It’s fun to play at the YMCA!
SOUTHPORT YMCA, has officially reopened. The venue in Hoghton Street held a grand reopening event from noon on Saturday, August 5, and people of all ages were invited to attend.
Face painting, free roller skating, a tuck shop, and a raffle were just a few of the activities on offer.
Guests who entered the raffle had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including a voucher for £60 off Hotter shoes, and free tickets to Southport Flower Show.
Live performances were also held at the event, from local artists Rachel Rose and Edda’s Ukelear Explosion.
Steve Roberts, 50, a member of Edda’s Ukelear Explosion said: “I have memories from the venue from when I was younger, it is a really positive thing that it is reopening and very good for the children of today.”
Face painter Helen Norrie, 30, also had fond memories of the YMCA.
She said: “I have a son, Joe, who is seven and I was really gutted when the YMCA closed as he was just getting interested in sports. I am so happy it is reopening, it really is just one of those venues that adds character to Southport and is needed in the community. I am planning to bring Joe very soon.”
The popular sports centre has reopened in conjunction with local sports company Simply Soccer.
A spokesperson for Simply Soccer at the event, said: “It really is wonderful to see so many locals supporting the reopening of the YMCA.
“The live entertainment is going down really well and there has been a lot of people signing up to activities we are holding.”
Simply Soccer said the most anticipated sporting event was the roller skating disco, which begins on Friday (August 11) and will run every Friday onwards from 5pm until 9pm.
To cater for families and young children, family roller skating sessions are set to be held every Saturday and Sunday morning, 9-11am.
The venue also plans to bring back other sports and activities such as foot- ball, basketball, volleyball and yoga.
New sports will also be added to the schedule, including dodgeball, wheelchair basketball and walking football.
The gym, squash courts and a new climbing wall room will also be opened.
John Metcalfe, director of services for the YMCA, was “really delighted” with the reopening event.
He said: “We have been working on reopening the centre since April, in conjunction with Simply Soccer, and we hope it will improve the wellbeing in the area.
“We have had a really positive response so far and we are hoping it will continue, and that we can bring in many more activities.”