BRADFORD Synchronised Skating Academy has been shortlisted in the Team of the Year category for the upcoming Women in Sport North Awards.

The Academy, which was established in 2014, currently comprises four competitive teams and one non-competitive team and is headed up by coaches Adrian Jack and Jennie Hughes.

Founded by Kate Hardcastle MBE, Women in Sport North ensures that great work in helping women and girls engage with more sport and movement is maximised.

The 2019 Women in Sport Awards celebrate the hard work of those individuals working tirelessly and often on a voluntary basis, to drive engagement in sport and ensure communities and young people have access to sporting opportunities and the benefits this brings.

Synchronised ice skating involves teams of eight to 16 people, skating in formation at speed, while performing routines to music. The discipline is open to all, with current age ranges in the academy between seven to 60.

Established in 2014, there are Elementary, Preliminary, Mixed Age and Adult teams in Bradford, while this year, Team Sparkle Diamond, an Inclusive Skating group, was established, allowing skaters with additional needs the opportunity to skate and compete.

The teams compete in up to four competitions a year across the UK and will be competing in their first event of the season on November 11 at Alexandra Palace in London.

The winners of the Women in Sport North Awards will be announced during the Women in Sport Northern Conference, which takes place at Huddersfield University on November 8.

Coach, Adrian Jack said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bradford Synchronised Skating Academy has been shortlisted in the Women in Sport Awards.

“We offer a truly inclusive sporting experience across all age ranges, allowing young people the opportunity to continue their sport into adulthood while providing the opportunity for those who may find the sport later in life the opportunity to enjoy it with others both competitively and non-competitively.

“The Academy has progressed significantly over the years and we look forward to the upcoming competition season.”

The Academy are currently recruiting for new members of all ages and in particular, for the beginner team.

The club welcome new members of all ages who own their own skates and are Skate UK Level 8 and above. For more information email bssacademy@hotmail.com