Ignite Sport more than doubles engagement for Marcus Rashford-backed HAF activities

Over one thousand young people took advantage of free holiday camps and food in April via Ignite Sport’s Holiday Activity Fund sessions in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council. 

The Marston-based sport activity and wellbeing provider ran a variety of free programmes for children aged 4-16 including Multisport, Art Smash, mixed and girls only football and Dance Fusion.  

In total, 1,121 children attended the holiday camps – more than double the number of participants who engaged with the same provision in 2022.  

Backed by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, HAF aims to engage and inspire children through sport and other activities while providing them with a healthy and balanced meal during school holidays. 

The scheme is Government funded and this year was delivered by Ignite in Bicester and Witney plus at East Oxford Primary School and Oxford City FC. Activities focused on sport and art promote the development of essential life skills including teamwork, communication and problem-solving.   

Andy Francis, Sport Delivery Manager at Ignite Sport, said: “It’s great to see our HAF camps going from strength to strength and reaching more young people than previously. 

“Providing fun, engaging and inspiring holiday camps to children across Oxfordshire has been at the heart of our work for over 20 years.  

“We’re proud to be working in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver this nationwide effort to ensure every child can be active during the school holidays. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to participate in out of school activities, so we want to do our part in making sport accessible for everyone. 

“We understand times are hard financially for many families living locally. HAF represents a fantastic opportunity for those struggling to unlock free activities, food and care costs during the holidays.” 

Schools looking to offer places to pupils can contact Ignite Sport via info@ignitesportuk.com or call 03003 030890 for further information.