By David LennardYOUNGSTERS from a town struggling to improve its sports facilities have given everyone a boost by winning a national competition.Norwich Road Rangers under-eight team from Halesworth have won a prestigious five-a-side football competition and received their trophies from former England and Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence.

By David Lennard

YOUNGSTERS from a town struggling to improve its sports facilities have given everyone a boost by winning a national competition.

Norwich Road Rangers under-eight team from Halesworth have won a prestigious five-a-side football competition and received their trophies from former England and Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence.

Teams from across the country took part in the four-day event in Great Yarmouth organised by R & T Tours, but the final was contested by two Suffolk teams.

The Halesworth youngsters found themselves up against Lowestoft-based Waveney Youth in the final and triumphed 3-1.

Coach and manager Jonathan Thrower was delighted with the performance of the youngsters and added the achievement was even more creditable because of the lack of suitable pitches and training facilities in the Halesworth area.

"The need for improved sports facilities in Halesworth is well-known and we are all bitterly disappointed that the latest bid for a new pitch and changing facilities has had to be abandoned," he said.

"There is so much enthusiasm from youngsters of all ages and we could run even more teams if there were better facilities.

"We have enthusiastic youngsters and our coaches are qualified and prepared to help the children. All we need is some new pitches and facilities and I am sure this latest success will spur more children to get involved with the club."

As already reported in the East Anglian Daily Times, a six-year campaign for a £550,000 artificial floodlit sports pitch and changing rooms in the grounds of Halesworth Middle School has had to be abandoned.

A cash shortfall meant campaign organisers were left with no choice to ditch the project, but they have pledged to carry on until Halesworth gets much-needed sports improvements.

Alan Holzer, the project secretary, has returned grants given for the project and is now in discussions with interested organisations about how a fresh campaign can be launched.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk