Children are encouraged to Step into Sport via a Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) scheme that recommences this month.
 
Step into Sport is an inclusive, term-time programme of sporting activities that offers something for both primary and secondary school pupils.
 
Mikey Haslett, Community Sports Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘Step into Sport puts the emphasis on fun. We aim to provide an enjoyable introduction to as many sports as possible at an affordable cost, using our excellent facilities at the NSC.’
 
Mikey said: ‘Our 10-year Strategy for Sport outlines the many health, social and economic benefits of getting children involved in sport at an early age and staying active.
 
‘After-school has been identified as a time when children may not be making the most of the opportunities available to them. Step into Sport gives children from across the Island the chance to fill this time with positive experiences of a range of sports.’ 
 
Each session is ‘pay to play’, with the majority of sessions fixed at ?1. ‘This flexibility means that participants will not lose out on sessions they cannot attend and can sample several sports within the week,’ Mikey said.
 
Sessions for primary pupils (all NSC main hall) are:

Monday, 4.15pm to 5pm, fun cricket; Tuesday, 4.15pm to 5pm, tag rugby; Wednesday, 5pm to 6pm, multi-sports; Thursday, 4.15pm to 5pm, fun athletics and 5pm to 6pm, hockey; Friday, 4.15pm to 5pm, badminton (Key Stage 1 only).
 
Mikey added: ‘Ordinarily, gym users must be 16 but for ?2 per session, we provide secondary students with the opportunity to work out in the NSC gym under the guidance of trained NSC staff and MSR coaches.’
 
These sessions take place on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 5pm and Sundays from 3pm to 4pm.
 
Step into Sport encourages participation from children with special educational needs but provides specific sessions for children with physical disabilities.

‘Tailored sessions provide engaging environments for children to trial several sports that can be adapted when necessary,’ Mikey said.
 
These sessions are (NSC main hall/secondary hall):

Monday, 4.15pm to 5pm, junior football and 5pm to 6pm youth football; Tuesday, 5pm to 6pm, boccia; Wednesday, 4.15pm to 5pm, Junior Gateway Games.
 
For further information on Step into Sport, contact Mikey Haslett on 01624 688592, email michael.haslett@gov.im or visit https://www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/national-sports-centre/term-time-activities/.