Children of key workers stay active during half-term via Ignite Sport UK’s COVID secure sports-based holiday camp at Oxford City Football Club

Dozens of children whose parents are key and critical workers were entertained by Ignite Sport UK’s Ofsted registered sports-based holiday camp during February half-term.

Hosted at Oxford City FC and compliant with the Government’s strict social distancing measures, the camps were organised to benefit parents and carers who worked through half-term and were unable to arrange childcare because of the pandemic.

Spaces were limited to ensure youngsters could complete activities in designated bubbles and Ignite Sport UK staff were tested twice weekly to minimise risk of transmission.

Activities from football to fun fitness, yoga, Olympics and cookery were delivered by Ignite Sport UK’s teaching and coaching team, who were required to complete pandemic awareness and social distancing practice training before hosting sessions, plus guest teachers from Mini Professionals Dance Academy and Mrs B’s Cookery.

Hannah Bladen, General Manager at Ignite Sport UK, was delighted with the response to key worker camps and thanked parents and children for their cooperation in ensuring social distancing measures were adhered to.

She added: “It is a great shame that we weren’t able to deliver a typical holiday camp for children this February half-term because of the pandemic. But we were pleased to welcome children of key and critical workers plus vulnerable children for a week of sports-based fun.

“Sport and physical activity are crucial to everyone’s wellbeing, particularly during these unprecedented times. Everyone that signed up to our key worker half-term camp applied themselves admirably and we were thrilled to see young people grow their teamwork, leadership, listening and communication skills throughout the week.

“I would also like to thank the hard-working Ignite Sport UK team who have adapted to the developing pandemic in a professional manner and have been resilient to the quick changes and restrictions being put in place.”

In addition to Ignite Sport UK’s key worker camps, the registered training provider for sport and education qualifications also hosted a virtual multi-sport holiday camp for all youngsters via Zoom.

Two 30 to 40-minute sports-based sessions were delivered each day and led by Ignite’s professional coaches and instructors who offered encouragement and support throughout.

Sessions were priced £1 each or £5 if parents wished to book their child onto all 10 sessions. All proceeds from the virtual holiday camp were donated towards family food and health boxes that are being packed and distributed by Ignite Sport UK, Oxford City FC, Fit Fest Oxford and The Oxford Food Company for families in need during lockdown.

“Of course, many children were unable to attend this year’s February half-term camp because of COVID-19 restrictions,” said Hannah. “Instead, we brought the camp directly into their homes via Zoom to ensure every young person had the opportunity to get active during half-term despite having to stay at home.

“Under the circumstances, we were delighted with the response and would like to thank all children and their parents or carers for being so proactive in what is a difficult situation for many by adapting our sessions in living rooms and gardens. We hope to welcome you back through our doors soon!”

Dependant on the Government’s COVID-19 guidelines, Ignite Sport UK is hopeful that its Easter holiday camp will be open to all youngsters and be delivered with appropriate restrictions in place.

During term, the firm will continue to deliver free Facebook Live Fun Football sessions on a Saturday morning and PE video sessions for children to take part in from home. An archive list of sessions is also available on the Ignite Sport UK website.

Visit www.ignitesportuk.com for more information  and to access a variety of free physical activity sessions to complete from home.

Eynsham Partnership Academy hosts key and critical worker multi-sport camp

A key and critical worker multi-sport camp was also hosted by Ignite Sport UK at The Eynsham Partnership Academy during February half-term/

Andy Francis and Emma Bush ensured all children experienced a fun and energetic week while making new friends through the power of sport.

The week-long programme enabled parents and carers to continue to fulfil their vitally important work commitments.