Background
The Springfield Project, a community-driven initiative, has a strong track record of delivering a successful Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for children under 11. This programme has provided vital support to families in the community, offering engaging, high-quality activities during school holidays. The success of the under-11 HAF programme has spurred the Springfield Project to expand its offerings, with a particular focus on creating a provision for young people aged 12 and above.
The Need for 12+ Provision
Recognising the gap in activity provision for older young people, the Springfield Project undertook local research to better understand the needs and interests of this age group. The findings were clear: local young people, especially those aged 12 and above, expressed a strong desire for more activities, particularly in sports. The sports identified as most popular among this group included badminton, football, table tennis, and cricket. Additionally, there was a notable interest from young women, highlighting a critical need to offer inclusive, engaging opportunities for this demographic.
The New 12+ Programme
To address these needs, the Springfield Project has designed a new provision specifically for young people aged 12 and above, with Doorstep Sport at its core. Doorstep Sport, known for its inclusive and accessible approach, will serve as the foundation of this new offering, ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background or ability, can participate in sports activities.
A key component of this new programme is the Young Ambassador initiative, which will empower older young people to take on leadership roles within the programme. By partnering with StreetGames and other strong Local Trusted Organisations (LTOs) in the area, the Springfield Project aims to create a robust, sustainable programme that not only meets the needs of local youth but also builds community capacity and resilience.
Community Support and Partnership
The expansion of the HAF programme to include a 12+ provision has garnered significant support from local schools and community organisations. These partnerships are crucial for the programme’s success, as they provide additional resources, venues, and promotional support. Local schools, in particular, have been instrumental in identifying young people who would benefit from the new provision and in encouraging their participation.
Anticipated Impact
The introduction of the 12+ provision is expected to have a significant positive impact on the community. The programme has already captured the interest of older young people, with many expressing excitement about the upcoming activities scheduled to begin in September. The focus on sports, combined with the leadership opportunities offered through the Young Ambassador programme, is likely to foster a sense of ownership and pride among participants.
Moreover, the Springfield Project’s work with younger children through the HAF programme has already opened the community’s eyes to the importance of engaging older young people. This new provision is expected to strengthen community ties, reduce anti-social behaviour, and promote healthy lifestyles among young people.
Conclusion
The Springfield Project’s expansion to include a 12+ HAF provision marks an important step in addressing the needs of older young people in the community. By building on the success of their existing programme and working in partnership with StreetGames, local schools, and other LTOs, the Springfield Project is well-positioned to deliver a high-quality, sustainable programme that meets the needs of its community. The excitement and support from young people, particularly young women, are strong indicators that this new provision will be both impactful and well-received.