Our HAF programme provides free funded sessions for families eligible for free school meals over the Easter, summer and Christmas breaks.
Activities range from sports, arts and crafts are offered in partnership with local organisations such as out of school clubs, multi-sport providers, schools, community groups and leisure centres.
This programme is more about than just activities- its about inclusion, wellbeing and giving every child the chance to thrive during school holidays. We work with fantastic providers who make this possible.
To understand what makes this initiative so successful, two multi-sport providers—TB Sports and ME Sports in the Community—shared their insights.
“It’s about giving every child the chance to take part”
“We see the same faces return term after term,” she explains. “Children are excited to try new things—whether it’s sports, crafts, or simply being part of a group. That consistency really matters.”
Person:Emma Dennis, ME Sports
Emma visits clubs across Leicestershire to ensure sessions are inclusive, safe, and fun.
Her role focuses on offering a variety of activities so that every child can get involved. According to Emma, feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive—they notice improvements in confidence, energy, and overall happiness.
"Sport is central, but the approach goes far beyond games. We mix sport, creativity and healthy living”.
“We do football, basketball, dodgeball, gymnastics—but also arts and crafts, dance, and drama. We make sure every child finds something they love. Healthy living is built in through nature walks, quizzes, and wellbeing games to help children understand how to look after themselves.”
Person:Lucy Bestie, Operations Director, ME Sports
ME Sports Managing Director, Richard Hill explains that the HAF scheme opens doors for families who might not otherwise access holiday clubs.
"Every child gets to join in, have fun, and enjoy a hot meal. It’s inclusive and gives children experiences they might never have had before."
We do so much more than sports. There’s forest school, cooking, dance, crafts, and themed days. You can see the difference in the children—they’re learning social skills, building friendships, and discovering new interests. Some have never tried things like basketball or golf before. It’s great to see that spark.
“When a child says, ‘I didn’t know I could do that,’ or helps another child join in, that’s when you realise how powerful this is.”
What the Children Say
"I like coming her because it's fun and I get to meet new people"
“We do football, dodgeball, art and even cooking – every day is different.”
“I won a medal for being enthusiastic!”
Simple words, but they capture what the programme delivers: inclusion, energy, and joy.
The Bigger Picture in LeicestershireSo far, more than 6,000 children have attended 35,092 sessions, run by over 40 providers this year alone.
Together, these numbers tell a powerful story—one of connection, confidence, and community.