Half-term arrived and the youngsters of Rye had new opportunities to keep fit and have some fun with their friends. Sophie Thorpe, a councillor for Rye Town Council, has worked tirelessly to enable the youngsters to play on the MUGA (Multi-use Games Area) at the Sports Centre for just £1 each: the sessions ran from 2-4 pm each day and the take-up was really encouraging.
Sophie writes: “You asked and we delivered! After many discussions with Freedom Leisure bosses since our Easter launch, we decided to trial this May half-term as ‘unsupervised’ sessions on the MUGA for only £1 per child for two hours instead of the usual £3 per child per hour.
“We are delighted to announce fifty-five local children took this opportunity to use the facilities over the four days it was running.”
“Healey Ramus, a member of Freedom Leisure staff, managed the week perfectly, encouraging its use and regularly checking wristbands. She was delighted to report that there was ‘No anti-social behaviour to report and all the attendees were respectful of the area and each other.’ Another member of staff did report two occasions after half-term when children arrived in the morning hoping to use the MUGA under the same offer so this is something that will have to be taken into account when looking at the summer holiday plans.
“Overall, the cohesion of Rye Town Council listening to the needs and wants of our local children and helping to fund the sessions and Freedom Leisure for allowing the use of the MUGA and encouraging staff proactively to manage the running of the sessions, have shown what a difference this can make in our town. May this be the beginning of other projects locally using the same approach.”
Talking to some of the youngsters it was obvious that they really enjoyed having a safe place to play games and it made a difference to their half-term holiday. Well done Sophie, the Town Council and the Leisure Centre: it is great to see such collaborations taking flight.
Freedom Leisure is soon to launch the ‘Friday Night Project’ for 11-17 year olds so keep an eye out on social media for more information.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .