Youngsters enjoy table tennis sessions at Gospel Oak School
AS the dust settles on what was an action-packed summer, there is one multi-sports provider reflecting on the “great pride” it can take from helping thousands of children and their families “forge special memories” during the school holidays.
From football and fitness training to table tennis and cricket, Pro Touch SA put on weekly sessions across the capital in a bid to help keep six to 16-year-olds “healthy and happy”.
The programme provided more than just sport, however, with kids also being able to enjoy arts and crafts, fun days out, and even hot, nutritious meals.
Overall, Pro Touch ended up running sites in 16 London boroughs – including three in Camden, two in Islington and one in Westminster – as part of the Government’s holiday activities and food programme (HAF).
The hubs, which are free for children who receive free school meals, were rolled out to prevent youngsters from experiencing social isolation and “unhealthy holidays” in terms of nutrition and physical health.
All the fun of the fairground as children visited Babylon Park, beneath Camden Lock’s markets
“Overall we looked after more than 2,000 young people and their families,” explained Pro Touch founder Ash Rahman. “If I’m being honest, running such a massive project can be scary and overwhelming at times, but we worked hard and delivered a programme we can all be proud of.
“All the children really had a great time and, although it’s a lot of work, it feels great knowing that you’ve helped so many families forge special memories.”
Coaches, play workers and volunteers are already busy planning for their next HAF project in mid-December.
Ash added: “When we first launched Pro Touch in 2006 it was an elite football academy aimed at trying to help talented young players fulfil their goals of becoming professional footballers. Since then we have evolved into so much more.
The Pro Touch HAF football tennis coaching was on target
“Our aim was always to be a hub for the community, and that is still the case today.
“When we run our HAF programmes we have more than 100 staff and coaches helping out, and the majority of those are either former Pro Touch players or their parents. We’re all together, supporting each other and going back into our communities to support them, too.
“When we were involved in the initial pilot for the HAF programme it was in just two boroughs: Lambeth and Southwark.
“To now be helping to roll it out in 16 boroughs across London is testament to all the hard work the Pro Touch family put in behind the scenes.
“It’s also really special to be able to hold holiday clubs across Camden, Islington and Westminster, as these are the boroughs we most identify as being our home – where Pro Touch originally started all those years ago.”
Pro Touch are searching for new qualified football coaches. For details call academy director Zahid Hossain on 07856 461040. And for further details on the HAF programme email info@protouchsa.co.uk
