Training from top sports coaches at family fun day

Holly O’Rourke

TOP sport coaches will be offering free training and advice at a family fun day.

GoFest, which is being backed by our parent company MEN Media, is taking place on the weekend of Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 at Sportcity, next to Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.

Community coaches from premiership sports clubs will be running free sessions for families over the weekend.

Youth and community coaches from Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks have confirmed they’ll be going along to the event.

Alongside coaches, top players from Sale Sharks are hoping to make an appearance, giving rugby fans a real treat and the chance to take a snap with stars.

Both clubs are keen to get more kids and families out on the field and their youth foundations are seen daily in schools, community groups and businesses delivering a multitude of projects.

Jon Acheson, executive director of Sale Sharks Community Trust, said: “We really want to encourage families to get involved in sport, together and the fact that GoFest is coming to Manchester this year makes it the perfect opportunity for us to get involved.”

Professionals from Manchester Giants Basketball Club will also be attending over the course of the two day festival – teaming up with GB basketball to teach kids how to shoot some hoops.

There will be an inflatable basketball court for those who don’t want to take it too seriously, and indoor sessions for families who want to play a real game on a full sized court.

The full schedule of activity is set to be revealed later this week but it has already been confirmed that Badminton England, Lancashire Junior Squash, England Netball and Manchester Tennis Academy will be attending.

Manchester Korfball Club Hawks will be teaching players the rules to the Dutch sport, which is frequently described as a cross between netball and basketball.

Families can pre-book up to four activities a day, although if you booked your ticket in January you can pre-book up to eight.

You will also be able to book on to activities on the day if you haven’t already done so at the website.

Tickets are on sale now with adults starting from £14 and kids just £7.

A full family ticket is £49.50 giving you access on both days of the event.

Get them from www. gofest.co.uk.