The Leeds United Foundation engaged with over 175 targeted youngsters across the summer break as part of their Healthy Holidays initiative.

The successful summer of holiday camps were carried out in hard-to-reach areas of the city and made possible through the funding awarded by the Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds City Council, the Asda Foundation and Jimbo’s Fund.

Along with the fun activities and educational workshops delivered around healthy living as part of the programme, the Foundation also worked closely with Rethink Food who helped to provide over 4,800 meals for families – massively contributing to one of the main aims of tackling holiday hunger, especially for those usually on free school meals. There were 214 Freegan boxes provided with each able to feed a family of four for a full week and 206 packed lunched given out on the first day of every week.

As part of a rewards scheme that was included in the programme, to help encourage youngsters to stay motivated and not get involved in anti-social behaviours, some of the participants were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Elland Road as a well done for the massive improvements made in their behaviour and attitude over the six weeks.

Natalie Thomas, Behaviour and Learning Support Officer for the Leeds United Foundation, said: “The Healthy Holidays camps this summer have really provided the children within our local community the opportunity to stay active and healthy during the holidays, something which they would not have had access to otherwise.

“The camps have proven to be a positive influence for some individuals and we have numerous children who have been reported to have increased their confidence, with improvements in behaviour and engagement upon their return to school and a reduction in opportunities for them getting involved in anti-social behaviour over the holidays.”

The Leeds United Foundation are hoping to continue the success from these camps in future school holidays and are looking to link in with wider partners such as West Yorkshire Police and Fire Services to increase the education and awareness element.

For more information on the Healthy Holidays programme please contact Natalie.Thomas@leedsunited.com.