief that goes on plus meet some great people.

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

KD - To sponsor me you can donate online on my Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/Kirstie-Davies2

Thank you for reading and thank you to Kirstie Davies for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find Kirstie on Twitter @KirstieMooo so give her a follow and give her some support and why not sponsor her a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom

@TomWalkeden

Ashley Jones Talks With Frozen Steel About The All-Stars

With the UK Forum All-Stars weekend upon us I spoke with Ashley Jones about his involvement with weekend.

FSB - How long have you been involved in the UK Forum All-Stars? And why tell me your story?

AJ - This will be my second year playing in the all-stars after about 3 years of following the event. I've been a hockey fan since I was 15, and ever since, I've wanted to have a go. It's not been easy for me to do it as I didn't live close to a rink. The summer of 2011 I started to learn to skate, by myself, with no instruction. I was and still am shockingly poor is it's all a bit of fun for charity.

FSB - In your own words what does the All-Stars stand for?

AJ - It's stands for unity in my eyes. You have 100+ people coming together from all over the UK and in some cases, Europe, to unite in a common goal of raising money for charity and having a damn good time whilst doing it. It doesn't matter what skating skill you have...or lack it's all in good fun for a great goal.

FSB - What’s been your favourite memory to date?

AJ - Probably the overwhelming cheer and clap I received getting my medal last year. That was quite special.

FSB - Who are you representing this year! And has it any special significant to you?

AJ - I'm representing Dreams Come True for the second year running, a great charity that helps terminal and critically ill children achieve their dreams. It's significant to me as I suffer with all over body osteoarthritis, and I never thought I would be able to skate, let alone play a weekend of hockey. My dreams come true, and I've had mine realised, and I want to help others realise theirs.

FSB - Nearly 100k has been raised since the all-stars began I’m guessing the next target is 200k? And what do you think the total for this year will reach?

AJ - I think we will easily reach £32k this year, and I think the way the steady growth of fundraising has happened over the past 7 years, I think we will hit the 200k in the next 3...it looks hard, but in reality, I don't think it will be.

FSB - Why should people come down to Ice Sheffield at the weekend?

AJ - It's a great weekend that rivals the EIHL final weekend in my opinion. Plenty of fun, laughs and plenty of friendships to be made. And it's all for a great cause too with plenty of opportunities to win great prizes with plenty of raffle opportunities!

FSB - Finally what are your sponsorship details in a final bid to get you some more donations?

AJ - I reluctantly had to cut my total down in order to achieve it due to a very tough time fundraising. I managed to hit the £100 mark but obviously would LOVE to get more! My page is www.justgiving.com/ashleyjones94

Thank you for reading and thank you to Ashley for taking the time to answer a few questions you can find Ashley on Twitter @codick1 so give him a follow and give him some support and why not sponsor him a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Hope to see you at Ice Sheffield at the weekend!

Tom

@TomWalkeden

UK Forum All-Stars 2014! What You Might Not Know!

The UK Forum All-Stars is a yearly event that takes place around the last weekend of July raising as much money as possible for charity!

It doesn’t matter if you play every week or if your lacing the boots up for the first time the whole point is together raise as much money as possible and you leave the event with lifelong friends.

Each team has people that can hardly skate but just want to get involved it really is an amazing weekend to be a part off.