In the wake of Lincoln leisure centre closures, Deano’s Pro Soccer Academy, helmed by former Lincoln City player Dean Walling, has vowed to push on despite being barred from their usual facilities. For 17 years, the academy has been instrumental in shaping young talents, currently coaching 100 children in their elite development programme and 35 in a BTEC scholarship. The news of the leisure centre operator Active Nation’s collapse came as a shock to Walling, mere hours after he signed a three-year agreement to continue using Birchwood Leisure Centre’s facilities. ‘I signed the agreement at 3pm, and by 8pm they were shutting shop,’ Walling expressed. The unexpected closure has left the academy without access to the pitch and their equipment, raising concerns amongst the players and their parents. However, Walling assures that this setback is not the end, but rather a new beginning for the academy. With the council’s support, they are hopeful of regaining access to their facilities soon. In the interim, a contingency pitch and classroom have been arranged. Active Nation, blaming rising energy costs for their closure, expressed regret and gratitude to Lincoln residents for their support since 2007. Meanwhile, the council reveals that it has been approached by multiple companies interested in taking over the leisure centres, with an emergency meeting scheduled for next week to discuss further plans.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
