How do you keep children active and entertained during the summer months when the lure of computer games, hand-held devices and the TV is so much stronger?

Since 2008, the University’s Physical Education Department and Student Community Action have linked up with local community sports groups to tackle the problem. Their answer was the Cambridge Summer Sports Scheme. By pooling resources and contacts they were initially able to pilot two weeks of free sports activities.

Explaining how the Scheme came about, Caroline Ward, Manager of Student Community Action, said, “As part of their community sports scheme, the Physical Education Department were looking for new ways to engage with young people in the community through sport. Some of the initial challenges included finding funding as we realised we needed to pay qualified coaches and hire a venue as well as have the support of University volunteers. Cambridge City Council supported the idea and provided us a grant. Due to the success of the Summer Sports Scheme, they have continued to support it ever since.”

The scheme was an instant hit. Parents and children alike were delighted to have free, accessible, fun sports sessions. Each year, the Scheme has gone from strength to strength and now benefits from the practical support provided by Kinnerz Coaching. Volunteers from the University assist with helping to register the children in the mornings and support the coaches. Sports leaders from local colleges, developed through Kinnerz Coaching, offer support, which has also led to the success of the daily sessions.

This year, the Scheme ran at Manor Community College Sports Centre for the first four weeks of the summer holidays and was free of charge for children aged 7-12 years. An average of 55 children attended per day.  Sporting options ranged from Multi Sports, Tennis, Boxing, Street Dance, Cricket and Mini Olympics.

“We hope to continue offering free sports sessions over the summer holidays for the foreseeable future,” Caroline said. “We also aim to support Kinnerz Coaching to become a community enterprise, enabling it to find support for its activities in a number of ways.”

For more information about the sports scheme and to find out about future availability or ways to support the initiative, please contact Caroline Ward at Student Community Action caroline@cambridgesca.org.uk

Kinnerz Coaching is a local sports coaching business, working in the community to provide a wide range of affordable, accessible services that suit everyone.  To find out more and to keep updated with local opportunities, visit: www.facebook.com/kinnerzcoaching and sign up to the free parent mail service by emailing: pj.kinnerz@ntlworld.com

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