Sporting Your Futures CIC’s Holiday Sports Camps provide young people in the West Midlands with the opportunity to engage in a range of sports and physical activity to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
In 2024, Sporting Your Futures’ holiday provision welcomed 3,357 young people over the course of the summer. With 97% of participants eligible for free school meals, many of these young people may otherwise have struggled to access enriching physical activity during the school break. Thanks to Sporting Your Futures’ programme, however, they were able to engage in a wide range of activities including go-karting, fencing and golf – supporting them discover new interests and promoting a positive attitude to health and fitness.
Sporting Your Futures’ programme places a high importance on creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. With 84% of participants from ethnically diverse backgrounds, the organisation has worked hard to create a space where every young person feels valued, supported, and welcome, with the range of activities on offer specifically tailored to local need.
The organisation has also recognised the growing concern around children and young people’s mental health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; in Birmingham, one in ten children aged 5-16 has a clinically diagnosed mental health condition, and many young people face challenges in navigating stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Particular emphasis has therefore been placed on supporting young people’s mental health and building resilience through holiday activities, promoting an environment where children and young people can thrive both socially and emotionally.
Feedback from community members has been overwhelmingly positive, with many parents expressing their gratitude for the breadth of opportunities provided and emphasising how much the programme has meant for their children. 99.5% of parents and carers reported that their child enjoyed the activities, with one parent reflecting, “My kids come back every time with a big smile on their face and stories to tell about how their day went”.
Sporting Your Futures’ Holiday Sports Camps are a tangible example of the transformative impact of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in the lives of young people living in underserved communities.
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
