Chance to Excel in 2010
Warwickshire County Council’s Extended Services division and NHS Warwickshire Trust have joined forces to provide a free activity club aimed at children who are struggling with their weight or general fitness in Nuneaton.
The Excel club will give children aged 7-13 the chance to take part in fun indoor activities, over a 10 week period. The sessions will be lead by Nuneaton Town Football Club coaches. The club is also supported by the Northern Warwickshire School Sports Partnership.
The activity club will offer a total of 10 sessions to youngsters to take place at Alderman Smith School, Radnor Drive, Nuneaton, every Thursday from 4.00 pm to 5 pm.
The programme recognises that children who struggle with their weight may be lacking in confidence and aims to boost self-esteem as well as fitness levels.
Tracey Kahrman from NHS Warwickshire’s public health team is working on the project. She said: “Today we all feel we lead hectic lives but it is easier than ever before not to do enough physical exercise.
“Our bodies are happiest when they are kept moving and regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve concentration and keep us fit and healthy.
“The Excel club is a fun way for children to improve their health and fitness.
If parents want to, there will be an opportunity for them to chat to someone about food and nutrition, whilst their child is taking part in the activity. This is optional support and is not compulsory.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Tackling poor levels of fitness in children is something that I have been looking at recently and I have said that schools can play a major role in combating the problem. This is another example of what Extended Services ‘excels’ at, pardon the pun. Schools are ideal for extra-curricular activities, as well as traditional lessons during school hours, that are of tremendous benefit to children. The Excel club provides a really easy and enjoyable opportunity for children to get the benefit of exercise and the chance for parents to get some support and advice.”
To register contact Julia Everitt on 07826 534664 or to find out more about the programme call Tracey Kahrman on 02476 382963.