Developing sports stars of the future

Sports starts of the future were put through their paces at the University during a session to assess their sporting potential.

The session, run by Middlesbrough Sport Development in partnership with Sport Universities North East England, was designed to identify and develop gifted and talented youngsters.

Primary school children from across the Tees Valley visited the University and were put through four rigorous assessments. The top performing boys and girls were then chosen to take part in sports including hockey and badminton.

The aim of the session was to develop the children’s natural skills and give them an opportunity to take part in a variety of different sports.

Staff from the University also ran a series of tests to measure the youngsters’ strength and fitness.

Making the most of University visit Commenting on the day, Amy Barnett, 11, from Archibald Primary School, said: ‘I really enjoyed it. It was the first time I have been to a university and it has been great.

‘The testing really showed me how I can improve my sport performance to make the most of my ability.’

Vickie Todd, Sport Development Officer at the University, added: ‘The student volunteers did a fantastic job and were able to get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes of developing such programmes.

‘They also had an input into the development of the testing, rather than just turning up on the day and helping out, which shows the value Middlesbrough Sport Development places on the students.’

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