Our Patch Summer 2017 Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush | Page 8

Our Patch summer 2017
Even Eden Hazard began somewhere ! Young players polish their ball skills an existing junior league in Chiswick before launching Shooting Starz , and organises sport in Ravenscourt Park .
“ It means we can do things slightly differently ; having 50 minutes playing time , rather than 30 ,” he explained .
Of Horton and Garton ’ s backing , he said it had given the club a real boost to be in partnership . “ John Horton is a always running around , like I am ,” laughed Luke . “ We ’ re both trying to do
The half-term camps are a great way for young players to make new friends and take part in a day of light-hearted fun
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football leagues guarantee 50 minutes of playing time for squads of up to eight children , competing in leagues organised by age , from Year 1 to Year 8 .
Individuals are assigned to managed teams , but some teams come readyformed as groups of school chums .
All the football coaches who train the young footballers are FA qualified and first aid trained , and have coaching and playing experience at clubs including Premier League winners Chelsea and QPR . The Friday night High 5ives netball league , in the new facilities at the Park Club , is also for squads of up to eight youngsters , with 50 minutes playing
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time guaranteed for all abilities on the club ' s new 3G floodlit pitches . These are the same type Chelsea FC players use for training .
“ We have league tables , promotions and relegations ,” said Luke . “ It ’ s competitive , but in a very supportive environment .”
The netball sessions are development-based , with the focus on improving core skills including ball handling and positioning .
Luke originally worked with good things in the community .”
Although Shooting Starz runs on a subscription system , Luke provides a limited number of fully funded places for children whose families can demonstrate need , and who would otherwise not be able to participate in the sports teams .
The club also organises holiday camps ( during Easter , 160 young sports enthusiasts took part every day ), midweek and weekend sessions , working in more than 20 local schools and teaching just about all sports to west London youngsters … all with a sporting , friendly outlook .
The half-term netball camps are a great way for young players to make new friends and take part in a day of light-hearted netballing fun . Shooting
Starz participates in the Middlesex , Harrow and Surrey Youth junior football leagues , with teams from U6-U14 fully affiliated to the FA . Several Shooting Starz youngsters have already made the switch into professional clubs , to take their footballing skills to the next level .
As well as the league and summer camp activities , Shooting Starz also organises sports parties for children ’ s birthdays , supplying trained coaches and equipment to make any outdoor knees-up go with a swing . For more details , call Luke on 07506 585956 or email admin @ shootingstarz . co . uk