MAG Sport Juniors - MAG Foundation Initiative - Support

From setting the team up in August through to October it was a hive of activity with recruitment of team members and promotion of the team locally (leaflet attached) and team activities. 8 team members joined MAG Sport J's with new
members waiting 'in the wings' for their 12th birthday as the age limitation is 12-16 years old. The West Norfolk Sports Council (a multi Agency concern which includes Borough Council Representation) are extremely excited about MAG Sport J's and have officially recognised the team, and details of the team will be included in this years Sports Directory. The Sports Council also granted funding of £150. (Copy of MAG Sport J's Income and Expenditure Accounts are attached)

From October through to December the team has been on hold, in line rather with the racing season, due to bad weather making the practice site unusable. Committee Meetings have been held at Norfolk Constabulary Police Station at Kings Lynn on a monthly basis for updates and forward planning. Also during this period I have been sponsored by the Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council to attend a SAFE course (Child Protection Course) and through Norfolk County Council have obtained a First Aid Certificate. The Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council have also financed and arranged a Police Check on me which I have passed. I now also have a fully qualified St Johns Ambulance Officer who attends the practice sessions.

Current Plans for MAG Sport J's
As you are aware I fought for a year to be allowed into this Project - the problem being that this was a Education Project run through Schools and our team would be a Community Team and concerns were raised that a Community Team may not be able to comply with the regulations of the Project. So it is interesting that I have this week been approached to take over the only other team fully functioning in the Project - Downham Hurricanes - as their Team Manager is on long term sick. I have indicated that I am happy to do so as I would then also be able to simultaneously run MAG Sport J's on their practice site (School Playground) resolving our weather created practice site problems. I am currently awaiting agreement from the Head Teacher of the School on the two points.

During this rest period I also spent the day at North Pickenham Race Track which holds Owner Rider Mini Moto Track Days. Although the Race Track is for very experienced riders only, they have a novice track - use of which is £55 for the day. I have delayed taking the team to North Pickenham as yet though due to bad weather and awaiting start date of use of the Norfolk Arena track, which would be preferencial obviously.

I have also approached the West Norfolk Extreme Sports Project (again the Borough Council is represented in this Project). There is some concern about membership within this Project as mini motos are motorised vehicles, particularly as mini motos could not be included in Promotional Events, but I have registered with the Project and am monitoring their events in the hope that although inclusion is not possible - we may be able to advertise the Team through them.

Summary
Thus the Moto KL Project is finally nearing its goal of being based at one high profile venue - at the Norfolk Arena Speedway Track - with a dedicated track and superb facilities for practising and race events. It would appear that the Project is to open up to more Community Groups as the School Teams have been affected by issues within the School itself, such as being withdrawn for lack of Adult Volunteers within the School, etc.

MAG Sport J's has remained solid within the Project since August, which has been noted by the Committee Members. Once the West Norfolk Sports Council Directory is published I imagine greater interest will be generated as far as membership of the team is concerned. On the advice of West Norfolk Sports Council I intend to apply for a Lottery Grant with a view to purchasing our own bikes, additional sets of safety equipment and a dedicated storage facility.

MAG Sport J's was formed to address the safety issues of youngsters riding mini motos illegally, without proper safety equipment and proper safety training. The creation of this team has been a huge learning curve over the last few months, and its existence would not have been possible without the support of the MAG Foundation for which MAG Sport J's are extremely grateful.

Shan Tedder - Team Manager - MAG Sport J's 4.1.06

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