Lisburn & Castlereagh ‘Summer in the City’ Programme a Soaring Success!

August 30, 2023

The annual ‘Summer in the City’ programme, organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, was a soaring success with almost 2,000 local children enjoying weeks of fun, friendship and fitness.

‘Summer in the City’ consists of a wide variety of activities, including summer schemes at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Glenmore Activity Centre, Grove Activity Centre and for the first time this year, Dundonald International Ice Bowl.

Children attending the summer schemes enjoyed a wide range of activities and sports, suited to age groups from 5 to 14 years. The programme is delivered by a team of qualified staff and coaches and included activities such as the Leisure Pool, team sports, bouncy castles, seed planting and arts & crafts.

Many of the summer schemes also included out of centre trips, providing great value for money as well as additional fun for children.

The ‘Summer in the City’ programme also offered an extensive choice of Sports Courses including a Kids Multi Sports Camp at Ballybeen Sports Hub, a Just 4 Keepers Goal Keeping Academy at both Lough Moss Leisure Centre and Kirkwoods Playing Fields, Junior Golf Coaching Lessons at Castlereagh Hills and Aberdelghy Golf Courses and Gaelic Football Coaching Camps at Lough Moss Leisure Centre and Kirkwoods Playing Fields.

Not only do children get the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills or try new sports, but some courses had the added benefit of expert coaching from top level players including Sean McGreevy, former Antrim GAA goalkeeper and Down Senior Football Manager and Kilcoo GAC player, Conor Laverty

An impressive timetable of swim camps was on offer at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, with weeklong courses for adults, babies and children.

The Disability Hub at Lough Moss Leisure Centre offered Inclusive cycle sessions for all the family throughout August and a Kids Summer Club for children aged 7 – 14 years.

Pictured are Barbara Redmond, Disability Sports Hub Activity Leader for Lisburn & Castlereagh; Oscar Donaghy; Faron Morrison, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Sports Development Officer and Councillor John Gallen, Vice Chair of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee. Oscar enjoyed a Disability Hub Inclusive Cycle Session at Lough Moss Leisure Centre, free and suitable for families of up to six. For more information contact bredmond@dsni.co.uk

For the second year, the council’s Parks and Amenities partnered with the Summer in the City programme which saw nearly 5,000 oak seeds planted by the children. This initiative has been launched to align with the council’s sustainability objectives.

Visiting some of the Sports Services summer scheme venues, Chair of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, Councillor Thomas Beckett said,

“I am delighted to say that the ‘Summer in the City’ programme was another huge success this year with almost 2,000 young children benefiting from a value-for-money, action packed timetable of activities. The sense of fun and excitement was tangible as I visited just some of the summer schemes and sports courses across Lisburn Castlereagh.

The council recognises the invaluable support that the programme offers during the summer months, keeping children aged 5 – 14 years active and in a routine whilst supporting working parents and guardians.”

Vice Chair of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, Councillor John Gallen continued, “The range of summer sports camps held across Lisburn Castlereagh have allowed local children the opportunity to try new sports, learn new skills and make new friendships, all while staying physically and socially active.

I hope the children enjoy the rest of their summer break and I look forward to welcoming them back to one of our centres again soon, whether that be visiting with their family or for a future activity scheme”, concluded Councillor Gallen.

For more information on activities for children, please visit www.theleisureplex.com