Tots are 'on-the-ball' at a Greenock nursery

The little ones at Wellpark Children's Centre are thriving thanks to an innovative football programme run by Paddy McAlees from Greenock Morton Community Trust.

Paddy says the Micro Morton physical literacy initiative prepares the children for school as it develops their physical, social and educational skills.

He told the Tele: "It's been a great success and 95 per cent of the nurseries in the town are involved in it, which is fantastic.

"It helps the children before they go to primary school as it develops their social skills - they are engaging with other kids and it encourages them to try fun sports activities."

Energetic community coach Paddy uses different themes each week to captivate the imagination of the toddlers whilst keeping them active.

He added: "Last week was a dinosaur theme so we're imagining the footballs are dinosaur eggs.

"This week the theme is recycling, as I try and get them thinking about things like that.

"It's great to work with the nurseries in the town, they have given me lots of great ideas.

AnnMarie Cunningham, who is the nursery's depute head, says the children always look forward to the sessions, which are part of the 'Wellpark Loves to Move' programme funded through a £1,300 Big Lottery grant.

She said: "Paddy comes to the nursery each week and teaches them many different skills such as physical skills.

"He's so popular with the kids - his character is just amazing and the children absolutely love the sessions.

"He has been a fantastic benefit to us and we have him coming for the whole year."

AnnMarie now hopes the children can use their new-found football skills as part of their 'Auld One and Wee Ones' project which sees them work with pensioners at the Hillend House daycare facility in East Crawford Street.

She added: "Hopefully we can organise some football training with the older people and the children."