SPORT MATTERS THIS EASTER

Young people in Thanet can go wet and wild or take part in a World Cup football tournament this Easter, as part of the events being put on by the council's Sport Matters team. The activities kick off on Tuesday 6 April between 11am and 3pm with an NRG World Cup football tournament on the Hartsdown five-a-side pitches in Margate. The cost is £1.50 per player and it's aimed at 13 to 17 year olds, with everyone allocated to different teams, representing different countries, when they arrive. There's a wet and wild session the following Tuesday (13 April) in the pool at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where you'll have to scramble your way across an inflatable obstacle course with the lifeguards doing their best to put you off. It takes place from 1 to 2pm for 11 to 17 year olds and is free. There are basketball sessions on Wednesday 7 and 14 April at Ramsgate Sports Centre from 5.30 to 6.30pm. Golf is on offer at the Stoneless Golf Club between 2pm and 4pm on Monday 12 April, but although places are free, they are strictly limited. It's the same story for the Easter Ice Skating at Gillingham Ice Bowl on the evening of Friday 16 April. To book either event in advance, call 07770 828582. The Sport Matters team will also be at the three Easter Blast events taking place around Thanet during the holidays. They'll have their inflatable football pitch with them and will be putting on volleyball games, ahead of the Margate Masters beach volleyball in July. You can also try your hand at cricket and uni-hoc, a version of hockey with plastic sticks. The first Easter Blast is on Thursday 8 April at Dane Park, Margate, followed by Victoria Gardens in Broadstairs the next day and finishing at Warre Rec in Ramsgate on Thursday 15 April. All sessions run from 1 to 5pm and are free to everyone.