April 2008

Inside this issue:

Clubmark News

Well done to Breakaways Netball Club and Ashford Town Swimming Club for achieving their respective Clubmark awards. Breakaways Netball Club achieved their Bronze CAPS, while Ashford Town Swimming Club achieved their Swim 21 award.

Sports Clubs who would like to enter for Clubmark can contact their Sports Specific Development Officer at Kent Sports Development Unit or contact Simon Harris on 01233 330232 or email simon.harris@ashford.gov.uk for more information.

Return to Tennis

Over the last 5 weeks women from South Ashford have taken part in 'Return to Tennis', a programme designed to get women back into the game based at Courtside. Coached by Tom Carlton (Bethersden Tennis Clubs Head Coach) the group have learnt basic skills and match technique. All have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and will be continuing on with their tennis in varying forms.

The sessions were run as a pilot scheme and due to their success it is hoped that something similar will be run over the summer months. If you would be interested in attending such a course, please contact Becky Turner on 01233 896 511 or email rebecca.turner@ashford.gov.uk.

Ashford FANS to become Ashford FACS

The Ashford FANS scheme gives support to county level sports performers who live in the borough of Ashford. The scheme allows free off peak access to two of the three main facilities in the Ashford area, the Stour Centre, the Julie Rose Stadium and Tenterden Leisure Centre to anyone who represents Kent. Until very recently Ashford was one of only two boroughs that offered support to its county representatives, but now all the boroughs in Kent are coming on board and as a result a few alterations to the scheme are being made.

The scheme will now be called Ashford FACS which stands for Free Access to County Sports People. Each borough will have its own version of the same card, with their logo on it, but it will look a little different to those given out at the moment. The application process will remain mainly the same, with a new generic form across all boroughs, one difference is that FACS members will now have access to all facilities on the Ashford FACS list. Some of the conditions of use may change slightly, but hopefully this will not affect many members.

All existing Ashford FANS members will still have valid membership for the remaining time on their cards and will be able to re-apply as normal to be part of the new Ashford FACS scheme. New conditions of membership and usage timetables will be sent as and when they are available. Watch this space for more information.

To apply to become an Ashford FACS member please contact Simon Harris on 01233 330232 or email simon.harris@ashford.gov.uk.

The Socatot came to say Hello!

All the Socatots in Ashford got a treat when they met their mascot! The Socatot, who is a seven foot tall baby, came to say hello to all the children at his sessions, as well as taking a trip up into the town!

Socatots sessions run at Courtside in South Ashford and SandyAcres Sports and Social Club on Sandyhurst Lane. For more information contact Emma Knight on 01233 896511 or email emma.knight@ashford.gov.uk. Booking are now being taken for next term.

Community Youth Football League - A Fantastic New Way to Enjoy Competitive Football

Ashford's Community Youth Football League is set to give local youngsters a brand new way to enjoy competitive football. For just £45 boy and girls aged 7 to 10 can enjoy 15 weeks of matches and professional coaching. Sessions start on 22nd April 2008 and will take place early evening.

For more information, visit the Ashford Sport webpages (www.ashford.gov.uk/sport) and click on the Youth Football League tab, or contact Ben Moyle on 07867 506 954 or email ben.moyle@ashford.gov.uk.

Active Ashford - Update

Ashford's Community Sports Network, Active Ashford is now well underway with its first piece of work. They are calling all sports leaders, coaches, teachers and helpers to fill out a short questionnaire, with the aim of helping and developing Ashford sport.

To get a questionnaire, simply contact Simon Harris on 01233 330232 or email simon.harris@ashford.gov.uk.

And Lastly... I'm saying goodbye to Ashford

I have secured a new role with Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust and will be starting there with them as a Physical Activity and Health Specialist in May.

I would like to thank everyone who I have worked with for making my time at Ashford Borough Council varied and enjoyable, if at times a little challenging! I wish you all well in your endeavours and I'm sure from time to time I will be checking the website to see how you are all getting on.

Thankyou, Becky x