Special guest Martin Sinclair gives Southampton pupils boost with playground fitness equipment

Redbridge Primary School received the Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery Fund, enabling them to have the equipment built.

The decision to add more facilities was supported by a pupil questionnaire, led by the school council before the red ribbon cutting from former Great British Paralympic footballer Martin Sinclair.

Martin is also an ambassador for the Saints Foundation.

The foundation is the the charitable leg of Southampton Football Club who take on Manchester United in the League Cup Final at Wembley on February 26..

The equipment featured a cross trainer, exercise bike and other facilities.

Head teacher Donna Clarke said: “We wanted facilities that promoted exercise and participation for all children, including those who do not particularly enjoy competitive sports and we knew that the equipment in the nearby park was popular.

“We felt that our children would benefit from similar facilities within their own school so they could access it daily. The children need to develop their mindset for exercise, so they want to do more and essentially feel good about themselves and their active engagement.”

Martin, who has retired from the game, represented Team GB at the 2012 Paralympics in London and his younger brother Jake, came through the Saints academy.

Martin, who has cerebral palsy, said: “We want more children to go outside, that’s the aim. I think if you asked a lot of young people whether they’d rather exercise of play video games, they’d rather stay inside.

“When I was younger I had to go to physiotherapy to do everyday tasks, and with this equipment for the school, the kids should have the chance to keep fit and healthy as often as they can.”

The school applied for the grant three months ago, with it being supported by Martin and the SaintsAbility+ programme, which offers regular football development sessions for young people and adults with physical impairments.