AN MP relived her youth when she attended a successful netball club's training session.
National standard players are already being produced by Grangetown Netball Club, but coach Gel Williams is hoping for more Government support.
Redcar MP Vera Baird, who also played netball in her youth, witnessed the talents of club members when she visited the Grangetown Youth and Community Centre yesterday.
The club, which welcomes players from aged five upwards, has already produced five England trialists. One girl is training with the national squad.
Ms Williams said: "We are delighted that our MP saw for herself our players' talents, especially as she was a netball player of some repute when younger.
"What we are hoping is that her interest and support will enable us to expand our activities.
"There are a host of benefits involving young people in sport, not just for improving health and fitness, but increasing self-esteem and confidence."
The MP arrived at the training session at the centre, in Broadway, before the club played a match.
The Redcar MP said: "Participation in sport and healthier lifestyles go hand-in-hand.
"If we are to see improvements in areas suffering disadvantage, more work needs to be done at grassroots level to increase opportunities for young people.
"The netball club is an initiative which is very much in line with the Government's policies for encouraging sport for young people.
"Clubs like this also help tackle the lifestyle issues which often affect disadvantaged communities."
Future Regeneration of Grangetown is supporting the club in its funding efforts and is working with Ms Williams and others with the aim of setting up a sport and health project in the area.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article