Smith’s Wood Academy invited the community in during February half term, welcoming children and teenagers from across the local area to share its fantastic sports facilities.
Working with Birmingham charity Sport4Life UK, the school offered a Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme that brought together food, fun and fitness for young people who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
Alongside enthusiastic Smith’s Wood students, the club invited in youngsters from the wider community to make full use of the school’s sports hall, astroturf and swimming pool.
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.”
Throughout the week, participants enjoyed a mix of structured coaching, independent exercise and relaxed downtime, supported by Sport4Life mentors who focus on confidence, teamwork and personal development. Many children also discovered new friendships and a sense of belonging, with some even expressing interest in joining the school in future.
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!”
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.”
