Thunderbirds look for lift-off
Reporter: Youth sport: in-line skating
Date published: 11 February 2009
HOW does a father react when his own teenage daughter struggles to get a game in the sport she loves? Answer: Set up his own team.
That’s exactly what Clint Bentham did – and Thunderbirds Inline Hockey have taken off.
Formed in October last year, they have played seven matches in the Greater Manchester Inline Hockey League, which is based at Salford University.
Clint, from Greenfield, explained: “The idea to recruit an all-female side was born out of my daughter Holimae’s frustration.
“She was in a mixed under-18s team and was facing the prospect of playing a season alongside all males.
“At that age the lads get bigger and stronger while the girls, unless they exceptional, tend to get phased out. She would have been a fairly minor participant.
“We both agreed that the best option for herself and players like her was to compete in the under-16s division.
“This could be achieved within league rules providing the whole roster was female.
“It means all our players are given equal playing time and they can stay together season after season.”
Clint met the task head on, busily rounding up a group of girls.
The current age range is from 14 to 40, with players coming from as far afield as Anglesey and Staffordshire.
Thunderbirds, who are members of the British Inline Puck Hockey Associations League, don’t even have their own shirts.
They borrow their red, white and blue colours from the Macclesfield Roller Hockey Club, but are hoping to buy their own kit in time for next season.
Clint went on: “We are improving steadily and, although we do not expect to beat any of the established clubs just yet, you never know what will happen as we progress.
“I must stress we are a team and not a club. We do not train together or raise funds. The players train with their local sides and come together for matches on selected Saturdays over the season.”
Thunderbirds, who were encouraged by their recent 5-1 defeat against Oldham Eagles, would welcome any inline or ice hockey players to get in touch.
For details, contact Clint on 07748 982093.
NLINE hockey is played on roller skates and is not full contact.
