January 2011 All News
27.01.11
Tyne & Wear Badminton Derby
Saturday 15th January saw Newcastle United Foundation play host to Sunderland Foundation in a badminton festival that took place at The Parks Leisure Centre, earlier in the season Sunderland had hosted Newcastle United in a similar event that proved to be a huge success.
Newcastle’s teams were made up of 8 girls and 8 boys who attend Marden Bridge Middle School, John Spence, Whitley Bay High School and St Thomas More with ages ranging from 12-16 years old, all children representing Newcastle attend a satellite club that is funded through the Premier League 4 Sport project.
It was a fantastic opportunity for all the children to come to together at an excellent venue and practise what they have been learning over the last 18 months in their individual satellite clubs, all competitors wore the team shirt of their respective clubs which added a bit of spice to the day.
Steve Sharp who delivers badminton for Newcastle United Foundation at Marden Bridge Middle School and helped organise the event on the day said “the more events like this the children can play in the better, it allows them to put into practise what they learn on a weekly basis, it is also good for them to play in a competitive environment as it prepares them for future tournaments and festivals that they may compete in”
Jamie Wright PL4S Co-ordinator for Sunderland Foundation said “The event was very well organised and delivered, all the players had opportunities to play and the result wasn’t an important factor. Festivals like this are a fantastic way of promoting Badminton and the PL4S programme”
Ryan Tench who represented Sunderland Foundation said “I had a great time, it was really competitive playing in the Sunderland shirt against Newcastle United”.
Abbe Cuthbertson who represented Sunderland said “the tournament was great, even though I didn’t win many matches I played loads of different games and it was really enjoyable”.
