The Sports Commission’s director of communications, Nicky Will, said it was important for children to get the opportunity to be active during the holidays.
‘The kids have loads of fun. They’re trying something new all the time as we try to introduce them to a range of sports.’
She said that between 60 and 80 children attend each day, depending on the number of staff.
‘As many of the staff leading the sessions work in primary schools during term time, many of the children are already familiar with them,’ she said.
‘The key thing is that it’s really accessible for all people.’
The holiday programme costs £7.50 per head each day, but there are also some free spaces, or ‘green spaces’ for children whose parents or guardians cannot afford the fees.
These children are referred through school, social workers, or other agencies.
‘We run a minibus from Les Genats estate, so families living there get green spaces and free transport.
‘We also run one a couple of times a week from St Martin’s for some children who would benefit from attending, as identified by their school, but have difficult transport circumstances.
‘We appreciate it’s very expensive to have activities for seven weeks of summer holidays for a lot of families, particularly if the adults have to work, so we try to keep the price as low as possible to allow us to provide those free spaces.’
Each Wednesday the children have free fruit, with watermelon proving particularly popular.
Nine-year-old Theo Atkinson said he enjoyed the opportunity to play sports with his friends over summer. His favourite activity has been the tag game Octopus Hero.
‘It’s really fun,’ he said.
‘I like that the sports are always a surprise,’ said 10-year-old Florence Hill.
‘The staff are really nice here and I really like getting to do sport.’
When it is hotter in the sports hall, the leaders try to introduce less intensive activities.
‘We set up little golf courses and put on some quieter sports,’ said Mrs Will.
‘We’re lucky to have outside space as well.'
The Sports Commission also puts on sport taster sessions for older children in the afternoons.
‘We provide access to sports that the children might not have otherwise had access to for only £3 per afternoon.
‘It’s about breaking down those barriers of starting a new sport.
‘If they decide they want to carry on with that sport, then perhaps they’ve met the coach, they’ve been to the venue, and will hopefully feel more confident and comfortable.’