Posted on Friday 2nd August 2024
Thousands of children and young people are already enjoying a range of exciting activities this summer as part of Staffordshire’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
The scheme started on Tuesday 23 July and continues until Friday 30 August with activities held at schools, community centres and leisure complexes across Staffordshire.
Children and young people are able to ‘pick and mix’ from a range of fun and engaging sessions on offer including sports, creative clubs, computer activities, animal care and horse riding. Providers also include a healthy hot meal for every booked place where possible.
Bookings remain open for over 21,000 eligible children aged between five to 16 who receive free school meals. Eligible children can book up to 16 free places each for up to four hours a day.
Some clubs are offering additional paid places to children and young people. Parents and carers can book online via the county council website for a funded or paid place.
Sport 4 Kidz has been part of the HAF scheme since 2019 and are leaders in specialist sports coaching and development. The club has 15 years' experience in keeping children active by providing enjoyable organised and structured sport sessions both in and out of school.
Chris Lashford, Managing Director at Sport 4 Kidz said:
“We are so proud to be part of the Staffordshire HAF programme again this year. HAF is a fantastic initiative that brings a range of providers together to get kids away from sitting behind a screen to meeting other children, making friends and keeping active whilst improving their mental health, throughout the summer.
“Sport 4 Kidz offer all kinds of sports from football, basketball rugby, hockey, cricket, dance, yoga, archery, as well as education on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. The children can always expect a warm welcome from our trained coaches and are guaranteed a fun day ahead packed with interactive games in every session.”
Councillor Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council said:
“It’s wonderful to see HAF back in action for the summer holidays. The HAF programme has a variety of activities on offer at a range of locations across Staffordshire.
“It’s been fantastic to visit Cannock Chase High School to see the Sport 4 Kidz sessions in action; delivering a range of worthwhile, engaging activities that help children’s development and keep them active. I've seen so many happy smiley faces, children learning from one another, laughing together and having so much fun – and that’s exactly what our HAF programme is all about.”