Both West Ham United players visited the Premier League 4 Sport project as part of this year’s Premier League Places for Players scheme.
Children from schools across Barking and Dagenham boroughs were enjoying badminton, judo, table tennis and volleyball. The project looks at the demand for non-traditional sports and it delivers sessions for youngsters to enjoy, looking ahead to the 2011 Olympics and beyond.
The community trust and its partners set up the sessions at Eastbury School which saw around 50 children taking part alongside the two players, as well as elite athletes such as judo Olympic gold medallist Kate Howey and badminton’s Rajiv Ouseph, currently ranked England’s number two player.
Both Scott and Bondz immediately got stuck in to the sports, Scott pitting his wits against some of the youngsters on the table tennis, while Bondz’s skills learnt when he was at school had him leading the way on the volleyball court.
The players went head-to-head on the badminton court before chatting to the former athletes and youngsters who were busy on the judo mats perfecting different moves.
increase participation
Speaking about the event, Scott said: “I really enjoyed it. It was a bit like being back at school in the hall doing all then sports! It was good.
“The best thing was seeing how all the children were really enjoying what they were doing – it’s a great scheme, it gives them a chance to learn different sports but also, as you could see here, something for them to enjoy doing.”
The scheme provides opportunities in a multitude of sports and wants to increase participation by all ages on a long-term basis.
Bondz agreed programmes like this can only get more youngsters into sport but also give them a chance to go and specialise in something as well.
“I loved doing sports at school,” he said. “I particularly enjoyed the volleyball – obviously football took over for me and that’s what I wanted to concentrate on, but something like this gives the children a chance to have a go at anything.”
inspirational sportsmen
Rajiv Ouseph who led the badminton, said: “I was very impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm and engagement, it is vital that these schemes are supported.”
While Kate Hoey enthused: “The children at Eastbury School were switched on and fully took on the throwing and holding moves we demonstrated. The partnership between the Premier League, West Ham United and British Judo will only strengthen our development in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.”
Scheme co-ordinator for West Ham’s Community Sports Trust, Elvira Kemp said: “This innovative project illustrates our continuing commitment to community multi-sport. It also highlights the power of football and strong club links that can help motivate and educate young people.”
Mick King, CEO of West Ham United Community Sports Trust added: “Scott and Bondz came across as inspirational sportsmen. They led by example – encouraging and motivating the young participants to achieve their best.
“Their enthusiasm also kept the young people focused on enjoyment, in addition to learning. Both players embodied the West Ham way of learning with passion and enthusiasm.”
“It’s a great scheme, it gives the kids a chance to learn different sports” – Scott Parker
Credits: PremierLeague.com
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