Parents encouraged to learn more about funded holiday camps for children this Easter

Parents are being encouraged to take advantage of free holiday camp activities and matchday experiences with food for children this Easter to help ease pressure on families hit by sharp rises to the cost of living.   

Marston-based Ignite Sport will operate seven camps from its Oxford City FC base during the holidays which are free to attend for children aged 4-16 that are in full-time education and receive free school meals.  

Camps include Ignite’s popular GameTech and football sessions for male and female participants, plus Art Smash, Easter Fun Days, Matchday experiences at Oxford City FC and Sparks – a new programme which has a different theme each day from nature and science to cooking and sport.  

The programmes will run from Monday, April 7, until Monday, April 21st, and are designed to accommodate children of all skill levels and experiences with sessions led by Ignite’s friendly team of coaches.  

Single mum Alijah Ingham has used Ignite’s funded holiday camp spaces for her 11-year-old son Aarav and encouraged other parents in her position to learn more.  

“Childcare can be a logistical challenge during the holidays, particularly as a single parent,” said Alijah. “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 year is the fourth that Ignite Sport has actioned HAF delivery locally.  

Andy Francis, Holiday Camp Lead at Ignite Sport, added: “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.”  

Full details and timings of Ignite’s Easter holiday camp delivery and matchday opportunities is available by clicking here.