A Mauchline woman who has been running outdoor PE classes for kids since the summer holidays says it has been a ‘privilege’ to see the classes go from strength to strength.
But she now fears they may need to be halted if an indoor space cannot be found in time for winter.
Laura Pagan, 39, launched PE with LP, giving kids the opportunity to take part in physical activity regardless of skillset or ability.
The fitness sessions have been a monumental success, not least for Laura, who runs the classes herself while being a single mum of four and studying Sports Science at UWS.
But with the closure of Mauchline Games Hall last year, and little sign of a facility to replace it, Laura is now concerned about the future of the classes as the colder nights draw in.
Laura said: “My initial idea was to do a week during the summer holidays but it became so popular and before I knew it, three sessions were filled, so we decided to carry it on and hold the sessions in the public park.
“I feel a load of wee people out there are excluded to an extent. If they’re not into football or rugby or dancing, there isn’t anything else for them and with the Games Hall in Mauchline closed as well, there are absolutely no facilities here whatsoever.
“Because of that, my main focus was for them to turn up, have fun, give them confidence and show them that they can actually take part in groups.”
Laura, who also works with Macmillan Cancer to deliver cancer rehabilitation sessions at Dumfries House, champions outdoor learning.
She continued: “I did approach the Scout Hut but they can’t open because of current restrictions.
“Even in the long term, the public park isn’t ideal, although I am keen for it to be outdoors because kids love it. Getting soaked and covered in mud, it’s part of the fun.
“I’ve had messages from people as far as Kirkconnel to see if I have plans to start anything up there. It is something I’d consider as the feedback from parents has been amazing.
“At a time when things are very difficult for the kids, they turn up every single week, rain or shine, and give 100 per cent.”
Mum Carol Smillie-McLean, whose twins Aysia and Maddox, five, have been participating in Laura’s PE sessions since August, said: “Laura was one of the first to start any sort of kids activity back up after lockdown. This was especially important for the kids returning to school and got them back into socialising and taking instruction.
“The kids absolutely love the PE lessons that Laura takes, she makes it fun and plays popular games which incorporate an element of fitness and now that they have returned to school with so many restrictions imposed on them, this allows them some free movement along with exercising and the social aspect is also very important.
“It’s a shame that the dark nights are drawing in and unless and indoor space can be found then I think the sessions may need to be halted until spring 2021. There are so many people fighting for the same indoor spaces which means some people will have to lose out.”
Claire Campbell, whose kids Evie, nine, and Joshua, seven, also attend, echoed this sentiment. She said: “Kids afterschool activities are still a no-go area so the kids love it, it’s their wee treat.
“I think if it wasn’t to still go on I think kids would feel like back to square 1, bored and wanting to play on ipad, I think kids would be really upset If wasn’t.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here