The long summer days may be several months off, but Newton Aycliffe Spartans are busy preparing for their second season in the British Baseball Federation (BBF) AA Northern Division.
In fact, the Spartans have had a relatively short break since their inaugural season finished last August as Team Manager John Johnston explains. “The team felt it was important to carry the momentum we built up towards the end of last season where we were in winning form into the off-season and we have been holding weekly indoor training sessions.”
“We have been training at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday nights and these sessions have regularly attracted 16 plus players, which is phenomenal”
The Spartans have now commenced outdoor training at their new home for the 2013, Shildon Leisure Centre and the team will be working on transforming part of the playing fields there into a baseball diamond over the coming weeks, in readiness for the start of the BBF regular season in April. The Spartans will always welcome new and experienced players and if you are interested you can find out more information at www.newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk
Head Coach, Sean Wallwein, has been impressed with the commitment of the players during the off-season and is looking forward to the start of the season.
“This upcoming season we are expecting a big push up the division and although it is looking like a couple of experienced teams, from Manchester and Bolton will be dropping into our division, I’m confident that we can become one of the leading teams. We’ve got some new players who have some good experience and this will help us”
The Spartans also have been invited back to compete in the Leicester Spring League in March. The Leicester Spring League is fast becoming the UK’s leading preseason tournament attracting some of the UK’s top teams including the Great Britain junior team. The tournament is played over three weekends in March and to be invited back is a huge honour for the Spartans. The Spartans will face Leicester Blue Sox II and Milton Keynes Coyotes on Saturday 23rd March 2013.
Off the field, the Spartans are continuing to grow with a new Junior Section established and any kids aged 8-16 are welcome to come and try baseball and softball, now one of the UK’s fastest growing sports and which recently has seen an increase in its funding by Sports England to over £3millon.
Spartans, the only Baseball team in the whole of the North East, are looking for local companies or individuals to sponsor the team for the upcoming season and various sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact John Johnston 07593 951879, email john@newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk
