ACE BRISTOL DELIVERS ANOTHER FREE HOLIDAY CLUB IN LOCKLEAZE
A flagship event
Over the Easter holidays, ACE Bristol delivered another jam-packed Holiday Club, targeting ethnically diverse communities in Bristol and pupils on free school meals.
Referred to affectionately by participants as “Holiday Club”, this provision has become a flagship event in the ACE Bristol and Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation calendar, which continues to be supported by Bristol City Council through their Holiday Activity Fund (HAF).
ACE Bristol
The ACE Programme Charity aims to support diverse cricket talent from the grassroots to the elite. Bristol is one of eight cities ACE operates and here they partner with the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, supporting our purpose to put bats and balls into more people’s hands with a mission to improve lives through the power of cricket.
ACE Bristol provides free cricket for children and young people of all abilities, whether it is in school during a PE session, an after-school club, or at one of their free community hubs in St. Paul’s, Easton or Bradley Stoke. The programme also has an eye for cricket talent, where promising young African Caribbean players train at the ACE Academy, which is supported by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. This season sees eight young players, known as scholars, represent Gloucestershire in the County Age Group Talent Pathway.
Photo: Martin Bennett
Cameron Jeffers, ACE Development Officer for Bristol said:
“ACE HAF has been instrumental in making sure the kids have the best experience possible during the school holidays. Some of the participants face challenges most children and young people shouldn’t have to worry about. Holiday Camp gives them the space to shake off their anxieties for the time they are with us, be themselves and have some fun.”
Holiday Club
Holiday Club originated from humble origins to provide sports provision throughout the school holidays for children and young people that would normally struggle to access their passions as freely as they would like. It forms part of ACE Bristol’s community offer, providing a carousel of free sporting activities throughout the day, designed to keep participants active and engaged throughout the holiday period. To keep their energy up, the children and young people are provided with a hot nutritious meal, ensuring they receive a balanced plate, contributing to their essential five a day.
Sport can be one of the greatest teachers
At Holiday Club, delivery partners such as 4FourtheFuture, means participants play a minimum of at least two sports per day, which include traditional sports such as football and cricket, to more modified sports such as bench ball and capture the flag. Holiday Club is designed to allow an opportunity for athletic development to occur, whilst also using sport as a tool to mentor and guide the keen youngsters towards positive outlets, ensuring they feel understood and supported.
Crispin Shingler, Community Development Manager for the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation said:
“ACE HAF continues to have a fantastic impact with participants who take part, as they are enjoying themselves through physical activity and having a hot, nutritious meal. Holiday Club has brought new people to cricket who experience it for the first time and for those who wish to enjoy the game further in a less competitive setting, can join one of the three ACE Community Hubs in Bristol.”
Participants could also enjoy the bouncy castles on the last day of each week provided by Bristol Fun for Hire, which notably saw the children play and be themselves, away from any challenges and stresses.
Jane Rogers from JumpStart Food and Fitness encouraged participants into positive habits by promoting an active lifestyle away from sports and into the kitchen. Not only did they offer advice and fitness tips, but they also ran a cooking masterclass informing on cooking healthy and simple meals for every dietary requirement.
Photo: Martin Bennett
Hot food
This was complemented excellently by lunch, provided by Glenn’s Kitchen, who always made sure the participants had a variety of healthy foods while promoting their Caribbean and African roots. A large staple in the menu is the brown stew chicken, rice and steamed vegetables, and we can comfortably say everyone looked forward to this meal.
Florence Greenland, HAF Activities and Food Grant Co-ordinator for Bristol said:
“ACE HAF has made such a positive impact over the last couple of years and it we look forward to continuing this collaboration as we move forward.”
Next…summer Holiday Club
With the Easter Holiday Club wrapped up, we look forward to our summer offer where ACE Bristol will deliver another Holiday Club where every child and young person who comes knows they will be listened to, understood and promoted to positivity.