Friend in Spalding (3)
I believe the answer is:
pal
'friend' is the definition.
(pal can mean a friend)
'in spalding' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'PAL' is hidden within 'spalding'.
(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Crony" , "Mate, buddy" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Close friend" , "China" .)