Students at Smith’s Wood Academy hit the ground running at the school’s new half term sports provision.
The school, which is part of the ambitious Fairfax Multi-Academy trust (FMAT), has partnered with Birmingham charity Sport4Life UK to deliver food, fun and fitness to local young people.
This Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme not only welcomes in enthusiastic Smith’s Wood pupils, but also other youngsters living in the area.
Yazmin Akay, Associate Assistant Principal at Smith’s Wood, said: “We’re so lucky to have such brilliant sports facilities here at Smith’s Wood – our sports hall, astroturf and swimming pool – and it’s important to us that young people have access to them.
“As a mum myself, I know that half terms can be expensive and stressful, and getting kids to stay active and enjoy healthy meals can be difficult.
“We’re really fortunate that we can offer HAF provisions here for our students and the wider community.”
Sport 4 Life UK is a West Midlands-based charity, headquartered in Birmingham, that uses sports-themed mentoring and training to help young people aged 11–29 move into sustained education, employment, or training. It aims to create a ‘level playing field’ for disadvantaged youth by improving employability and life skills through structured, youth-led programmes.
A typical day for participating students involves a mixture of independent exercise using the school’s extensive sports equipment, structured coaching and relaxed free time.
Rhys Gordon, a Sports Trainer at Sport4Life UK, said: “We give the children a balance between routine and structure, and the freedom to unwind, take a walk and have a moment to themselves if they need to.
“In an environment where many kids feel they have to grow up quickly, it’s nice to see these young people laughing, trying new things and just being kids. Even basic games teach the children a lot about teamwork, community and the importance of challenging yourself.
“The most important thing is highlighting their good qualities and showing the children what they’ve achieved – so we often end sessions with a big match so they can practice all the skills they’ve learned and leave feeling accomplished.”
At lunchtime, the students tucked in to delicious Caribbean cuisine.
Assistant Sports Coach at Sport4Life, Jamie-Elise Morris, said: “The food always goes down really well – we never leave with leftovers!”
“We’re so lucky to have such brilliant sports facilities here at Smith’s Wood – our sports hall, astroturf and swimming pool – and it’s important to us that young people have access to them,”
– Yazmin Akay, Associate Assistant Principal
According to Jamie-Elise, the ethos behind Sport4Life UK is about supporting young people and vulnerable youngsters as they seek education, enrichment and employment.
She said: “I was actually referred to Sport4Life as a young person myself, as I went through a lot as a teenager which resulted in aggression that I didn’t understand. I ended up doing a sports leaders course, which got me the job I’m in today. I’m kind of a poster child for the charity!”
Leading Sports Coach ‘Big John’ Sogbedji added: “It’s huge for character building. In their initial sessions, we had some reserved and timid students, but as they started participating in the sessions and speaking to everyone they really came out of their shells. We’re all so proud of them.
“At our sessions, the kids get a sense of purpose and a place to belong. I remember when I was a kid that during half term, it was easy to get up to something naughty or cheeky! Having something like this keeps them occupied, active and focused.”
Mrs Akay said: “The children who attend make meaningful friendships, and some even end up joining Smith’s Wood for our sports facilities.
“The young people relate to the mentors and see them as role models. It’s giving them ambition, structure and a chance to socialise and exercise with other young people they wouldn’t otherwise have spoken to – it’s a great opportunity.”