With funding support from the Oakland Foundation, the following programme update, delivered by Together Everyone Achieves More, have and will provide young people with positive, accessible opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and connect with others during school holidays:
Project Overview
The May Holiday Activity Project was delivered during the May school holiday period in 2026. Following the success of both the Christmas pilot and Easter programme, this project continued to build on previous learning and further demonstrated the demand for positive holiday provision for young people.
Attendance remained strong throughout the programme, with young people continuing to engage positively in the activities offered.
The project provided young people with opportunities to stay active, develop confidence, improve social connections, and engage in positive activities during the school holiday period. Basketball remained the core activity, supported by team-building exercises, leadership opportunities, and wellbeing discussions.
In addition, the project introduced a new enrichment activity Wheelchair Basketball, young people wanted to do something different for enrichment. Due to venue availability, this session has been scheduled for 27 June 2026 and will provide participants with an opportunity to experience an inclusive sport while developing greater awareness and understanding of disability sport.
Planned Activity / Project Delivery
Activities Delivered
The programme offered a range of enjoyable and engaging activities based on feedback from previous projects and the interests of participants.
Activities included:
- Basketball sessions – continuing to be the most popular activity across all sessions
- Team games and activities designed to develop communication, confidence, and teamwork
- Informal discussions around health, wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and positive decision-making
- Leadership opportunities for older participants to support younger players and assist coaches
- Introduction of a Wheelchair Basketball enrichment session, scheduled for 27 June 2026
Young people continued to have input into the sessions, and basketball remained the primary attraction for those attending.
Capacity and Attendance
Sessions were planned for a maximum of 40 participants. Demand remained high, with attendance consistently meeting or exceeding expectations.
The continued growth in attendance across all holiday programmes highlights the need for accessible and affordable activities during school holiday periods.
Location
All sessions were delivered at the sports halls at WQE College.
The venue continues to provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for participants and is well located for families living in inner-city Leicester and surrounding communities.
Timing and Dates
The programme was delivered May 25th to 28th holiday period, 10am-3pm to maximise accessibility for participants and families.
The additional Wheelchair Basketball enrichment session is scheduled to take place on:
- 27th June 2026
This activity has been arranged for this date due to sports hall availability and booking constraints.
Outcomes Achieved and Measurement
- Increased Physical Activity and Fitness
Young people participated in a wide range of physical activities and remained actively engaged throughout the programme.
Measured by:
- Attendance registers for each session
- Participant feedback
- Coach observations showing improvements in fitness, effort, and basketball skills
- Improved Confidence, Social Skills, and Teamwork
Participants demonstrated increased confidence and stronger relationships with their peers. Many young people supported one another and developed new friendships.
Measured by:
- Participant feedback
- Coach and volunteer observations
- Increased willingness to participate and contribute during activities
- Greater Awareness of Health and Wellbeing
The programme continued to promote positive lifestyle choices through informal discussions and practical activities.
Measured by:
- Ongoing conversations during sessions
- Feedback from participants
- Increased understanding of healthy habits and wellbeing
- Increased Engagement of Disadvantaged Young People
The project successfully engaged young people who may otherwise have limited access to structured holiday activities.
Measured by:
- Strong attendance figures
- Consistent engagement throughout the programme
- Positive feedback from parents and carers
Many parents expressed interest in future holiday programmes and welcomed the continued opportunities available to their children.
- Increased Awareness of Inclusion and Disability Sport
The introduction of Wheelchair Basketball provides participants with a valuable opportunity to learn about inclusive sport and experience a different form of basketball.
Measured by:
- Participation levels in the Wheelchair Basketball session
- Feedback from participants
- Observations of engagement and understanding during the activity
Overall Impact and Learning
The May Holiday Activity Project continued the success of the previous Christmas and Easter programmes, providing meaningful opportunities for young people to remain active, develop confidence, and engage positively with their peers during the school holidays.
Basketball remains the key activity attracting participants, and demand for sessions continues to demonstrate the importance of holiday provision within the local community.
The introduction of the Wheelchair Basketball enrichment session represents an exciting addition to the programme, helping to promote inclusion, understanding, and participation in disability sport.
The success of the project further strengthens the case for expanding holiday provision in future school holiday periods, increasing capacity where possible, and continuing to offer a broad range of sporting and enrichment opportunities for young people.