As we await the final feedback from this summer’s HAF programme – with providers gathering their reports and parents sharing their thoughts, we’ve taken a moment to look back at our springtime HAF, reflecting on a unique activity that made a real difference earlier in the year.
Trying Something New
The Spring Programme marked the first time Longton Snooker & Pool Club became part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. Instead of the usual football or sports hall sessions, the club opened its doors to offer something different – pool, darts, and activities designed with older young people in mind.
It was a new approach, and it proved that with the right venue and support, holiday provision can work just as well, if not better when it steps away from the traditional.
The choice of venue was shaped by feedback from Premier League Kicks sessions. These showed that some young people wanted an environment that felt more relaxed, social, and welcoming than mainstream sports provision.
Across four fun packed days, the sessions got booked and the club was buzzing. Pool and darts tournaments created friendly competition, while team games and confidence building activities helped young people push themselves in new ways.
Meals were provided daily, ensuring that alongside the fun came nourishment, consistency, and care. With staff, safeguarding, and planning in place, everything ran smoothly, allowing young people to simply enjoy the experience.
For some participants, this was their first step into structured holiday provision and it opened the door to new friendships, improved communication and skills that will be just as useful in school or work as they are in games.
The benefits didn’t end with Easter. Young people were signposted to ongoing Premier League Kicks sessions, giving them the chance to continue building on what they’d started.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
After the success of Easter HAF, it was a no brainer to build more opportunities like this into the planning for summer. Longton Snooker & Pool Club had already shown us something unique with its Easter provision, and we knew young people would benefit from more sessions of this kind.
And Bullseye & Break this summertime has not disappointed!
Summer 2025 has seen even more fantastic Bullseye & Break HAF sessions – full of energy, focus, and fun – we’ve even been told there have been some serious skills on show!
We now look forward to reading the final outcomes of this year’s Summer HAF sessions and still want to hear from you – did your child take part in the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme? Share your feedback here.
Featured post image: Bullseye & Break, Longton Snooker & Pool Club
