Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Culdrose trainees get sporting lesson from the best
24 February 2016
Phase two trainees at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose were treated to some professional coaching from one of the country’s top Basketball teams.
High flying British Basketball League team the ‘Plymouth Raiders ‘paid a visit to the Naval airbase after Physical Training instructor (PTI) Dean Goulding contacted their head of community coaching.
Dean wanted to break-up the physical training routines for the trainees and introduce a variety of instructors with specialised coaching and styles.
“This is providing a lot of variation for the guys,” said Dean.
I’ve spotted a few guys with some potential
“They get to see a whole host of sports available to them and we can keep an eye out for any new talent for our own Basketball team – ‘the Seahawks’.”
The training session proved so popular that other sailors from the station also joined in to get some top quality coaching from a professional Basketball instructor.
“We are really grateful for Danny Stevens from ‘Plymouth Raiders’ coming down to take the session,” continued Dean, “we’re keen to make it a regular feature for the Air Station.”
One of the things that Danny has enjoyed is the enthusiasm from the sailors and their eagerness to have a go; he’s also keeping an eye open for any talent that might be lurking amongst the trainees.
“It’s been a great experience, the first time I’ve come to Culdrose and worked with Navy recruits. I do a lot of visits around schools in the Plymouth area and we’re starting to venture further into Cornwall now.
“We have an under 19 Academy, in Plymouth and we are always looking for young talent.
"I’ve spotted a few guys with some potential and they’re really keen - the enthusiasm is defiantly there.”
“We’re certainly going to come back and bring some of the first team with us next time. The Navy Guys can meet some professional sportsman and ask questions to see what makes them tick.”