Sport in the Northwest

England's Northwest is steeped in sporting heritage - the professional football game was born here and the region can lay claim to six premiership football teams as well as some of the finest Rugby

The Golf Coast

The Ricoh Womens British Open

The Ricoh Womens British Open attracts the Worlds Top Women Golfers to the Fylde Coast. The event takes place in Royal Lytham over 4 days Thursday 30th July until Sunday 2nd August 2009.

The Ricoh Women's British Open is one of only four Majors on the women's golf circuit and the only one played outside of the US. It is owned by the Ladies Golf Union, managed by IMG and sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and LPGA. It is the most international of the four majors. The field for 2009 will be equally as strong and will include amongst others world number one Lorena Ochoa, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer, Suzann Pettersen and the UK's own Melissa Reid, Laura Davies and Catriona Matthew.

For further details click here

In the northwest you can follow in the footsteps of the golf masters by visiting some of the world's most challenging and naturally beautiful golf courses. The region has a wide variety of links courses, including three that regularly host the renowned Open Championship. The combination of sea, sand and the forces of nature offer an irresistible challenge! For further details visit www.englandsgolfcoast.com

The area has the highest concentration of championship links courses in the world and boasts 3 of the top 20, and 7 of the top 36 courses in the UK and Ireland. The combination of sea, sand and the forces of nature offer an irresistible challenge.

And for the outdoor enthusiast there is everything you need whether you want to cycle, climb, hike, or sail.

For details of courses and events:
www.englandsgolfcoast.com

Football Fans

England's northwest is stepped in sporting heritage - the professional football game was born here!

Blackpool International are proud to support Blackpool FC, The Seasiders, currently playing in The Championship after an absence of 29 years! The club's history is even older than the airport's and dates back to 1888 when the club became founder members of the Lancashire League. Famous players for The Seasides include such great names as Stanley Matthews and Jimmy Armfield. To find out more about the club visit their website at www.blackpoolfc.co.uk

National Football Museum, Preston

The National Football Museum at Preston North End's Deepdale grounds offers a unique experience by bringing alive the fascinating story of football. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the history of football with a number of interactive and hands-on elements. The centrepiece of The National Football Museum is the FIFA collection, the finest collection of historic football memorabilia in the world.

www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

www.pnefc.premiumtv.co.uk

Manchester United, Old Trafford

Re-live the clubs triumphs, tragedies and trophies at the Manchester United Museum. Follow the history of the club from 1878 to the present day, including the Hall of Fame and dazzling Trophy Room. Delve behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams by taking the Stadium Tour. Stand in Sir Alex Ferguson's spot in the dug out, sit in the home changing room at your favourite players peg and emerge from the player's tunnel to the roar of the crowd.

www.manutd.com

Liverpool FC, Anfield

Bright new displays tell the whole story of one of England's most successful football clubs, including a re-creation of the standing Kop, and a cinema showing 10 minute films about the glory years. The stadium tour offers a chance to visit the dressing room, walk down the tunnel to the sound of the crowd, touch the famous "This Is Anfield' sign. The historic 2000/1 "Treble" is on permanent display, and the "Fab Five" European cups, as well as Michael Owen's 'Ballon d'Or" and the 2003 Worthington Cup!

www.liverpoolfc.tv

Blackburn Rovers, Ewood Park

Experience a behind the scenes tour around Ewood Park. Your guide is former Blackburn and England Captain Ronnie Clayton whose knowledgeable commentary is interspersed with humorous anecdotes.

www.rover.premiumtv.co.uk

Bolton Wanderers, Reebok Stadium

Go behind the scenes and enter the world of professional football. Sit in the dug outs, walk down the tunnels and even take a peek into the media interview rooms and press box.

www.bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk

Wigan Athletic, Newtown, Wigan

Wigan Athletic was formed in 1932, and now their home along with Wigan Rugby League Club is the impressive JJB Stadium built in 1999. The stadium is certainly one of the best in the country.

www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk

Manchester City FC, City of Manchester Stadium

Take a behind the scenes look at one of the world finest sporting arenas; venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games and home of Manchester City Football Club. Since opening in 2004, the museum and stadium tour has been recognised at a number of significant awards ceremonies. These include the 2006 Silver Award Winner at the Enjoy England Tourism Awards.

www.mcfc.co.uk

Cricket Lovers

Lancashire County Cricket Club, Old Trafford

Passion, pride, excitement and drama can all be found at the Lancashire County Cricket Club. Both domestic and international matches continue to thrill the crowds. A must for cricket lovers and enthusiasts.

www.lccc.co.uk

Rugby League

Wigan Warriors, JJB Stadium

Wigan Warriors are one of the most famous and successful sports clubs in the world. The club has grown from humble beginnings into one of the giants of British sport.

With one of the biggest fan bases in the country, the magnificent JJB Stadium and backing from some of Europe's most successful businesses, Wigan Warriors are truly a Club in the ascendancy.

www.wiganwarriors.com

St Helens Rugby League Football Club, Merseyside

The 'Saints' have a long and glorious history that dates back to their formation in 1873. Since then they have won more than 50 major trophies and are one of the most successful clubs in Rugby League Football.

www.saintsrlfc.com

Race Courses

Carlisle Race Course, Blackwell

Carlisle race course is on the outskirts of the historic border city of Carlisle. Set in open countryside, the undulating course provides high quality horse racing every month of the year.

www.carlisle-races.co.uk

Aintree, Liverpool

Aintree is home to the most talked about horse race in the world, with a global audience of over 600 million. The atmosphere during the race cannot be beaten and is one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing world.

www.aintree.co.uk

Cartmel Race Course, Grange-over-Sands

This unique Race Course is based in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, South of the Lake District. Horse racing has taken place here since 1856 and there's something for all the family with fairs and stalls adding to the carnival atmosphere.

www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

Motor Sports

Oulton Park Race Circuit, Tarporley, Cheshire

Oulton Park first established itself as the Northwest's premier motor circuit in 1953. The venue held its first Gold Cup in 1954. Winners include Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart. See the best championship driving and superbikes at this popular venue.