Clubs & Classes

Out of school, not out of action

By Andrew Campbell

As children move through primary school, the number meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and weight drops by an astounding 40%.

This poses parents with a challenge. How to find their children physical activities they enjoy, feel successful doing and, crucially right now, are available in a safe, socially distanced way? Bear in mind, that whilst government guidance on social distancing allows for certain sports activities to be pursued, there is likely to be limited availability in many areas.

Here’s our checklist of out of school sports that can currently be pursued:

Badminton A great way to get into racket sports, badminton helps develop coordination, agility and balance. It can be played indoors over winter. Visit www.badmintonengland.co.uk

Cycling Cycling is part of growing up. It gives children independence and keeps them fit too. Local cycling clubs offer expert coaching, some amazing cycling facilities as well as an opportunity to make cycling buddies. Visit www.britishcycling.org.uk

Dancing Dance is a way for kids to express their creativity, imagination and emotions. Dancing can also increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina, as well as provide vital exercise.

Perform returns with Covid safe confidence building fun

Families talks to Perform’s Principal, Lucy Quick.

We’ve always put children at the heart of everything we do and we’re thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidence-boosting activities.

We’ve put enormous effort into adapting our class content to ensure that we follow the latest government health guidelines whilst making sure the children can still sing, dance, act and have the best fun of the week. Football As well as being the most popular sport in the world, football is one of the most well-rounded sports developing a host of physical and cognitive skills. Visit www.thefa.com

Gymnastics A demanding sport that requires perseverance and discipline. It develops strength, speed, power, coordination, flexibility and balance. The sense of accomplishment gained from mastering complex physical feats helps children face and overcome their fears. Visit www.british-gymnastics.org/discover

Swimming If your child has shown an aptitude for swimming during lessons, they may enjoy the thrill of competitive swimming in a local club. Bear in mind pools are re-opening slowly; some may not re-open this year. To find a local club, visit www.swimming.org

Tennis Tennis helps children develop valuable life skills like respect, fairplay and concentration. It can be played all year round and into adulthood. Visit www.lta.org.uk

activities which build confidence, boost concentration, develop communication and help coordination. We have left no stone unturned when it comes to health and safety but the children will be having so much fun that Quote EK141120 for an introductory £40 discount. they will barely notice a difference. Whilst there won’t be hand-holding Book by 14 Nov games this term, there will be lots of eye contact, funky moves, fantastic diction and learning about how to be a great friend.

Perform runs drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s as well as Perform At Home, popular online classes. Book a FREE noobligation class by visiting www.perform.org.uk/try

Local Perform classes in East Kent

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes are available in East Kent at:

Ashford St Mary’s Community Centre,Rylands Road, TN24 9LH

Faversham West Faversham Community Centre,Bysing Wood Road, ME13 7RH

Folkestone St George’s Church,8 Audley Road, CT20 3QA