This summer, thousands of youngsters learnt about healthy eating and enjoyed a host of fun sports as part of Walsall Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme.

Delivered by Walsall Right 4 Children in partnership with more than 60 local providers, the scheme has been a huge success with almost 4,500 five to16 year olds taking part in August 2022.

One of the final sessions took place last week and Councillor Tim Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, went along to St John’s Primary School in Walsall Wood to see for himself the programme in action.

Boys and girls, including those with special educational needs, practised their shooting, dribbling and bowling skills with football, basketball and cricket on the traditional sporting menu. While those keen to try something different chanced their arms at archery, fencing and even boxing workshops.

Councillor Tim Wilson, ‘Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said, “It was great to see the youngsters having fun and keeping active in our summer programme.

“A lot of time, effort and enthusiasm has gone into making this year’s scheme work and to see that come to life and hear the positive feedback from the children was really satisfying. It was also useful to chat to the activity providers who have been instrumental in making the programme such a success.

“I took away a lot of ideas and I’m confident we, together with our partner providers, can make future programmes even better.”

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme is eligible for children who have free meals, are young carers or who receive support from children’s services, and it is part of a government backed country-wide initiative.

Last October, the Government announced a £200 million funding stream for councils to access over the next three years to run school holiday schemes, which encourage youngsters to be active while having fun and find out more about healthy food choices.

The next HAF programme will run for a week over the Christmas school holiday break.