Prenton Rugby Club to host free summer clubs for kids

PRENTON Rugby Club is hosting free summer clubs for children in order to help combat the cost of living crisis, child obesity and child mental health issues. The 5 day clubs are taking place on:- 31 July and 21 August 2023, respectively and will provide children with a wide range of sport and fun activities from an experienced team.

Akin to the old:- 'play scheme' clubs from yesteryear, the summer holiday clubs will encourage children to be active during the holidays through a variety of activities. From:- 10am until 2pm, during each week, children will engage in:- sports, team building activities, nature walks, history walks, cookery, gardening, a visit from:- Reptile World, a visit to Nanny Sharon's Alpaca Farm and more; with food and drink provided.

The fun clubs are suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old and are free to children who are eligible for free School meals. The project is being led by Craig Elkerton, a member of Prenton Rugby Club, and his team from 1st Steps Sports Coaching that he runs; in conjunction with the Department Of Education, Wirral Council and ED Central.

The summer clubs will not only provide the children with fun, exercise and education during the summer holidays; they will provide parents with a much needed respite during the holidays and help combat the cost of living crisis. The project is 1 of many community initiatives that have been happening at Prenton Rugby Club; who have become a charity and are revolutionising the role of a rugby club in society.

Craig Elkerton explained:- "It's tough out there for families and for some, the summer holidays can be very daunting. Days out can be so expensive. The idea of this project is to bridge that gap and offer something that's not only free, but at the same time gets children off their phones and computers and active outside. We'll be offering a great mix of sports and activities to encourage socialising and a healthier lifestyle. This project is 1 of the many things that have been happening at Prenton Rugby Club. There's been a mini-revolution going on here as we've become a charity and a community hub; with lots of community initiatives in response to many of the community Centres, playing fields, libraries and pubs closing in the area. We want to revolutionise the role of the rugby club in today's society."

Prenton Rugby Club has recently been re-branded as Prenton RUFC Community Hub and recent initiatives have included an Easter sports camp and a Eurovision World Peace gardening project. The hub has a community garden and facilitates space to other charities and organisations such as:- 'The Paul Lavelle Foundation.'

Craig said:- "Rugby clubs have always been institutions that bring people together but in today's changing world it is important for places, such as rugby clubs, to open up to the wider community. Rugby union participation in England is down around 50%, meanwhile mental health issues, suicides and obesity are all on the rise. We're looking to use the role of a rugby club to address those problems we face."

Prenton RUFC Community Hub is hosting 5-day summer clubs for children on:- 31 July and 21 August 2023 respectively; suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old and free for children in receipt of free School meals. Activities will include sports, team building activities, nature walks, history walks, cookery, gardening, a visit from Reptile World, a visit to Nanny Sharon's Alpaca Farm and more.

Prenton RUFC Community Hub Summer Clubs / 31 July to 4 August 2023, from:- 10am to 2pm / 21 August to 25 August 2023, from:- 10am to 2pm. Both will be held at the:- Prenton Rugby Club, Prenton Dell Road, Prenton, CH43 3BS

To register a child for free email:- PrentonHaf23@Gmail.com.
 

Sefton Schools celebrate £10,000 cash boost

BOTH Hudson Primary School and Summerhill Primary have each secured a funding boost of £5,000 from Persimmon's Community Champions scheme.  Niki Craddock, Head Teacher at Hudson Primary welcomed representatives from Persimmon and Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson to formally receive the donation at the School's recent summer fair. The money is being put towards funding for a speech and language therapist with over £17,000 raised by the School, parents and volunteers.

Summerhill Primary School meanwhile hosted Persimmon and Sefton Borough Councillors at their own summer fair this week to receive the donation that is going towards new Google Chromebooks.

Persimmon's Community Champions scheme is open to all local charities, Schools and community groups looking for funding. £180,000 is available every quarter with winners receiving either:- £6,000, £5,000 or £1,000.

Niki Craddock, Head Teacher of Hudson Primary School said:- "This money will truly make a difference. The Parents and families have worked tirelessly to fundraise and this addition will truly go a long way in supporting their ambition to provide the very best therapeutic services for our children."

Yvonne Bennett-Gleig, Head Teacher at Summerhill Primary School, added:- "A big thank you to Persimmon for their generous donation to our School. Technology is a huge part of our world and it is important that children learn how to use is safely and effectively for their learning at a young age. Through buying a new set of Chromebooks we are supporting our goal of providing the best quality of education for our pupils and I know everyone is very excited to use them next year."

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson who joined the presentation at Hudson Primary commented:- "This is a very popular School and I was thrilled that Persimmon had supported them with £5,000 for their autism Centre to help with speech and language. Good luck to Hudson Primary School and thank you to Persimmon."

Parent Maria O'Connor who has helped lead the fundraising drive at Hudson Primary said:- "We are so grateful to Persimmon for their incredibly kind donation towards our fundraising efforts for our amazing School Hudson Primary. The donation will go towards a dedicated private speech therapist for Cherry Base Class which is so crucial for the development of our children who all have an autism diagnosis and will benefit greatly from this extra provision."

Ian Hilliker, Managing Director of Persimmon North West added:- "We're delighted to be able to support these 2 fantastic Schools in this way and add to the amazing fundraising efforts of all involved."