THOMAS ALEXANDER and CHRISTOPHER COPE conclude their series on how to keep the kids occupied in the school holidays...
Super Smash Brothers: Brawl (Nintendo Wii, £34.99).
The third instalment of the series sees the Smash Brothers debut on the Wii. With an
all-star cast, including the likes of Mario, Sonic and Donkey Kong, this bubbly fighting game is set to see its popularity soar even higher.
Get on the ball
ZEST
Culture and Sport Glasgow are overseeing numerous footballing events for kids all over the city. Children aged from five to 18 are catered for and many sessions begin this week.
The schemes are all part of the department's Zest programme, which includes activities from arts to adventure sports. There are different programmes for the north, south-east, east, west and south-west of the city.
Programmes include coaching, five-a-sides, tournaments and fun football, and are separated into under nines, nine to 11, and over 12s.
For more information, search for events at www.csglasgow.org/services/YoungGlasgow/HolidayProgramme or contact the SFA Football Development Officer Alan Sharp on 0141 287 3610.
Meanwhile, extra training for girls aged 11-18 interested in plying their trade for woman's teams in Glasgow has been scheduled.
Training takes place at the Glasgow Green Football Centre and six-week coaching blocks are available. For information, contact Gary Doctor on 0141 287 3610.
BROOMHILL SUMMER CAMP
Running until August at Hyndland Secondary, Broomhill Community Sports Club has responded to demand by hosting a summer camp which offers children aged five to 14 the chance to enjoy a variety of sporting activities including football, basketball and dance exercise.
Youngsters will be under the supervision and guidance of experienced staff and camps can be booked for both full-day and half-day weeks. Places are limited to 50 children a week and prices start from just £40 for a half-day week, with members benefiting from special discounts.
For more information visit www.broomhillsportsclub.org.uk.
SCOTTISH FA/EAST RENFREWSHIRE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
East Renfrewshire Council has teamed up with the Scottish Football Association to offer children six weeks of football camps throughout July and August.
Held at a variety of locations - Eaglesham playing fields, Pro-Soccer Giffnock, Mactaggart and Mickel Millennium Astro, Barrhead Sports Centre, Woodfarm High School, Woodfarm synthetic and Overlee playing fields - the football development scheme offers opportunities for children aged three to 14 and prices start from just £4.20 per 90-minute session. Bonuses include a gift for every pre-booked course member and an SFA certificate of attendance.
For more info, call 0141 577 4934/8479.
BALJAFFRAY SUMMER CAMP
This new addition to Glasgow's summer football programme will run from the July 10-14 at Auchenhowie Sports Club, Milngavie, and is open to primary five, six and seven pupils.
Open to non-members, the camp can accommodate 50 children but priority will be given to members and their families. The camp is designed to offer kids a variety of fun activities from 10am to 4pm, with the full-day week costing £70 for members or £96 for
non-members.
For more information contact: mail@sportingpathways.net.
RANGERS RESIDENTIAL CAMPS
For a completely different football experience, kids can immerse themselves in the beautiful game by participating in one of the Rangers residential camps at Garscube Campus at Glasgow University.
For £375 for the week-long camp - with one running at the beginning of July and another at the start of August - children can eat, drink and sleep football as they enjoy a fun-packed week of training and playing with Rangers Youth Team, and even have the chance to be scouted! There are also two-day roadshows, open to boys and girls aged between seven and 16, which are travelling around Scotland.
For more info, call 0871 702 1972.
CELTIC FOOTBALL CAMPS
With community coaching dates available throughout the summer, Celtic are offering training for kids at various locations around Glasgow. Starting from July 7, there are a number of four-day camps, with prices starting from £36 a day.
For more information call 0141 551 4321 or visit www.celticfc.net.
QUEEN'S PARK SUMMER COURSES
Scotland's oldest senior club will be staging coaching courses for kids aged between four and 16 starting on Monday, August 4, at Lesser Hampden.
Apart from the football itself, there's a visit to Scotland's National Stadium thrown in.
For more information, contact Queen's Park on 0141-632-1275, or log on to www.queensparkfc.co.uk.
HAMILTON CHILDREN'S PROGRAMME
Hamilton Accies are offering two summer schools at the Bent Recreation Pitches in Hamilton for boys and girls aged four to 14.
The first session is from July 14-18, while the second block kicks off on July 28. They run from 10am to noon and cost £30 for the week. Discounts are available for those going to both weeks and families who send two kids to one week.
For more information contact Andy Goldie or Caroline Gray on 01698 368656/368657.
ST MIRREN SUMMER TRAINING
The club will be offering coaching sessions at venues across Renfrewshire. There will be sessions in July and August with SFA-approved staff. Costs range from £22 to £55. For more info, contact Frazer Robertson on 0141 8406131.
