Future of Middleton Trampoline Club in doubt

Middleton Trampoline Club

The future of Middleton Trampoline Club (MTC) is in doubt after funding to help the club was not granted.

The club found out last week that they would not receive short breaks funding to help them continue with their classes, which help a variety of children with varying needs.

So far, the club has had to cancel two of its classes during the week, with a Saturday class now on the verge of closing.

Lisa Lee, Head Coach of Middleton Trampoline Club, said: “How am I supposed to compete with the big businesses that can afford to pay people to fill in the forms and do the applications? It isn’t fair. At the minute my staff are all volunteering and everything is stopping rapidly.”

Parents of children who attend the club are now hoping that funding can come from elsewhere so the club can continue.

Gewn Karabulut, whose son Abdul attends the club, said: “It would be horrible if the club were to go. There is no other place like this for kids to go. My son is very active so this is somewhere where he can use that energy. He can also interact with different children.”

Chrissie McCole, whose son has autism, said: “We’ve only been coming for a couple of weeks but it is such a good place for the children. If you were to go somewhere like Planet Play, then you are worried because parents are looking at you and judging you and they don’t here. My son talks about coming here all week.”

Heather Brown said: “It’s like one big family that you get accepted into. We have only been coming a few weeks but everyone has been really welcoming and nice.”

Lindsey Ratcliffe, whose son has Sensory Processing Disorder, said: “It’s amazing here. It’s not just about the trampolining. They give my son occupational therapy as well. If he didn’t come here then he wouldn’t have anything to do. Lisa treats everyone the same as well. There is no bullying and Lisa makes sure everyone interacts and gets on.”

Sumaya Ali said: “My daughter Safiya started here when she was in nursery and she is almost eight years old now. This has helped her with her confidence, her listening skills and her communication skills. If she didn’t have this to come to then I don’t know what would happen. She would be sad because this is good exercise for her as well and it has really brought out her confidence. The staff are great as well.”

Taz Hussain said: “My son needs routine because of his autism so if he didn’t have this to come to at the weekend, he would be really upset. He can have his own space here and it is a place where I can drop off him of an hour and he can have fun or I can stay with him. It’s not just about the trampolining either, it is for the parents because we all get to know each other.”

Anisah Saleem said: “My son has been coming for a few months and he really enjoys it. I think it would be a huge shock if this was withdrawn because it is something that he really enjoys.”

Keith Trinnaman, President of Middleton Rotary Club said: “Middleton Rotary have been supporting MTC for around three years, when we funded them for some soft play equipment. The work they do in the community with all of the children is exceptional. However it is the work with the children with additional needs that is so impressive. The way that they are all able to integrate together does so much to improve the social skills of all the members and of course this also gives respite to the parents and carers.

"If MTC had to fold it would be such a great loss for the community of Middleton. We will do all we can to help them and urge others in the community to likewise.”

Gail Hopper, Director of Children’s Services at Rochdale Council, said: “All tenders for this year’s short break funding were evaluated according to a refreshed criteria that ensures fairness and transparency in the procurement process. All potential providers were aware of this in advance.

“Unfortunately Middleton Trampoline Club did not quite score as highly as other projects and with a finite budget and an increasing number of potential providers of services it is inevitable that some will be disappointed. We sincerely hope that the trampoline club is able to continue operating and will be happy to work with them to help strengthen their approach to any future bids.”