COMMUNITY SPORTS: Spring into action this Easter with an 'egg-cellent' Sports Course

The ever popular multi-sports courses are back for the Easter break.

This year's programme will take place from Wednesday to Friday, April 7-9. The multi-sports courses are for boys and girls aged between seven and fourteen years old. Young people will have the choice of three sports per day (four on the Friday).

Participants can choose from Athletics, Rugby and Gaelic football on day one; Hockey, Basketball and Badminton on day two, and Tennis, Baseball, Cricket and Sports Medley including new age curling, soccer circuit, tri-golf and table tennis on day three.

Football fans, aged between five and fourteen are invited to the soccer courses, run in association with Coleraine Football Club, the course will take run from 10.30 am to 12 noon for five to seven year olds and 2pm - 4pm for eight to fourteen year olds. These football courses will be hosted at Rugby Avenue on Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8 and as a special treat for all registered participants Coleraine FC's 'Showgrounds' (weather permitting) will be the venue on the Friday.

So if any child dreams of playing football at the home of our very own Irish League side then this is the course to be on.

Roger Downey, Sports Development Officer with Coleraine Borough Council, who put together this exciting programme, said: "This multi-sport programme is extremely popular each year as it gives young people the opportunity to try a new sport and it helps to keep the concept of sport challenging, fresh and enjoyable.

"This programme not only offers a great chance for children to make new friends and have lots of fun but also to improve their physical skills and techniques.

"All our coaching sessions are led by qualified and vetted coaches with all the necessary equipment provided however children will need to bring suitable clothing and footwear. In particular a rainproof jacket and hat are important for outdoor activities and a towel and change of clothes."

The venues for the multi-sports courses are as follows: Sportshall Athletics Badminton and Sports Medley are in Coleraine Leisure Centre. Rugby, Hockey, Baseball, Cricket and Gaelic football are at Rugby Avenue Playing Fields, Coleraine. Tennis is at Anderson Park, Coleraine and Basketball is at St Joseph's High School, Coleraine.

This year's free transport schedule includes pick up and return points in Articlave, Aghadowey, Kilrea, Garvagh, Castlerock, Portrush and Portstewart, this will enable young people from the rural areas of the Borough to participate. Pick up points and times are detailed in the application form.

The cost of each course is 15 per participant for the three days. For 'Non Access To Leisure Card' holders there is available a Special Family Ticket priced at 39 for three or more participating children per course from the same immediate family. Also ATL card holders receive a 50% reduction on course fees.

The first day of enrolment is at Coleraine Leisure Centre Thursday, March 4 from 10.00am. Brochures and application forms are now available from Coleraine Leisure Centre or from Leisure Services at Coleraine Borough Council. For further information or queries please contact Roger Downey on 7034 7234.