Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Sports for Children in Devon
Updated 1/5/2015
Sports Science research has highlighted that children need to develop the physical attributes of hand to eye coordination, agility, speed and balance, before they reach their teens, in order for them to reach their full physical potential as an adult. Most sports strongly combine these skills and actions, teaching children valuable life skills such as showing respect to an opponent, self-discipline and being a positive role in a team.
Here’s a brief overview of how children can get involved with sports …
Golf
Golf is a sport that helps create good attributes in young children, such as perseverance, honesty, concentration and respect. It is also a game where a child can easily find his or her competitive level.
The Junior Golf Passport run by The Golf Foundation is a scheme that places its importance on learning in a fun way using a variety of games and activities delivered by a qualified PGA Coach. It provides a child with a permanent visual record of their development helping them to fine tune their game for future years. Find out more: To find your nearest Golf Roots Centre simply go to www.golf-foundation.org
Rugby
Ok, so rugby isn’t a summer sport but it’s certainly worth a mention here due to the impending Rugby World Cup which will start in England in September.
Primary School aged children can take part in Tag Rugby, which is the RFU's official introduction to the game. It involves use of either a tag belt or tag shorts to replicate a tackle that is clearly seen when an effective tag has been made. Teams are made up of seven players with a gender mix of boys and girls. The game has been created for players to naturally progress to play the traditional 15-a-side game. Find out more: Rugby Football Union - www.rfu.com
Climbing...
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Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities that are physically and mentally demanding as well as incredibly fulfilling. Those keen to learn often acquire a host of new life skills and quickly develop a sense of personal responsibility that can stand them in good stead throughout their lives. Many centres with climbing walls offer introductory and progressive classes for
children aged 8+ at the weekend and on weekday evenings with qualified instructors. Similarly, outdoor centres offer grounding courses and taster sessions in many types of outdoor pursuits that could give the under 18's the skills to enable them to climb independently.
Find out more: The British Mountaineering Council website - www.thebmc.co.uk
Cricket
Cricket is introduced to children in a variety of ways. Firstly, Kwik Cricket is a simple game for boys 
and girls aged from 5 years and up. Played in many primary schools it is designed to introduce children to the sport and forms an integral part of the Cricket Board’s strategic goal of increasing interest levels.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also promotes the sport with an ECB Cricket Factory Tour that gives young people aged 4-18 years old the opportunity to experience the game at the right level for their particular level of skill. This touring facility provides activity stations that test batting, catching, fielding and bowling. Find out more: England Cricket Board -www.ecb.co.uk
Swimming...
Swimming is a fantastic way for people of all ages to stay healthy, keep fit and have fun at the same time. It exercises each part of the whole body, improves psychological well-being, releases stress and is a social sport, allowing children the chance to meet new people. Not only is it an essential life skill that everyone should learn, but it is a sport that can save a life. As well as school swimming, there are structured swimming lessons available at local swimming pools, private swimming schools and local clubs. Find out more: www.swimming.org
Tennis
Tennis is regarded as one of the healthiest and least injurious sports with a strong social, yet competitive affiliation to it. The Lawn Tennis Association runs a junior tennis scheme, using a rainbow coloured format that allows a child to progressively move from one stage to the next. The tennis balls are coloured to highlight each stage, namely from red to orange to green.
Starting with Red Ball Mini Tennis, this is for players aged 8 and under, and is played on small courts with short racquets and soft ball; next is Orange Ball Mini Tennis for players aged 8 and 9 who have already reached Red level 1. Green Ball Mini Tennis follows and is for players aged 10. This is played on a full tennis court, with bigger racquets and slightly harder balls. This progressive structure gently eases children to the dynamics of the game. Find out more: The Lawn Tennis Association - www.lta.org.uk.
The Big Bike Revival: Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June
Ride on Cycling for All is pleased to announce that it is a partner provider for the Big Bike Revival in Exeter from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June.
The Big Bike Revival is a programme that culminates in a two-week long intervention to present members of the public with an opportunity to carry out basic repairs such as fixing a puncture, learning how to cycle safely on and off road, knowing where to donate old bikes, and knowing where to buy recycled bikes.
