Floods to football success

Above, a football team in Kenya, Africa, in kit donated by Costello FC, and below, Costello players line up before a game

A junior football club left devastated in the city-wide floods of June 2007 has bounced back to become the top club in the region.
Not only was Costello FC in west Hull recently named the best club in the East Riding, but it was also recognised as the top club in the Yorkshire region by the FA, becoming the first junior football club in the Hull area to win the regional award.
And it was the experience of pulling together in the aftermath of the floods, and supporting each other while players, their families and club members were living in caravans as their flood-damaged homes were being repaired, that enabled the club to turn adversity into sporting success.

Strengthened

The fact that club members were strengthened as a group by the flooding, and had teams ready to begin playing matches at the start of the season in September – just three months after the floods hit – impressed the FA and led to Costello receiving the awards.
The club now helps people less fortunate and recently gave 46 pairs of used football boots to the Boots for Africa charity appeal and raised money for the Coaching for Hope football and health project which also supports communities in Africa.
For more information call club chairman Andy Winfield on 501354 or visit www.costellofc.co.uk

hulldance 09

Hull City Hall will play host to an evening of ballet when a touring production visits the city on March 25.
Featuring seven dancers performing on revolving turntables, the Designer Body show by Ballet Lorent will explore how clothes affect the look of the human body.
Dancers first appear in full-length designer outfits before removing layers of clothing to transform their appearance on stage.
The ballet, starting at 8pm, forms part of the hulldance 09 dance programme which features different productions throughout the year.
For information and to book tickets call 226655.

Meanwhile, if you've ever wanted to learn the Spanish dance form Flamenco, now is your chance.
Flamenco classes will be held on March 7, April 4 and May 2 from 1 -2.30pm for beginners and 2.30 -4pm for improvers.
The classes are £10 per session (discounts are available) and take place at the Horncastle Building dance studio at Hull College in Queens Gardens.
To book a place call Patricia Skeet on 07949 050039, email paskeet@hotmail.co.uk or turn up on the day.
For more information visit www.hebdenbridgeflamenco.org.uk