1 week Ago
Marston-based Ignite Sport is offering seven free camps for children aged four to 16 who are in full-time education and receive free school meals. The camps, which will run from April 7 to 21 at its Oxford City FC base, include Ignite's GameTech and football sessions, art smash, Easter fun days, matchday experiences at Oxford City, and sparks - a new programme with a different theme each day, such as nature, science, cooking, or sport. All of the sessions are designed to accommodate children of all skill levels and experiences, and are led by Ignite’s qualified and experienced PE teachers and coaching team, along with its apprentice coaching team.
Single mum Alijah Ingham has used Ignite's funded holiday camp spaces for her 11-year-old son Aarav and is now encouraging other parents in her position to find out more. She said: "Childcare can be a logistical challenge during the holidays, particularly as a single parent. "Aarav adores his football, so being able to access funded spaces on Ignite's camps is a real game-changer.
"Taking time off during the holidays isn't an option for me, so being able to drop Aarav off in the morning and collect him later in the afternoon knowing he's in the care of coaches who bring so much joy to his day is great. "I'd encourage all parents in my position to learn more. It's a great way for parents to save on childcare costs, and help them to make new friends and develop skills at the same time - it's a win-win.
" Aarav's free space on Ignite's holiday camps is a result of the government's Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) initiative. Launched in 2018, HAF aims to engage and inspire children through sport and other activities while providing them with a healthy and balanced meal during the school holidays. This is the fourth year that Ignite Sport has actioned HAF delivery locally.
Andy Francis, holiday camp lead at Ignite Sport, said: "Alijah's story perfectly demonstrates how valuable the HAF initiative can be to families in Oxfordshire. "There are no sign-up fees, and no requirements to pay for eligible families. "Plus, our sessions are engaging, active, and complete with a healthy, balanced meal so participants are fuelled appropriately for the sessions we plan.
"We're looking forward to beginning our Easter delivery next week, and for any parents yet to sign-up we encourage them to find out more and get involved.".
