Sporting talent from Haslingden High School is set to shine on a bigger stage after two of its teams secured victory in borough-wide competitions. The school's Year 7 girls' and Year 8 boys' athletics teams have both triumphed in their respective Rossendale School Sports Partnership indoor Sportshall Athletics events.
Double Victory for Haslingden High
The decisive competitions were held this month at The Valley Leadership Academy in Stacksteads. Haslingden's young athletes went head-to-head with teams from several local schools, including The Valley, Alder Grange, All Saints, and Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School. Both Haslingden teams emerged victorious, earning the right to represent the entire Rossendale borough at the upcoming county finals.
Year 7 Girls' Team Ready to Sprint to Success
The winning Year 7 girls' squad includes pupils like 11-year-old Matilda Jackson and 12-year-old Amelie Smethurst. The competition involved a demanding range of track and field events, from relay races and individual sprints to disciplines like the javelin, standing long jump, and high jump.
"Running was probably the hardest thing," admitted Matilda, reflecting on the challenge. Her teammate Amelie shared her enthusiasm, saying, "I quite enjoyed doing the running although it was quite hard. I thought our school would win." Already looking ahead, Amelie is preparing for the next round by practising running near her home. The team's county final is scheduled for March 25 in Blackpool.
Year 8 Boys' Team: A Squad of Sporting All-Rounders
The victorious Year 8 boys' team features accomplished young sportsmen like 12-year-olds Harry Walker and Daniel Johnson. Both are seasoned athletes beyond the school track, playing football for the Junior Hoops Saints. Harry is also a distinguished cross-country and fell runner, having won the Rossendale cross-country competition at Marl Pits for the last two consecutive years.
"I also excel at long jump," said Harry, who sometimes trains at Trafford for track and field. He maintains an impressive fitness regime, regularly completing park runs in Burnley and recently achieving a personal best of 19 minutes 20 seconds for 5k. Both Harry and Daniel harbour ambitions in football, with Harry playing for Rossendale Valley Pumas and hoping to be scouted by Blackburn. Daniel, who has transitioned from striker to defence, also aspires to play professionally.
With their sights now set on the county finals in Blackpool, these talented students from Haslingden High School are poised to make their borough proud, showcasing the strength of grassroots school sport in the Rossendale area.
