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Mini Athletics UK is set to open its latest franchise in Caerphilly, as it hopes to get more children involved in sports and exercise from a young age.

Vanessa Maidment has been running classes in Cardiff for children as young as two, but has now announced the launch dates of classes in St Helens Community Hall and St Catherine’s Church Hall in Caerphilly town.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the classes, she said: “Many children aren’t getting the recommended daily amount of exercise due to screens and devices.

“At Mini Athletics, we are helping kids burn off energy whilst having fun. We have different themes each session from space to superheroes.”

Vanessa also explained how she hopes to work with schools in the area to reach a wider group of children between the ages of two and eight.

“The classes are great for helping children to develop listening skills, social interaction and with their physical development. At the end of each class we celebrate each athletes’ achievements and they have a chance to stand up on the podium to receive a round of applause and a sticker.”

The first Caerphilly classes will be launched on Thursday March 15 between 9.30am and 11am, and Friday March 16 between 9am and 12pm.

After those initial launch sessions, classes will run at various times:

Friday mornings, St Helens Community Hall:

• 9.30am: Teeny athletes (walking two-year-olds)
• 10.15am: Didee athletes (ages two to three and a half)

Saturday mornings, St Helens Community Hall:

• 9am: Teeny athletes
• 9.45am: Didee athletes
• 10.20am: Little athletes (ages three and a half to five)
• 11.15am: Mini athletes (ages five to seven)

More information and details on how to book can be found on Mini Athletics’ website.