West Walton sports stars head to USA

Budding sports stars are preparing for the trip of a lifetime – and they’ll be wearing brand new kit for the occasion, thanks to the generosity of three sponsors.

Thirty students from Years 7 to 10 at Marshland High School are heading to Florida in the USA on a week-long adventure that will see them play basketball and football against American opposition teams, as well as attend some professional sporting fixtures.

Among the highlights will be an ice hockey match between Orlando Solar Bears and Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and a basketball game where Orlando Magic will face the Chicago Bulls.

Staying in Orlando on International Drive, the group will also enjoy visits to the Busch Gardens and Aquatica Water Park, shopping expeditions, and an evening at Disney Springs, complete with a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe.

“Trips like these are so important. It gives our students great opportunities and experiences that they will talk about for years to come,” said Dominic Stannard, trip organiser and Head of Character and Culture at the school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Students will benefit from increased confidence, social opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills and independence, but, most importantly, enjoy every minute.

“Florida is a trip of a lifetime for our students – to play and watch sport in the USA is going to be something they will never forget.”

The young players’ new strips have been provided through the support of J & S Jetting Drainage Services Ltd and Barwell Transport, who have each sponsored football team kits, along with Quay Centre, sponsors of the new ‘Marshland Herons’ basketball kit.

“We are incredibly grateful for the kind and generous sponsorship from the three companies to the value of over £1,200 to allow us to purchase two new football kits and a basketball kit,” continued Mr Stannard.

“Our current football kits are ones that were donated by the RAF over 20 years ago. They don’t even have the school name or logo on, so for us to have these super, smart new football kits will not just benefit us on the trip, but in fixtures for years to come.

“With the basketball kit, we had one kit, but it is aimed at the upper school and is far too big for our younger students, so, by buying the second kit, all year groups can represent us in our Herons kit. 

“On the trip and beyond, so many local youngsters are going to benefit. I can’t wait to see the students representing our school in Florida in the brand new kits.”

The USA sports tour takes place from 3 to 10 April, and the participants are already counting the days.

“I am so excited and have been for a long time,” said Noelani Claxton. “From the trip, I want to develop skills from the sports. I really enjoy sports, so that will be so good.”

Fellow student Macie Mapplesden agreed: “I am quite excited, mostly about going away with my friends. It’s going to be so much fun. I want to get better at the sports and build my confidence up.”

“I am really excited and happy that I am going on the trip,” added Raigardas Savickas. “From the trip, I want to learn new things about a different culture, as I have never been. I cannot wait!”