Husband and wife pair start new sports club

A new sports club has been set up in Crawley.
Cristian ParaschivCristian Paraschiv
Cristian Paraschiv

Gatwick United is the brainchild of husband and wife pair Cristian and Alina Paraschiv and will give residents of Crawley and Horley the chance to play football, basketball and netball.

Cristian is an ex-basketball professional and an amateur football player and Alina is an ex-marathon athlete.

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Cristian said: “I am a huge sports fan and I still love to play basketball and watch basketball, football, netball or tennis.

“When the lockdown started back in March I was in the middle of the football coach level one course. As soon as the lockdown is over I’ll get registered for basketball and netball coaching level one courses.”

The club is registered as a limited company based in Horley and they plan to train and play in rented venues in Horley and Crawley. The club will have classes and teams for football, basketball and netball, both juniors and adults.

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Cristian said: “We were contacted online by eight to ten ladies, so we have a full adults netball team ready to register in competitions. We are still open for more players to come.”

The club’s teams will be registered with England federations for each of the sports: England and Sussex Netball, England and Sussex Basketball and the Sussex FA and national FA. And how can you get involved?

Cristian said: “People can join our club by making a primary contact with us on our website or on social networks.

“We would like to focus now on netball and basketball players and coaches recruiting.

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“With the netball side of things, we are a friendly club always happy to welcome new members, girls and ladies, who range from complete beginners to, of course, very experienced players, aged between seven and 50, of all skills and abilities.

“And Gatwick United Basketball Club are seeking players aged seven-plus to join our friendly bunch of girls and boys for fun and competitive basketball classes in the Horley & Crawley.”

Weekly classes for basketball training are at K2 in Crawley and Oakwood Sports Centre in Horley.

Cristian added: “You don’t have to just play to be a part of our Gatwick United Basketball Club.

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“There are many other tasks undertaken behind the scenes to ensure that clubs function in the safest way possible.

“We are also on the lookout for new coaches, parents, helpers and volunteers.”

They are also looking for a vice-chairperson, secretary, welfare officer, netball coach and basketball coach.

Cristian sad: “My goal is to make a club that will climb in the netball, basketball or football hierarchies as soon as possible.”

The club currently has financial backing from Christian Transfers, Mooslain and Cab Taxi App.

If you would like to get involved, please contact [email protected] or visit gatwickunited.com

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