Judy Murray visits Wirral nursery for play date to showcase the childhood games she played with tennis player sons Andy and Jamie

Nov 28 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Judy Murray plays games with the children at the nursery

THE mum of tennis star Andy Murray visited a Wirral nursery for a special play date.

Judy Murray spent a day at Ganneys Meadow Early Years Centre in Woodchurch to demonstrate the games that kick-started her son’s journey to Olympic and Grand Slam glory.

Children – most still too young to know about Andy’s incredible sporting success this year – enjoyed fun games with balloons and balls aimed at improving their co-ordination skills.

Inspired by her experience as a tennis coach and parent, Judy has created the Set4Sport programme to showcase the games played by Andy and his brother Jamie while they were growing up in Dunblane, Scotland.

She said: “I played ball games with Jamie and Andy almost as soon as they could walk. It was something fun to entertain them – they were very energetic and boisterous boys.

“We didn’t know it then, but we were all taking part in the most basic of coaching sessions.

“Not only was it great fun but it also helped them develop the co-ordination skills that would allow them to play any sport competently in later life.

“All the games are very simple and very cheap – you can use items you already have at home to play.”

Judy worked with the children over three sessions aimed at improving their balance, co-ordination, agility and passing and catching skills.

Bev Ward, who works at the centre, won a competition set by Set4Sport for the play date.

She said: “I hope that it will inspire the children to get active after such an incredible year of sport.”

Supported by RBS, Set4Sport is available through a free book, app and at www.set4sport.com