Catriona McAllister, manager of Bell's Sports Centre in Perth, said, 'Much has recently been written about how youngsters are become more and more inactive with a subsequent negative impact on community health. The Motiv8 programme will address this trend."
The programme includes classes for under-fives. Three-to five-year-olds can choose between pre-school gymnastics, Tots Tennis and Kiddie Kickers football classes, or they may prefer to go to the soft play area.
Donna Meek, who has responsibility for children's development at the centre, is delighted with the response so far. 'Some classes are full up, so I am now planning more classes rather than keeping children on a waiting list,' she said. 'We are trying to offer a huge range of sports, all at grassroots level, so children new to sport can come along and try things out, without having to go to a serious club. Many children will be happy with our more recreational style, though they can choose to go on to more competitive sport when they are ready.'
Tennis coach Jane Morrison said she wants the children to have fun. 'We use lots of different sorts of equipment and vary what we do all the time,' she said. With young children she concentrates on co-ordination, incorporating some footwork and racquet and ball skills.
'We often use balloons as they can nearly all hit the balloon into the air, so get a measure of success. When we go on to using the soft balls, we wind the net over itself and tell the children they can hit the ball over or under the net - so they are succeeding even if the ball rolls on the ground.'
More information is available from the centre on 01738 622301.
