Ideas for raising active kids
Articles from our coaches and founder Gary Wallace on physical activity, wellbeing, sport and family life.
CORE Kids Ski Trip 2026: An Unforgettable Week on (and off) the Slopes
The CORE Kids Ski Trip 2026 began the way all great adventures do: with a sleepy but excited bus journey to Dublin Airport. We set off from Cranalridge PS in Portrush, picking up a total of 53 passengers along the route, before arriving at Terminal 2 ready to fly to Verona—the official starting point of our week in the Italian mountains.
Read the article →
Is Your Child Ready for Reading? It Might Start with Their Eyes
Why reading difficulties can start in the eyes — and how play, movement and early awareness can make all the difference.
Read more →
Risky Play: The Parenting Habit That Builds Confidence, Not Chaos
I shared a post on socials this week after a morning out with my youngest son, Conlan. We were walking in the forest when we came across a large fallen tree. I didn’t intervene. I didn’t coach. I didn’t pre-empt the danger. I simply stepped back and let him lead
Read more →
🎃 Things to Do for Kids Around Halloween in Northern Ireland
🎃 Things to Do for Kids Around Halloween in Northern Ireland
Read more →
CORE Kids Big Cycle Review
The Big Cycle – A CORE Kids Challenge for two amazing charities
Read more →
Let Kids Play: Strength, Specialisation, and the Spirit of Youth Sport
Are we pushing our kids too much?
Read more →
10 Reasons Why CORE Kids Camps Are the Perfect Fit for Your Child
Give Your Child Their Best Summer Yet with CORE Kids!
Read more →
Summer Adventures on a Budget: Free Ideas, Low-Cost Fun & Worthwhile Extras
Ideas to keep our kids active this summer
Read more →
The Unsung Heroes Behind Your Child’s Sport — How a Simple ‘Thank You’ Can Make All the Difference
How valued are our volunteer coaches?
Read more →
Is Your Child Doing Too Much Sport Too Soon? Understanding Burnout in Young Kids
"Too Much Too Soon": Why Young Kids Are Burning Out in Sport
Read more →
Let Them Get Dirty: Why Playing in Nature is Good for Kids (and Us)
What letting our kids get dirty has more benefits than just fun.
Read more →
It All Starts with a Kick: The Power of Play, Sport & Showing Up
How the journey of play at home can turn into the love of sport and physical activity for life.
Read more →
The 17-Second Rule: Why Doing Nothing Can Help Your Child Do More
The 17-Second Rule: Why Doing Nothing Can Help Your Child Do More
Read more →
Why Young People Should Exercise While Studying: Move More, Stress Less!
As exam season hits and the sun shines outside, staying focused indoors can be tough. But movement—whether it's a walk, a workout, or a quick kickabout—isn't just a break, it's a powerful brain boost. In this blog (and video from a walk in Gortin Glens!), we explore how physical activity improves memory, mood, focus, and sleep, making it the perfect study companion. 🎥 Watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/share/_g8HIm1io
Read more →
Are We Raising Our Children to Be Too Safe for Their Own Good?
Explore why modern childhood has become too safe — and how adding just the right amount of risk can help kids build confidence, resilience, and real-world skills. Plus, get 10 fun ideas to bring back adventure into your child's play.
Read more →
Making Strength Training Fun for Kids: Why It’s Essential and How We’re Doing It
recent research highlights that age-appropriate strength training can help kids develop essential motor skills, prevent injuries, boost self-confidence, and support lifelong health. But keeping it fun and engaging is the key to making it effective!
Read more →
The Power of a 20 Second Hug
The other morning, I realised I'm blessed that my 14-year-old boy still wants a hug. This is something that I want to keep doing forever. I'm going to get better at trying to hug for at least 20 seconds. Why? Because the power of a 20-second hug goes well beyond love and affection. Here are 10 reasons why you should hug for 20 seconds or more.
Read more →
Should I train when I have a cold
Is it a good idea to train when you have the flu? I was asked the other day, should I train when I have a cold?
Read more →
The Car Journey Home From Sports
The car journey home for any child playing sport can sometimes put them off sport for life. In this blog post, we explore some of what we should and, more importantly, shouldn't be saying to our children as they enter the car after a game.
Read more →