Cool Club and Challenge Camp

Nearly 200 primary school children from Eastbourne and Brighton participated in the University of Brighton’s widening participation project during the school Easter holidays.

From 30 March to 2 April, children aged between seven and eight worked in teams during the week as part of the Cool Club whilst those aged nine and ten followed a similar programme known as the Challenge Camp.

Activities included street surfing, Kinball, jump rope, new age kurling and orienteering. They worked with Football 4 Peace (F4P) International coaches who used the F4P curriculum and methodology to teach children about values such as respect, trust, responsibility and inclusion.

The whole event culminated in a festival at the School of Sport and Service Management in Eastbourne.

Programme co-ordinator and principal lecturer Dr Gary Stidder said: “Events such as the cool club and challenge camp reach out to children who may not ordinarily get an opportunity to take part in school holiday programmes because they are usually unaffordable for many parents.

“The widening participation scheme ensures that these events are free of charge whilst providing a very valuable educational experience for children. Not only are they physically active, they have an opportunity to try new and exciting activities, meet new friends and learn about the importance of values in society.”