Please select your home edition
Edition
Melges 15

Supporting HAF across Andrew Simpson Centres in 2024

by Jacob Tyson 9 Nov 2024 13:35 GMT
Sailing at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre © Andrew Simpson Foundation

All of the not-for-profit Andrew Simpson Centres are proud to deliver Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions on behalf of local councils to enable children from low-income families the opportunity to experience different watersport sessions.

The purpose of the HAF programme is to make free places at holiday clubs available in the Summer, Easter, and Christmas holiday periods to children in their local authority area in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. This year we have been able to provide a record number of HAF sessions, creating opportunities for more young people to experience watersports. Our centres across the country have been delivering HAF sessions all year, and they are a key part of our delivery.

Portland

At ASC Portland, we are proud to offer local children with the opportunity to take part in sailing, kayaking and giant paddleboarding over the Summer and Easter holidays. Our sessions are more than just fun on the water—they're about building teamwork, enhancing communication skills, and boosting water confidence.

This year saw an increase of demand for our HAF sessions. Fortunately, we were able to gain further funding allowing more young people to get on the water. This wouldn't have been possible without support from Dorset Council. We are hopeful to continue this partnership and welcome more young people to the centre next year.

Birmingham

ASC Birmingham are so grateful to the Bring It On Brum HAF project, who funded 256 free watersports sessions for young people this summer. These sessions are of vital importance, now more than ever, in keeping the next generation engaged in the outdoors, face-to-face connection, and exercise, all of which bring enormous benefits to physical and mental health.

Having welcomed 65 young people to the centre this summer, in addition to partnering with Bring It On Brum, StreetGames, and Paddle UK to deliver a free Watersports Festival in September, ASC Birmingham are keen to keep the momentum of HAF going and hope to expand the project in Easter 2025 and beyond.

Reading

The ASC Reading team really love delivering HAF sessions as a fantastic way in engaging the local community in sport throughout the holidays. It's great to introduce different people to watersports and see their water confidence develop during their time here. We welcomed 34 young people taking part in 256 sessions during the summer holidays.

They got to try a range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. We hope to continue to work with West Berkshire Council on this amazing project.

Portsmouth

ASC Portsmouth had a remarkable year delivering the HAF programme, welcoming 168 of the city's most vulnerable young people. This initiative provided a transformative experience, allowing participants to explore a variety of exciting activities, from sailing and kayaking to climbing and team-building games, all while enjoying nutritious meals with their peers.

Thanks to generous funding from the Household Support Fund, an additional 60 young people from the city's most underprivileged areas were able to experience the joy of being on the water. Parents have valued the programme, noting how their children returned home brimming with confidence and enthusiasm. One parent shared, "My child came back thrilled with her achievements on the water and couldn't wait to tell me all about it. It was a great confidence boost!"

The impact of these experiences is profound, fostering not only skills but also friendships and self-esteem among participants. ASC Portsmouth is deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the HAF team at Portsmouth City Council, which has been instrumental in making this program a success.

As we look ahead, we eagerly await confirmation of funding for 2025, committed to continuing this vital initiative that empowers our youth and enriches our community. Together, we are creating lasting memories and inspiring the next generation to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

If you are interested in finding out more about our charitable programmes, or keen to get involved in supporting the participation of young people, don't hesitate to contact us

Related Articles

Impressive results for the Performance Academy
At the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth Europeans in Poland Nine British sailors spent two weeks in Puck, Poland with the Performance Academy and ILCA UK for the ILCA 4 Youth European Championships, supported by Head Coach Charlie Linsell and Manager James Parker-Mowbray. Posted on 1 Jul
Performance Academy partners Magenta Foiling Team
To introduce more women to foiling The Performance Academy is excited to be supporting the Magenta Foiling Team by providing a series of foiling clinics. Posted on 19 Jun
Youth Regatta as part of the Eddystone Pursuit
Young people from Horizons Plymouth will take to the water in Hawk 20 keelboats Horizons Plymouth is proud to be taking part in the prestigious Eddystone Pursuit 2025, by launching an exciting new Youth Regatta, giving our young participants the opportunity to join one of the South West's most iconic sailing events. Posted on 12 Jun
Setting sail on our steps to sustainability
Andrew Simpson Yachting is committed to protecting the waters we love Andrew Simpson Yachting is committed to protecting the waters we love by taking meaningful steps toward sustainability. As sailors, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on marine ecosystems. Posted on 18 May
Brum's Boldest Watersports Collaboration Launches
Boosting Activity, Access and Wellbeing in Birmingham this May A bold and inclusive new initiative is bringing something truly unique to Birmingham this spring. 'Into the Green & Blue', is a collaboration designed to unite the city through watersports, land-based activities, and shared community experiences. Posted on 5 May
2025 ILCA 6 Youth Europeans
The Performance Academy were joined by 17 sailors in Vilamoura The Performance Academy were joined by 17 sailors in Vilamoura over the last two weeks for the 2025 ILCA 6 Youth Europeans. The ILCA 6 Europeans saw over 260 boys and 120 girls compete, in what was a hectic week of big breeze and big sea state. Posted on 26 Apr
'LEAD On!' launched
A Transformational Community Programme for Young People in Birmingham The Andrew Simpson Foundation and CORE & Co, with the support of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the Department for Education, are proud to announce the launch of LEAD On! Posted on 5 Mar
Performance Academy at the Vilamoura Grand Prix
Head Coach, Charlie Linsell wins Best Coast award Eight Performance Academy Sailors competed in Vilamoura last week, for the second installment of the Vilamoura Grand Prix. Posted on 28 Feb
ASC Portland welcomes Jon Egging Trust
Inspiring more young people and introducing them to sailing ASC Portland recently welcomed young people from the Jon Egging Trust to take part in a morning of activities and watersports focusing on leadership. Posted on 18 Feb
Performance Academy's new membership scheme
Designed to set sailors up for success, both on and off the water At the Performance Academy, we believe the key to success is a holistic approach - balancing training, knowledge, and personal growth. This is why we have created a membership programme designed to set sailors up for success, both on and off the water. Posted on 18 Jan