Newcastle stars inspire Olympians of the future

Oct 24 2009 by Richard Fletcher, The Journal

SHOLA Ameobi’s performance on the table tennis table suggested he might have missed his calling as he helped launch a children’s sports event aimed at identifying the Olympians of the future.

Joined by fellow Magpies star Steven Taylor, he went along to the United training ground on Whitley Road and played four different sports with 60 pupils from Cragside Primary School in the new Premier League 4 Sport event.

They played badminton, judo, volleyball and table tennis, and most importantly they were able to do them alongside their football idols and Olympic-standard athletes, who put them through their paces and gave them a true taste of the sports.

Lisa Bell, Premier League 4 Sport coordinator for the Newcastle United Foundation, said: “It’s really important because a lot of children haven’t done these sports before, so it gave them an insight into other sports.

“They’re trying to find an Olympian for 2012, but just the fact the kids are active and taking part in sport is a step in the right direction.”

Meanwhile the United players were also getting involved. While Steven Taylor pinned down a young boy for 10 seconds in a judo hold, Shola Ameobi was showing some real proficiency on the table tennis table.

Ameobi said: “Fortunately I’ve got one at home so when the missus allows me to play I try and get on there.”

Matthew Nicholson, nine, said: “I haven’t tried any before. I like the judo because I got this really tall guy down to the ground.”

Ruairidh Binmore, also nine, normally plays football, cricket and table tennis.

He said: “I’ve done quite a few sports but none of these. My favourite was badminton. I might do it in the future – I find sport quite fun.”

The scheme sees 20 football clubs across the country linking up with community sports clubs as part of a £3.8m partnership with the Government.

It is part of the aim to offer every child at least five hours of sport a week and increase involvement.