SPORTS coaching firm Team Elite is on the expansion trail with three new licensees in the region.

The Winchester-based company specialises in delivering well-organised and high quality sports activities for children in extra-curricular courses as well as within the school curriculum.

The company has been successfully operating under licenses in the Romsey, Chandler's Ford and East Hampshire areas for the last couple of years and has now added Winchester, Alresford, Alton and the New Forest to its portfolio.

The latest licencees include Ashley Wright, a senior cricket coach who has been with the company since last summer and already has more than 500 children on his books and partnerships with several schools.

In the New Forest Phil Smith and Mike Glanville have just signed licences.

Phil worked as a youth sport development officer for Southampton City Council and Mike has been working as a coach for Team Elite for the last year.

Both have qualifcations to coach in a variety of different sports including basketball, tennis and football and have experience in coaching young people.

"Ashley, Mike and Phil all meet the strict criteria we set when we select local organisers,'' said director Roger Vertannes. "The key is their enthusiasm, dedication and sound all-round sporting ability.''

He said the important thing was for children to look forward to their PE and sport sessions.

"The Team Elite staff are well trained and experienced specialists,'' said Linda Ellis from Team Elite.

"Their own enthusiasms encourages children to remain active and lead a healthy, sporting lifestyle.''

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