The Council has partnered with a range of organisations across Rotherham to deliver activity programmes ranging from sports to arts and first aid that will run throughout Summer.
This week Councillor Sue Ellis and Neighbourhood Coordinator, Nicola Harding had the pleasure of meeting some of the staff leading on the Healthy Holidays Programme, taking place at Wickersley Sports College.
Holiday clubs in Wickersley are football focused, engaging between 80 and 100 children and young people every day aged 4 to 14 in fun, football-based activities, increasing their skills, whilst providing a healthy meal and a safe space to meet new friends.
Jonathan Gilberthorpe, Rotherham United's Schools & Sports Participation Manager was proud to show us some of the amazing group activities being facilitated on the astro turf at the college.
Jonathan said, "The camps have had a really encouraging uptake this summer under current circumstances and the young people attending are having positive experiences. I believe sport and physical activity plays a significant role to support individuals and develop communities and if we can provide opportunities for all young people to engage in regular physical activity the impacts will only be positive.
Councillor Ellis stated, "It was brilliant to see all the children and young people having a great time with barely a care in the world, thanks to the enthusiasm & commitment from Rotherham United staff. It is such a positive that when family holidays have been curtailed, we have been able to provide opportunities like this for our community by working with providers like Rotherham United Community Sports Trust. "This is in stark contrast to the challenging time of Covid and the disruptions they have had to endure to their education & I am convinced that sport and physical activity really does help with building confidence and managing stress, so we will continue to work hard to ensure that these holiday camps will be repeated in the future.
Rotherham United are one of many activity providers who are facilitating Healthy Holiday camps across Rotherham, including Pops Outdoor Adventure, High Street Centre & Cortonwood Comeback who together with Rotherham Council have been ensuring that children and young people have plenty to keep them occupied over the Summer.
You can download a copy of the programme's Healthier Holidays guide here (756 KB)