Super League has confirmed that Everton FC‘s Hill Dickinson Stadium will host its magic Weekend event for the first time in 2026.
The annual event, which sees an entire round of Super League fixtures played in one venue, will take place across the 4th and 5th july. The Liverpool-based stadium recently hosted a sell-out Ashes Test between England and Australia and becomes the seventh venue to stage the event since its inception in 2007.
six Super League matches will be played across the weekend, including derby fixtures between Hull KR and Hull FC, and Wigan Warriors and St Helens. There are also plans for a dedicated Magic fixture between Catalans Dragons and Toulouse to be played at a neutral venue in France.
Rhodri Jones,Rugby League Commercial managing director,saeid,”With memories still fresh of an unforgettable occasion for the Ashes test,we’re delighted to be able to confirm a return to Hill dickinson Stadium for the 2026 Super League magic Weekend. This will be the seventh venue to stage Magic as it was introduced as a new concept for sport in 2007 and our clubs, players and supporters are in for a treat.
“It’s a stunning stadium with outstanding facilities at all levels and also superbly located for summer on the waterfront, and with the many and varied attractions of Liverpool within easy reach. We continue to work with the Dragons and Toulouse on the feasibility of delivering a very special event in France too and we hope to be able to announce something in the near future on this.”
Basketball England has extended its partnership with Sport Structures to support the provision of coach education.
The renewed agreement aims to improve the quality of coaches entering and progressing through the basketball pathway by delivering a relevant and accessible program of coach education. The collaboration will see Sport structures continue to deliver courses including the Introduction to Coaching Basketball, the new Community Coach Award, the Club Coach Award, and the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Basketball.
Beyond course delivery,the partnership also includes a range of services designed to enhance coach advancement,such as responding to course requests,delivering a national programme of publicly available courses,hosting e-learning content and providing tailored learning and development support.
Brian Aldred, Coaching Delivery Manager, Basketball England, said, “We are delighted to continue our productive partnership with Sport Structures, reaching new and also upskilling existing coaches. It is a key strand of BE strategy to provide more and better coaches for the basketball network and, by working together with Sport Structures, we are confident we can achieve that.”
Kath Percival, CEO, Sport Structures, said, “This partnership is about more then delivering courses – it’s about shaping a coaching workforce that’s ready to lead and inspire.Together,we’re building a coaching infrastructure that reflects the evolving needs of basketball and the people within it. By providing coaches with the right tools, confidence, and support, we’re helping to create a stronger, more inclusive basketball experience for everyone.”
The Chicago Bears have joined forces with the NFL and unidays watch party at Lancaster University for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The event formed part of the Bears’ ongoing activity in the United Kingdom, where the club has been expanding its presence this season.
The watch party at Lancaster marked the Bears’ first visit to the city.
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