Here are a just some of the events that Ride on Cycling for All is offering during the Big Bike Revival fortnight:
Guided Rides: Supported rides will be available for all ages and abilities which will be managed by trained staff
Learn how to service your own bike: This is a whole day course taught by a CYTECH qualified mechanic.
Doctor Bike events: This is a great opportunity to get a free health check for your bike. Your bike will be checked and adjusted and advice will be given to help you ensure that your bike is safe to ride.
Bike Kitchen: Take your bike to the Bike Kitchen and work on it free of charge. Benefit from access to specialist bike tools and get some expert advice too.
To find out more about the Big Bike Revival project visit the website - http://rideoncycling.org/the-big-bike-revival
This Girl Can in Exeter
With the launch of the high profile national campaign This Girl Can, Exeter based South West Athletics is echoing this call to action by encouraging more women and girls into athletics and into coaching. The SW Athletics team has been inspired by the This Girl Can campaign and has just launched a brand new women only athletics session on Monday nights from 7-8pm at Exeter Arena. Find out more at www.sw-athletics-academy.co.uk/girls-and-women-group
Take the plunge at Waves Leisure Pool
At Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay everyone is encouraged to learn how to swim, whether socially or for fitness. Lessons are ideal for beginners and also for adults who want to improve their confidence and ability. Lessons for juniors are 1:1 or in groups of no more than 6. Day time or evening lessons are available and courses run throughout the year. Register now by calling 01803 206357 or visiting www.rivieracentre.co.uk
First Class Sporting Facilities at the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter has some of the best sports facilities in the region which are open to the local community. The Sports Park boasts; Exeter Tennis Centre, an Indoor Cricket Centre, a Sports Hall, 8 netball courts, 4 squash courts, 4 floodlit all-weather pitches, an outdoor pool, studios for fitness classes and the amazing Russell Seal Fitness Centre, as well as St Luke’s Sports Centre which has an indoor pool, a gym and 2 halls. Tennis coaching is available with term time and school holiday sessions for children aged 4 years+, including adult coaching. St Luke’s Swim School follows the ASA programme and offers year round weekly lessons and school holiday intensive sessions. Cricket coaching is popular with full day and half day options for children aged 6+. Visit www.exeter.ac.uk/sport or call 01392 724452.
Arsenal Soccer School introduces Gunner Tots at the Riviera International Centre
Gunner Tot sessions at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay are for all children aged 2-4 years. The Gunner Tot Programme gives children a head start before joining school in many areas such as social interaction, discipline, routine, concentration and listening skills.
Weekly training sessions use the Arsenal Philosophy, and involve games which are fun based and offer ample opportunities to develop fitness and early motor skills. The games help to develop young brains, with number counting, colour recognition and memory skills.
To register an interest email southwest@playthearsenalway.com or call 01803 206350.
Anyone for Tennis in Exwick?
Exwick Tennis Club is one of Exeter’s leading tennis clubs, led by fully qualified LTA coaches, offering all year round playing opportunities for children of all ages and of all abilities. The very popular Multi-Sport Camps take place from 9am-3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during every school holiday. The daily fee is £15 and £40 for all 3 days. For more details call 07835 041719 or visit www.exwicktennisclub.co.uk
Families run in a rainbow of colours
Run or Dye, a colourful 5k where friends and family run, walk and dance around a course getting covered in coloured powder from start to finish, will be happening in Exeter on Saturday 30 May. After the 5k everyone moves through to the dye festival party with music and lots of free dye! Participating children aged 6 years and under can enter Run and Dye for free. Sign up to the Great Fulford, Exeter Run or Dye on 30 May at www.runordye.co.uk
Honiton Sports – A One Stop Shop for Sporty Children
Honiton Sports Shop is a must for busy parents as it provides all the sports and PE equipment a child needs. Apart from the obvious trainers and football boots Honiton Sports can kit kids out with hockey sticks, shin pads, mouth guards and cricket bats. Swimming is also catered for - with potentially the largest stock of swimwear and goggles in the region.
To find out more call 01404 42100 or 07500 816643 or pop into the shop in Honiton.