Kelly Edwards adds a spark to Flames

The club are based in Craven Arms but also train in Church Stretton.

They were delighted to welcome judoka Kelly Edwards to their annual awards – where the Telford star talked to youngsters about her sporting career.

Head coach Nicky Fuller, who also plays a part in the running of the sport at county level, was previously involved with England Netball.

She oversees six squads at the Flames club. She is assisted by fellow qualified coaches Clare Cruise, Sally Loft, Becky Evans and Karen Hill.

And one of the club's coaches praised the impact Edwards had on a group of around 70 young members at the club.

It has been a tough period for the 26-year-old former Commonwealth Games silver medallist.

She was ruled out of a spot in the Great Britain squad for the Olympic Games in Rio after failing to recover from concussion problems.

Cruise said: "Kelly was brilliant. She handed out all of the medals, prizes and trophies to every girl.

"She gave a presentation about her inspiring journey as a sportswoman.

"Her message to the girls was that sport is as much about mental strength as physical."

Flames, who have existed for about a decade in the county, have two under-19 squads, two under-16 outfits, and under-14 and under-11 sides.

They are unique in that they all have different names to identify the various age groups.

The under-19 girls are known as Bright Flames and Blazing Flames, while the under-16 squads are Fiery Flames and Hot Flames. The under-14s are called Flickering Flames.

And it was the under-14 outfit that enjoyed a successful campaign, winning Division Four of the Shropshire CVL.

The club's under-16 squads qualified for the regional matches, where they travelled to Walsall in the West Midlands to compete against the best sides from the ProDiv Midlands region.

Cruise continued: "It was the first time for us and the girls. We were pleased to just have qualified and didn't expect anything at all.

"But they finished fifth, a really good achievement and they have now qualified for next year's regional where they'll move up to the under-19 age group.

"From the squad of 10, eight were selected to play for the Shropshire county squad and four were scouted to feature for the West Midlands against areas around the country."

Ellie-Mae Bladen, Lucy Walker, Jess Knock and Beth Loveday all made the grade to feature for the region.

At the presentation evening, which was held at Acton Scott Village Hall, Edwards joined coaches, members and parents for a BBQ and other activities.

The club were keen to celebrate all players' achievements throughout the season, even those that had not finished higher up their league table.

Cruise added: "We celebrate girls who have improved a lot and been really 'coachable'. But they've all had a great season.

"We want the girls to recognise each other as players and friends."