Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 19th June

Many people will already know of my huge passion for sport. Indeed, my dream job was always to be a professional footballer, although this now comes second to being the MP for North Swindon of course!

But I believe that sport unlocks a number of vital life skills in young people - whether it be teamwork, confidence or competitiveness - sport allows people to reach their potential and enjoy a great sense of personal achievement.

I was therefore delighted to be invited to the annual awards evening for Abbey Meads Football Club last Friday where I was able to congratulate the young players on another fantastic season. The club, which was founded in 2003, has become one of the largest in the North Wilts & Minor Football League.

Awards were given to the under 11’s and under 13’s, both of whom won their respective leagues, as well as the under 14 girls team who completed the season with a treble - securing the league title, the cup and the champions league; including a sensational victory over Tottenham ladies!

I was keen to stress that these victories wouldn’t have been achieved if it wasn’t for the supportive parents who transport the players to training and stand on the side-lines during matches. Also, to the managers and the coaches who give up their time to ensure that youngsters are given the opportunity to take part in sport, and benefit from all of the advantages that it offers. They are true community champions. 

Elsewhere, despite a grey and miserable Saturday, I was glad that the rain held off for the Swindon Carers Centre’s annual ‘Walk a Mile in my Shoes’ fundraiser, which was held in the town centre. It is so important that everybody in society recognises the remarkable job that carers do, as well as the contribution they make to local communities across the UK.

Having previously supported both the Swindon Carers Centre and Swindon Young Carers at various different events, it was great to see everybody come together to help raise money and to say thank you for the vital work that carers provide for their loved ones. 

Finally, it was great to squeeze in a visit to Swindon Academy to see their new nursery facilities. The outdoor play facilities have been designed and constructed in consultation with the current nursery pupils and as a result I am sure that they will be all the more fun because of it! It’s great to see the Academy expanding and increasing the size of its nursery provision, and I was also grateful for the chance to revisit the school and drop into some of the classrooms to meet pupils and teachers.