Last Summer I was looking for a group to put my eldest son into during the summer holidays. Myself and his father were working full time and needed somewhere for him to go.

A freind told me about the Excel Sports Academy and recommended it.

When I phoned them I initially asked for information. They sent me out an information pack that was easy to understand and full of details, programmes for the children with colourful pictures. I was advised that if I had any other questions, the friendly person on the phone, would help me with anything I needed to know.

I booked a place, I was able to get him in for the next week, which was fantastic and on the day took him along. My initial impressions were that I was dropping my son off at a sports day, I didn’t tour the Academy, I spoke to one of the gentleman who was friendly and seemed to have a knack with children. I believe all staff are trained and disclosure scotland checked.

I only paid for a sports package which was around £150 for the week, this can be a bit steep, but it was well worth it. My son came home full of praise for the place, was extremely tired, and was going on about all the great friends he made.

I will definately be enrolling my child this year.

I have since found out that you can pay extra for your child to do other activities, from horse riding to ice skating, they even have workshops, and I am sure they can even take your child off for a trip! They have all the sports facilities there and all the sports equipment.

This year I am putting my son in for a half day, you have that option as well as a full day, you can put them in for one week or for all the weeks of the summer.

Definately a place for the children, when you have no childcare but need to work!