Flintshire’s school children have been making the most of their final free coaching sessions ahead of this year’s Festival of Youth Sport, which takes place at Deeside College this Thursday, April 14.
The event is now in its fifth year, thanks to the continuous support of Airbus and Sport Wales, and marks the largest of its kind for the county’s schools.
Local sports stars Laura Deas, one of Britain’s leading contenders for the Winter Olympic ‘Bob Skeleton’ team, and Taekwondo ace Jade Jones, Flintshire’s Junior Sportswoman of the Year, will be attending this year’s festival to meet the children, who have all been receiving free coaching for the events they’re taking part in.
At Elfed School in Buckley, secondary school pupils have been showing a keen interest in cricket. For 12 year old Caitlin Mortlock it’s the second year she’s been to the coaching sessions. Caitlin said: “I’m playing cricket because I liked it last year and I wanted to do it again. Our school last year were the North Wales champions. It is a bit intimidating playing with the boys but it’s worth it because I like it!”
Their coach, Tony Moss, is from Pontblyddyn Cricket Club and a teacher at Elfed School,
“The kids are great, they’re very enthusiastic,” said Tony. “There’s some natural talent coming through. The important thing is that they’re taking part in cricket and that they’re enjoying it.
“All the children who are at these coaching sessions volunteer to come along. They’re very good, they’re keen, they’re up for it and ready to go.”
At Bryn Deva CP School in Connah’s Quay, children of all ages have been getting coaching in street dance. Most of the children coming to the sessions are girls, but the boys are starting to show an interest too – like Luke Wilkinson who, at the age of five, wanted to come along and have a go. Luke said: “I haven’t been to street dance class before. I came because I like it and I dance at home.”
Over at Mynydd Isa Junior School, pupils will be competing in the basket ball and dodgeball events. Deputy Head Teacher, Sian Salisbury, said: “For the school, it’s a fantastic chance for the children to be involved in something they wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to do, such as dodgeball and basket ball.
“And the fact that the coaches come into school and work with the children and that it doesn’t cost the school anything, that’s even better as well. It’s a real win/win situation.”
Julie Rice-Williams, Sport Flintshire, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for Flintshire children to participate in a range of activities which are not only great fun but help keep them fit and active too.”
Paul Mckinlay, Vice-President and Head of Broughton Plant, Airbus in the UK, said: “The previous festivals over the past four years have been a huge success and again Airbus is delighted to be supporting this fantastic event. Airbus is keen to be a part of promoting sport in Flintshire, both through this festival and also through our commitment to the Flintshire Sports Personality Awards.
“As one of the biggest employers in the county we are committed to playing an active role in developing opportunities for young people within the community.
“The festival of Youth Sport is a tremendous opportunity for young people to develop skills they will find useful in later life, whilst having fun and enjoying a wide range of sports and activities.”
Graham Williams from Sport Wales, said:
“Sport Wales is delighted to once again be working in partnership with Sport Flintshire’s Festival of Youth Sport and Airbus.
“This is our fifth year of involvement with this excellent event, which has made huge inroads towards achieving our ambitions to get ‘every child hooked on sport for life’ and to create ‘a nation of champions.’
“The Festival of Youth Sport represents more than just one day of fun. This innovative event is helping to give local youngsters the essential skills for a life in sport in their community.”
