8:41am Saturday 4th September 2010
A CHARITY in north Durham is giving people the chance to represent their country in an international sport.
The English Federation of Shuttlecock Football is based at Consett YMCA and chief executive Billy Robson is the captain.
A senior team and two junior sides, aged 14 to 18, are going to Marseilles, France, in November, to take part in an international competition.
Players have recently returned from playing in Hungary and more people are being encouraged to take part.
Mr Robson said: “It is a great game, good fun and the ideal way to keep fit and make friends. It is a way to represent your country and it is based here in humble Consett.”
The sport, which merges the skills of football and badminton, originated in China, where it is known as Jianzi.
Playing with a 5in shuttlecock, teams use their feet, shoulders and chest to pass the feather ball to each other and over a net, trying to score against an opposing side.
Training sessions costing £1 are held at Consett YMCA every Wednesday and Thursday, from 5pm to 6pm.
Consett YMCA is seeking sponsorship for the sides travelling abroad.
To help, call Mr Robson on 07736-328-979 or 01207-502680.
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