We’re delighted to announce a monumental success for the children and families of Sunderland! North East Sport has been awarded funding from the Sir James Knott Trust. This incredible support will be a true game-changer, enabling us to launch and expand our much-needed free Holiday Breakfast and sun set Clubs throughout the school holidays. To compliment our school holiday services
This funding comes at a crucial time, directly addressing the growing challenges faced by families across our city due to the deepening cost-of-living crisis.
A Lifeline for Sunderland Families
At North East Sport, our core mission is to champion children, young people, and their families, especially those who encounter barriers to participating in sport, play, and personal development. Through extensive community surveys and our daily work on the ground, we’ve heard time and again how essential extended-hours holiday provision is.
The Sir James Knott Trust’s support allows us to provide a vital wrap-around service, perfectly complementing our already popular holiday camps. This means that during school breaks, children will have a safe, active, and nourishing environment for the entire working day, completely free of charge.
This grant allows us to remove cost as a barrier entirely, ensuring every child who needs this extended support can attend our clubs without fear of exclusion or stigma. Peter Curtis, Director
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Brighter Futures
This funding will directly impact children across Sunderland, reaching diverse communities. Our belief is that inclusion isn’t just a principle – it’s a practice, and this grant empowers us to put that into action more powerfully than ever before.
The reality for many families during holidays includes:
- Financial hardship: Making full-day childcare unaffordable.
- Food insecurity: With the loss of free school meals.
- Social isolation: When not attending structured activities.
- Physical inactivity: A lack of positive, engaging options.
Our Response: Nurturing Minds, Bodies, and Spirits
Our new and expanded Breakfast and After-School Clubs are designed as a lifeline. They will provide:
- Nutritious Meals: A healthy breakfast or after-school snack to combat holiday hunger.
- Engaging Activities: A dynamic mix of sports, games, and creative crafts that build confidence and spark joy.
- Safe Supervision: Caring, trained coaches and youth workers creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
- A Place to Belong: Ensuring every child feels welcome, active, and supported.
This funding ensures that no child is left behind simply because of their circumstance.
It’s a vital investment in the well-being of our city’s children, enabling parents to maintain employment and giving every child the chance to thrive throughout the year.
The Difference This Funding Makes
Thanks to the Sir James Knott Trust, we can continue to be a pillar of support for Sunderland, proving that when communities come together, we can overcome significant challenges. This grant means hundreds of children will now have access to fun, active experiences, nutritious food, opportunities to build friendships, and safe supervision that boosts their physical and mental wellbeing.
We know this service is urgently needed because we witness the impact of poverty and isolation every day, through our direct work with schools, community groups, and families. This funding validates that need and empowers us to meet it head-on.
North East Sport extends its deepest gratitude to the Sir James Knott Trust for believing in our mission and investing in the future of Sunderland’s children. Together, we’re making school holidays a time of opportunity, growth, and joy for all.