Joe Williams

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Man whose incredible baseball odyssey went viral in 2019 sets off on next adventure

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.That would all change when he decided to take a teaching job in South Korea in 2014. It was a choice that sent him down the path towards an incredible adventure that saw him throw out the first pitch at a Major League ballpark, make numerous television appearances and a host of new friends in America.Six years on, Joey is at it again, dec...
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"It's absolutely amazing!" - Portsmouth Force celebrate winning national award

Portsmouth Force have beaten over 700 clubs to be awarded Community Club of the Year by Basketball England. The club has been named as the southern region community club of the year for two years in a row but the national award comes after it has continued to ingratiate itself in the community, including running sessions for SEN children.Force run numerous sessions and teams for all ages and abilities, culminating in their senior men's team which compete in the National Basketball League. It doe...
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Portsmouth Force unveil new head coach as it sets its sights on promotion

It was a recruitment process that saw candidates applying from around the world, including coaches based in Australia and Spain. However, the answer was much closer to home as the club looks to implement a tried and tested strategy.Rob Milner, Chairman of Portsmouth Force, said: “We had some really high quality individuals, both locally and in the near local area, who were up for coming on board. Craig's obviously coached with us for many years and been part of the club. He's also the lead coach...
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"Not the smartest thing to do!" Hampshire's new captain on succeeding James Vince

However, Ben Brown has the experience and composure to take it in his stride. When James Vince decided to step down as red ball captain after a decade in the role, Hampshire turned to the 36-year old wicket keeper to take on the mantle.While excited for the challenge, Brown believes it will be a squad effort to mitigate the loss of Vince. He said: “It's probably not the smartest thing to do, taking over from Vincey! He's done an incredible job at Hampshire, he's a generational player and an amaz...
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"It's proper cricket" - why it's time to get excited for the County Championship

While Ben Stokes and Brendan McCollum continue to keep test cricket in the headlines with their swashbuckling tactics on the international stage, domestic first class cricket can feel a bit slept on. Perhaps not helped by the ECB’s schedule which has the Vitality Blast and The Hundred in the peak of summer with the Rothesay County Championship bookending it either side.It is set to be an exciting season though, a number of teams will be looking to end Surrey’s dominance with last year’s victory...
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I tried Portsmouth's fun new indoor golf simulator and managed not to break anything

Par Society, an indoor golf experience on Limberline Spur, Portsmouth, opened its doors to customers on March 3 and owner Sam Tozer-Goldacre has been pleased with the response so far. I visited on Friday, March 7 to give the simulator a go and see if the 40 points of data on offer could help identify why I am bad at golf.While I have not played in quite a while, I do usually try to get out a few times a year, and I love playing even though I'm not the best. The idea of being able to pop along to...
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Son who saved his mum's life has "spectacular" time with his Pompey hero Callum Lang

On Tuesday, February 11, Dempsey was given a special night at Fratton Park where he met all the players before walking out onto the pitch with Callum Lang ahead of the 2-1 victory against Cardiff. Alicia was delighted with how the night went and how welcoming everyone was to her and Dempsey. She said: “It was amazing from start to finish. Dempsey went into the managers office and met John Mousinho and he was lovely with him. He asked him for advice for the game and what they should do and Dempse...
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"I had to do a double take!" - Pompey star visits fan who spent Christmas in QA

Mick Clifford, from North End, was taken aback when Marlon Pack walked into the Lotus Rehab Centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital to wish him a Merry Christmas. The unexpected visit was a real boost for Nick who was also gifted a signed shirt.Mick said: “ It was a real shock to see Marlon at the hospital, I had to do a double take! I have been in hospital for about 10 weeks now after being diagnosed with Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) so it was a great surprise and morale booster to spend some time wit...
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Call to arms as unbeaten Force face crucial stretch of home games

The next three weeks will prove crucial to their endeavour as they face Bath, Surrey 89ers, and Plymouth Raiders in successive weekends at the Ravelin Sports Centre in Portsmouth. The run of games starts with Bath on Saturday, November 30 at 6.30pm.He said: “It’s the biggest period of home basketball in Portsmouth for decades. The next three weeks could be the difference for us getting Division Two basketball, which we have not had since the 80s. “To have three games in a row is unusual but it’s...
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Unique course gives basketball hopefuls a pathway to professional game

Starting in September 2025, a new Elite Basketball course will be on offer to students at City of Portsmouth College as it continues its partnership with Portsmouth Force, a local basketball club. The course is only the second of its kind in the area to offer basketball hopefuls a pathway to the professional game and not just on the playing side.Jack Moore, a sports teacher at the college, is delighted to be introducing the course in Portsmouth. He said: “There was a gap in the market for a bask...