Youngsters across South Tyneside can get active this summer with a range of sports coaching sessions and free fun activity schemes throughout the school holidays.
South Tyneside is once again offering a packed programme of sport to help children make the most of the six-week holidays with the return of its Summer Holiday and Sports Coaching Programme.
Sports and Leisure officers have arranged a variety of sports coaching sessions, free family fund days and sporting activities on an open access basis where youngsters can come and go as they please.
The free Activity Express sessions offer children aged from five to 14 the chance to take part in a host of sporting games including uni-hoc, kick rounders, tennis, dodgeball, football, cricket, small sided games and many more. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are advised to check the age ranges for each activity before attending. Children attending the session need to bring along appropriate clothing and something to eat and drink
As well as the free sport activities on offer there are also a number of coaching programmes (costs apply) focusing on individual sports and are designed to allow young people to develop their skill and understanding of a specific sport.
The courses cover everything from athletics and tennis to football and golf. All courses are open to boys and girls unless otherwise specified. Courses must be booked and paid for in advance and places are limited.
The activities and sports coaching courses taking place across the council’s leisure facilities which include Haven Point, Hebburn Central, Temple Park Centre, Monkton Stadium as well as Sandhaven Beach, schools, parks and community associations across South Tyneside.
There is also an opportunity for youngsters to test their skills and base fitness levels by taking part in the Primary Sportshall Awards Scheme, at South Marine Park.
To complete the Award, children aged between 7 and 11 year-old must attempt a variety of familiar Sportshall activities designed to provide a well-balanced measure of skills. The scheme is free to enter and £3 for a badge and certificate. Children attending the scheme are advised to bring a drink and wear suitable clothing and trainers.
Youngsters and parents can also enjoy a range of free ’Let’s Do This’ Family Fundays and other special events taking place across the Borough in conjunction with local resident groups. These include:-
- Hebburn Festival, Saturday 30th July, from 11am to 5pm, at Clegwell Community Association, Hebburn.
- West Park, Jarrow Family Fun Week, Monday 15th to Friday 19th August, from 11am to 3pm, at West Park, Jarrow.
- Beach Handball sessions, Sunday 24th July to Sunday 21st August, from 12noon, in front of the Sandancer car park, South Shields.
- West Park, South Shields Family Fun week, Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August, from 11am to 3pm, at West Park, South Shields.
- Boldon Family Funday, Wednesday 24th August, from 11am to 3pm, at Miners Welfare Cricket Ground, Boldon Colliery.
- End of Summer Extravaganza, Tuesday 30th August to Friday 2nd September, from 11am to 3pm, at South Marine Park, South Shields.
- Friends of Boldon Park Funday, Saturday 17th September, from 12noon to 4pm, at Grange Park, East Boldon.
Families can also enjoy free days out with the free Change4Life Family Fun Schemes as the Sports and Leisure Team has teamed up with Team has teamed up with the Borough’s children’s centres to offer a family orientated play scheme as well as workshops for adults to help promote a healthier lifestyle.
- Family Fun Scheme, Monday 25th to Friday 29th July, from 11am to 3pm, for children 0-5 years old and families welcome, at Harton Primary School, South Shields.
- Family Fun Scheme, Monday 8th to Friday 12th August, from 11am to 3pm, for children 0-5 years old and families welcome, at Seaview Primary School, South Shields.
- Family Fun Scheme, Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August, from 11am to 3pm, for children 0-5 years old and families welcome, at West Park, South Shields.
Youngsters can also take on the new 20 metre long Olympic Inflatable Challenge or Bouncy Castle at South Marine Park, in South Shields, every Monday to Friday, from Monday 25th July until Tuesday 2nd September.
The inflatable course and bouncy castle are aimed at youngsters aged five to 14. There is no need to book (costs apply) and only one inflatable will be up per day subject to weather conditions.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for culture and leisure, said: “This summer we have a packed programme of sporting activities and family events, many of them free, for youngsters across the Borough to enjoy.
“With the Rio Olympics just round the corner this is a great opportunity for children of all ages to get involved with a variety of sports and athletics. Our programme of activities are great way for youngsters to remain active, have fun and make new friends.
“Our popular Sports Coaching Programme is particularly designed to support young people to develop and improve their skills in their favourite sport. However places are limited on the Sports Coaching courses so parents are urged to get booked up on these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
“We would urge parents to obtain a copy of the leaflet or take a look on the Council’s website to see the full range of activities and free family fun days.”
For further information or a copy of the summer Holiday and Sports Coaching Programme, call the Sports and Leisure Team on (0191) 424 7998, email sports.development@southtyneside.gov.uk or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure.
Alternatively pick up a copy of the free leaflet from Haven Point, Hebburn Central, Temple Park, Monkton Stadium or local libraries.