Newton Aycliffe Spartans, the only Baseball Club based in the North East of England, are delighted to announce the launch of their Junior Baseball and Softball Academy.

The Academy provides girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 16 the chance to participate in one of the fastest growing team sports in the UK.

Spartans’ Founder John Johnston, is a qualified baseball coach and will serve as Academy Director explained. “Newton Aycliffe Spartans are already an established baseball club in the British Baseball Federation Northern League and we are keen to broaden our existing baseball and softball membership by setting up our own Junior Academy.”

“The academy will help us reach even more people in local area,” John added, “giving them the opportunity to learn and play baseball and softball competitively. We hope to enter junior tournaments and leagues in 2013. I would encourage all kids, who want to try a new sport, to come down and give Baseball and Softball a try. No experience in either baseball or softball is needed”

John is currently working with Woodham Academy teaching softball as part of their sporting curriculum and working with other local schools and youth centres.

This underpins the fact that baseball and softball’s presence in Youth Sport continues to grow at a rapid pace. The Spartans Senior team and Junior Academy also enjoy the support of Durham County Council and the Baseball/Softball UK.

The Academy will start on Tuesday 13th November 2012, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and will be based at Shildon Leisure Centre and there is no cost for the first month (£10 per month thereafter)

The Spartans are seeking to partner with commercial organisations across the North East promoting Baseball and Softball as an alternative sport in the community.

The Spartans are building to be one of the strongest and sustainable Baseball and Softball Clubs in the UK and can now provide sponsorship packages and opportunities to suit any company that wishes to be part of the exciting development and growth of the club.

With the launch of the Junior Academy, The Spartans are one of the very few clubs in the UK that offer Baseball and Softball from 6 to 70 for boys, girls and adults alike.

Our vision is to increase participation in sport where our young players can develop life skills such as team work and leadership as well as building self confidence and for both adult and young players to gain the health benefits of sport participation. Newton Aycliffe Spartans support equality, openness, fairness, friendship, sportsmanship and family participation.

The Spartans have strong links with local authorities, the media, schools, other sporting clubs and are looking to strengthen our links with local businesses.

The Spartans welcome the opportunity to discuss any sponsorship package on offer and can also tailor packages to individual requirements. Any commitment large or small is welcomed by the club.

For further details on either the Junior Academy or Sponsorship opportunities, Contact John Johnston at john@newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk or call 07593 951879 .