Two of the region’s biggest sports clubs are backing an annual summer holiday activities initiative, providing free sports-themed fun and games for thousands of primary school kids across County Durham.
Newcastle United Foundation and Durham Cricket have partnered with Karbon Homes to provide a summer of sports for the region, as part of the social housing provider’s Holiday Squad initiative.
Taking place throughout August, the two clubs are hosting a variety of sessions which include a free meal. Sessions include multi sports with Newcastle United Foundation’s team and summer cricket camps with Durham Cricket Foundation. They also include events for children with Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
“We’re thrilled to be working with Newcastle United Foundation and Durham Cricket to bring more free activities to young people in the County Durham area.
Philip Pollard, Karbon Homes’ Assistant Director of Customer and Community Engagement
“We believe that all children should have the opportunities to take part in fun, engaging and enriching activities, no matter their background. The support of these organisations will mean that we can achieve this on an even wider scale which is fantastic for our communities.”
“The Foundation uses our region’s passion for football to make a difference and help people achieve their goals, on the pitch, in the classroom, and in life, inspired by the brand of Newcastle United.
Lee Scott, Facilities Community Manager at Newcastle United Foundation
“Even if football isn’t your child’s thing, there are plenty of opportunities available with our experienced team to engage young people with a range of games and activities in Karbon Homes’ Holiday Squad this summer.”
“We are very grateful to Karbon for their support helping us deliver an inclusive and exciting initiative this summer.
Darren Brown, Cricket Development Manager at Durham Cricket Foundation
“Thanks to Karbon’s backing all sessions come with free food – something that was really important for us to provide in order to remove barriers to participation and we are glad that this campaign has been made possible.”
Karbon Homes’ Holiday Squad has been running since 2021 and through the Summer and Easter schools holidays each year the programme features a range of activities, including circus skills, cooking and science workshops and arts and crafts. These activities are supported by Fun and Food County Durham.
Karbon is also putting on activities in Northumberland in partnership with Northumberland Holiday Provision and Prudhoe Youth Project and in South Tyneside with NECA’s Community Garden. Karbon Homes have also funded SEND places to allow children in North Tyneside to access free holiday activities.
To find out more about all the activities and book tickets, visit Karbon Homes’ Holiday Squad page at www.karbonhomes.co.uk/holiday-Squad.
