Sports stars of the future honoured at awards evening

The efforts of Shropshire’s young sports stars will be highlighted at the Shropshire Schools Sports & Athletics Association (SSSAA) annual awards event.

The John Beswick International Awards Evening will take place next
Tuesday (25 January 2011) at Shirehall in Shrewsbury, starting at 7.30pm.

The evening is a showcase event giving the association the opportunity to recognise and honour all pupils and students at schools and colleges in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin who have represented their country at sport.

Currently there are 20 new awards and 12 repeat awards covering 21 sports. In addition, the John Beswick Team Award will be presented to Thomas Telford U14 Boys Football Team and the Derek Hayward Award for Primary Schools has been awarded to Castle House Gymnastics Team. Fifteen schools will be represented on the evening.

The guest of honour this year is Philip Newton, director of the Lilleshall Sports Injury Rehab. Phil moved to Lilleshall in 1986 to join the Football Association as a staff physiotherapist, and became head of the Lilleshall Sports Injury Rehab Centre in 1989. He has treated many well known sports people, including Alan Shearer, Darren Gough and Steve Backley to name a few.

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Steve Charmley, said:

“The Shropshire Schools Sports & Athletics Association provides valuable support to youngsters finding their way in a variety of sports, and the awards evening is a great opportunity to highlight their dedication and hard work.”

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Stephen Burrell, added:

“The John Beswick International Awards Evening is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the sporting talents of our young people. I am delighted that young people for Telford and Wrekin will be recognised for their outstanding achievements.”