Shropshire sports coaching company wins new contract for holiday camps
Hundreds of children across the county will get the chance to keep fit in a series of sports coaching schemes after company bosses won a new holiday camp contract.
Ball Sports Community Coaching, based in Telford, have been selected to run new coaching schemes at Birchfield School for Boys in Albrighton, along with the already successful holiday camps in Oswestry and Market Drayton.
The multi-sport, football and cricket coaching schemes which are now in their fifth year will run throughout the Easter holidays.
They are run by former TNS players Neil Prescott from Telford and Steve Lalley from Market Drayton and also Paul Marshall from Oswestry, who jointly own the Ball Sports company.
The company, which was launched by the qualified sports coaches in 2008, hosts the holiday camps throughout the year and also sees the three coaches work with primary schools across Shropshire and Mid Wales offering lunchtime and after-school clubs.
Mr Prescott, 25, said: “The enthusiasm the youngsters offer, not just for football but for all sports when given the chance, is fantastic.
“With childhood obesity hitting the headlines children’s health is at the forefront of every parent's mind.
“But most importantly we see how eager the children are to keep fit and love every minute of our schemes.
“As long as they are having fun they do not see the fitness aspect as a chore and that fun is vital to success and achievement.”
The three men said they were “overwhelmed” to have secured such great contracts to provide the holiday camps for hundreds of youngsters but urged people to book their places early as last year's schemes had proved so popular.
Mr Marshall said their holiday scheme was unique as it offered childcare from 8.30pm until 5pm which allowed parents to continue with their full-time job during the holidays, compared to others which only offered half-days.
“Our holiday camps are open to both boys and girls aged from four to 14 years old and ability is irrelevant.
“We do not expect everyone to be perfect players but the main thing is that they enjoy it. The other skills they learn such as team building and general socialising are invaluable,” he said.
The holiday camps include a multi-sport scheme at Oswestry School and a football scheme at Market Drayton Cricket Club from April 2 to 5.
While from April 10 to 13 a cricket scheme will run at Oswestry School and a football scheme at Market Drayton.
A third multi-sport scheme will be held at Birchfield School for Boys in Albrighton from April 16 to 20.
To book for the Easter holiday camp or for further information call Jim Prescott on 07816514140 or e-mail J_mprescott@hotmail.co.uk.
