By Andrew Tidswell
Elite Sports Academy MD and Holbeach United player
Lots has been happening in the community recently when it comes to sports.
Firstly, Pinchbeck United FC have launched a girls’ football development centre which takes place every Thursday evening for the foreseeable future.
With the growing reputation of the women’s game at professional level, it is fantastic – and correct – that young girls are given opportunities to develop at a young age.
An amazing 27 girls have been turning out in the past few weeks, so if you have a daughter or niece and they want to play football, give Pinchbeck United a call.
With the football season drawing to a close, one sport that is just beginning for the year is cricket – and not only just for the seniors.
Youngsters have been hard at work already, especially the under-9s at Spalding Town Cricket Club.
I also hear there was a well contested under-15 match played out between Spalding and Moulton Harrox Cricket Club, with Spalding coming out on top by just eight runs.
With the girls’ football centre and the cricketers all looking in good shape early on in their seasons, I should also mention Spalding Rugby Club.
We have all seen that it’s been a difficult season for Town at senior level.
However, the youngsters keep on impressing with strong performances across the board, even down to the under-8s, who went undefeated at a mini festival this past weekend.
Another event I’d like to mention is a school games project, which was hosted at Pinchbeck United FC last week. Some 16 of our local primary schools attended the day, which was for year three and four football teams.
On what was a great day with many great moments, it was Baston Primary School who came out victorious, winning the final of the competition in a nail biting penalty shoot-out. All children and all schools can be very proud of their efforts throughout the day.
Although these school events are run by my company, Elite Sports Academy, thanks must go to Pinchbeck United, who allowed the event to run on their facilities.
A second thank you must go to all schools and PE departments, who led their children so well throughout the day.
Lastly, the biggest thank you must go to Gareth Franklin of Nene Transport and The Chequers Restaurant in Gedney for the kind sponsorship – which allowed all schools to participate FREE of charge, which in my eyes should always be the case.
Keep enjoying your sports – and if you are sports mad, get yourself to a local club over the summer.
