Sixth former steps up to help after coach leaves school

YOUNG basketball players were left bouncing with joy when a sixth former stepped up to help after their coach left their school.

Northallerton College student Damian Starr continued to run the basketball club so it didn’t have to fold.

“The group were just so keen I couldn’t let them be disappointed,” said the 18-year-old, of Northallerton.

The initiative was one of a host of activities Damian became involved with as an ambassador for the Youth Sports Trust’s Step into Sport project.

As well as playing basketball for Thirsk Thunder he is also goalkeeper for the college’s football team and helps at the local FA Skills Centre and with the Football Futures initiative.

Head of PE Anna Harvey said: “Damian is such a great ambassador as he is always willing to give up his time to help others. Because of his commitment and enthusiasm the college’s basketball team has been really successful.

“This will stand him in good stead as the Step into Sport initiative looks great on CVs as it shows the young person is prepared to go above and beyond.”

Damian is awaiting his A Level results in PE, resistance materials and English language and is planning to take a gap year where he hopes to travel throughout Asia.