Marcus Rashford Backs Summer Camp for Kids in Leicester

**Kids in Leicester can take part in a Healthy Activities and Food (HAF) summer camp, backed by Marcus Rashford, over four weeks at St Margaret's Pastures Sports Centre.**

The activities, run by Leicester City Hockey Club, will include a multitude of sports and games as well as arts and crafts, and guest speakers will host workshops to engage with the children on having a healthy lifestyle.

The camp is free for those who are eligible for free school meals, or costs £60 a week, however other funding may be available through Leicester City Hockey Club to subsidise the costs; it is open to anyone aged 5-16 years old.

"The HAF programme has been supported by Marcus Rashford and is about making sure everyone has access to activities and a healthy meal this summer, whether families are struggling with money or not," said Sarah Treanor, speaking to [Adey on BBC Radio Leicester.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09m6pjh)

"I know, from personal experiences, that holidays can be very boring when money is tight because we couldn’t afford to do anything when I was younger.

"There are a lot of families who have worked really hard, or lost jobs in the pandemic, and we want to make sure no child goes without this summer.

"Being busy, taking part, learning new skills, and meeting new friends is the best way to spend summer.

"This HAF programme is something for kids to come and do for a few weeks, learn about healthy eating and have a great experience at the same time."

LCHC successfully applied for funding from the Department of Education to run the programme on behalf of the city council from St Margaret’s Pastures.

The club have also successfully applied for grant funding from Allianz, which allows them to set up a charity to help remove some of the financial barriers when it comes to accessing new opportunities.

"Not everyone gets the same opportunities in life, and the Enabler Fund, as part of the new charity we're establishing, means we take down some of the barriers to enable those opportunities for anyone less well off," Sarah added.

The camp coincides with the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which is also expected to result in more people taking up new sports over the summer.

Great Britain’s Women are holders of the gold medal after winning a penalty shootout and they hope to recreate their success in Japan, while the Men’s team finished 4th in Rio in 2016.

“We always see an upturn in excitement to represent your country with the Olympic legacy, and I hope that this is summer kids can be inspired to try something new either through the club or the HAF programme.”

For more information or to take part in the HAF programme email Emma.compston@leicesterhc.co.uk or view the leaflet below.

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