At this time of the year many of us are at our wit’s end when it comes to keeping the kids entertained over the long school holidays.
There’s more to a happy childhood than Grand Theft Auto, so sign them up for one of this summer’s organised sports activities taking place throughout the city and shire. Fresh air, healthy exercise and – best of all – they’ll have to put their phone down for a while…
On the ball
Ace Football Coaching (www.acefootball.co.uk) offer summer camps with SFA qualified coaches for girls and boys between 5 and 15 at the International School’s facilities. Courses are £70 for a week, with six weekly blocks over the summer
In the swim
There are council run-pools in most of the larger towns in Aberdeenshire and several across the city. Many run swimming classes for beginners, as do Aberdeen Aquatics www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/aquatics More confident youngsters might want to join a swimming club. Aberdeen Amateur Swimming Club (www.aberdeenasc.org.uk) is running two intensive improvers’ courses in August and also offers Junior Water Polo sessions at Aberdeen International School. Contact Neil Kennedy at aascwaterpolo@hotmail.co.uk for details.
What a racquet!
Both Cults Tennis Club and Rubislaw are keen to attract more junior players and organise coaching and competitions for younger players. The Westburn Centre offers some free coaching sessions and junior activities over the summer.
Pony Express
Pony trekking and riding lessons are always popular pastimes. Hayfield Riding Centre (www.hayfield.com) in Hazlehead Park is good with children of all ages and abilities. Inexperienced children from age 4 to 8 can go for a gentle walk in the park, with their ponies led by the centre’s staff. More experience riders can go trekking, go for a picnic ride or a canter along the beach.