Sporting chance at new complex

11:13am Thursday 2nd October 2008

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HIGH-flying Norton College this week opened the doors on a massive £5.4 million development providing state-of-the-art facilities for its students and Ryedale residents.

The new sixth form college centre and sports hall, the size of four badminton courts, will allow pupils and the local community to play a range of sports including badminton, indoor cricket, five-a-side football and basketball.

The development has resulted from the college’s repeated academic success.

Because it is nationally recognised as a high-achieving school, the Government has invested in its facilities, said Chris Bateman, head of Key Stage 4.

He said: “The sixth form centre has created a fantastic community resource in terms of outstanding sports facilities.”

Its sixth form complex which has just opened and has attracted 138 pupils – well above projections – is to be officially opened on November 7 by Cynthia Welbourn, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of education.

There will also be a formal opening of the sports hall on October 15 to enable potential user groups to book the facility.

On Monday, October 20, invited members of the public will have a chance to see and use the facilities in the Sixth Form Fitness Suite.

In addition to the indoor facilities, the college now has an Astroturf pitch which is open to local sports clubs.

* Mr Bateman is setting up a badminton club, based at the college, and anyone, or club, interested is asked to phone him on 01653 693296.