School's sports 'taster' sells out

PRIMARY school children enjoyed their chance to train with the island's top sports coaches. St Martin's Primary School played host on Saturday to the ninth annual PE Morning of Excellence, which was attended by 240 children.

'It's a great opportunity for the coaches to promote their sport and for the children to have a taster of something new. Hopefully, if the they have had fun this morning, they will take up that sport in their own time,' said St Martin's head teacher Cate Mason.

The event was open to all pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6. They chose from football, rugby, tennis, netball, cricket, table tennis, volleyball, swimming and lifesaving and rounders.

'All the classes are similar sizes, with anything between 24 to 32 pupils. Unfortunately 240 children is the maximum we could take - we couldn't take on everyone who wanted to come.'

The children paid £6 for the session, which started at 9 and finished at noon. The price also included a T-shirt, drinks and ice cream provided by the event sponsors HSBC, Guernsey Dairy and Highland Spring.

All the money raised went towards St Martin's School PTA.

'I enjoy the whole morning: you get to see all ranges of ability. The kids leave better players then when they first come,' said cricket coach Tim Belton.

Saskia Le Marquand, 9, from Notre Dame School, was at the event for the first time.

'I chose netball because I thought it would be the best one. I've learnt how to throw a ball and I'm better at it now.

'I'd like to do netball again here next year.'

Oliver Rowe enjoys playing rugby at school so he chose the sport for his morning session.

'So far I've been learning how to tackle. The coach is really good fun and knows his stuff. I'll definitely come again next year.'

Chloe Adam, 11, from Castel School, was so impressed with her volleyball lesson that she hopes to continue the sport.

'It's really fun but some of the moves are bit difficult to do. It can also hurt if the ball hits you too hard. My coach was fun and I've learnt a lot from him.

'By the time I leave, I'll be a lot better. I could just about get the ball over the net when I started.'