Sport Crazy

Luckily I come from a family of sportsmen and women who all love taking part in and watching sport, so I was automatically thrust into a sporting lifestyle.

The number of opportunities and experiences I have gained through sport have definitely shaped my life.

I’ve met some of my closest friends through netball and dance, and I know that we’ll continue to play matches and perform together for the rest of our lives.

There is nothing better than the sense of accomplishment, whether by myself or with a team, after winning a game or when a performance goes really well.

If you think sport is boring, take up an obscure or different activity that excites you. Through my PE course at school, I’ve taken part in mountain walking, water polo and even archery, so it’s not always the common sports that you would associate with PE.

There really is no excuse any more not to take part in some form of physical activity.

Get involved with school sports or free clubs as they are always offering new and exciting up and coming sports.

Being the keen netballer and dancer I am, the facilities I train in must be of a high standard in order to play or perform to the best of my ability.

I regularly participate in matches at the English Institute of Sport, and am in awe at the excellence of the facilities that are available to avid sports people like myself.

Part of the building is even under construction to renovate the gym facilities, with an expansion to three floors.

There is such a vast amount of space available to house a variety of sports, that most people are spoiled for choice.

World class athletes train and major events are often held at the EIS with some athletic meets or snooker tournaments even televised from inside the centre.

Rotherham, Sheffield and the wider community are lucky to have such admirable facilities so close to home.

With the EIS excelling so much, there is always going to be the downfall of another facility, that being Don Valley Stadium.

A date has now been set in September to close the stadium, much to the disapproval of many locals. I remember going to the stadium as a child and watching athletics events, which inspired me to join an athletics club.

With Jessica Ennis-Hill having to possibly move from Sheffield to train outdoors elsewhere, I worry there will be a diminishing of young aspiring athletes coming through the ranks for Sheffield.

I understand the council’s decision to close the stadium, but surely it’s contradictive to try to bring in young people to take up a sport, when the facilities many grew up with are being closed.

Vicky Turner, aged 17, Aston Academy