Sport In Profile UK Issue 12 | Page 61

NE BMX Club NE BMX Club H aving first been established in 2005, the North East BMX club was set up to try and rebuild the once vibrant race scene in the North East. The club is based at the Hartlepool BMX Track which is situated within the picturesque setting of the Summerhill Country Park. It was established by Steve Noble, John Butterfield and two mountain bikers named Rob and Eddy who started working with Hartlepool Borough Council to gain funding to enable facilities to develop and get the project off the ground. From their beginnings, NEBMX has always had a staunch commitment to promoting BMX racing in the community and has offered free coaching sessions before they were recognised by British Cycling. They were able to build their reputation over time with more coaches joining and membership numbers increasing. Their success has been highlighted by the fact that they have now produced two British Champions. The club has every right to be proud of the progress that they have achieved since being established and throughout that period they have remained true to the core values that were established initially. They are committed to continuing to work tirelessly to support and promote the sport of BMX racing in the region. One of their riders showing particular promise is Ellie Featherstone from Crook in County Durham who was recently accepted as an Olympic Development Apprentice for the second year. This will give her the opportunity to train at a world class facility in Manchester, riding alongside some of the best in the business. Speaking to the Northern Echo, Ellie said, “They looked at our results and our attitudes and only four girls and six boys were chosen in the country. There’s an Olympian who gives us good advice and encouragement which is really inspirational.” “In the next couple of years if I can keep progressing I’ll get to move up to a higher level and I’ll be closer to the Olympics. That’s one of my goals for the future.” Ellie highlighted her potential recently with victories at the Scottish Championships and the Regional School of Racing competition. There is much to admire about the North East BMX club as they continue to provide people in the area with an opportunity to enjoy the sport. Hopefully they will be able to keep up the good work for many years to come and everyone at Sport in Profile Magazine wishes them the best of luck for the future. Tel: 08453102449 Web: www.dsmpaving.com “DSM Paving & Landscaping Ltd & Brent Featherstone Builder are both local based companies offering landscaping and home improvement services to their local community” Therefore, if you are looking for a garden makeover or improvements to your property, they can work with you and your requirements and budget. Proud Supporters of NE BMX Club BRENT FEATHERSTONE BUILDER Mobile: 07974 838 618 Email: [email protected] www.sportip.biz 61