The Surrey Cricket Foundation’s (SCF) popular holiday activity camp, the Vauxhall Loop, returned over the Easter holidays, offering four brilliant days of free activities to 80 children from schools local to The Kia Oval.
At the start of April, the participants were invited to experience a diverse range of activities in and around The Kia Oval, hosted in partnership with local activity providers, including;
- Cooking with Mix and Munch
- Art classes with Art4Space
- Beekeeping with BeeUrban
- Podcasting at the Ben Hollioake Centre
- Drama classes with Boury Academy
- A visit to the Vauxhall City Farm
- Cricket sessions with SCF coaches.
To ensure that the children were well-fuelled for all the fun activities, free breakfast and lunch were provided to all participants throughout the programme, similar to its previous editions. This not only kept the kids energised throughout the day but also ensured that they were well-nourished for their busy schedules.
The Vauxhall Loop is part of the Foundation’s commitment to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for young people to try new activities, helping them develop new skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation at SCF, said: “The Vauxhall Loop is a fantastic initiative that allows us to connect with young people local to The Kia Oval, some of whom had never set foot in the ground before. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they explore each new activity and make new friends in a safe and inclusive space. The week is fully funded through a sponsorship from Ayer Associates so a huge thanks to Roger and the team for their support.”
Feedback from both participants, parents and teaching staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the variety of activities on offer and the welcoming atmosphere created by the dedicated team of coaches and volunteers.
Elliott Rousen, Inclusion and Diversity Officer at SCF, commented: “The Vauxhall Loop is a valuable programme that promotes healthy lifestyles and social interaction. By offering these activities free of charge, we’re removing barriers and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate.”
The Surrey Cricket Foundation looks forward to continuing the success of the Vauxhall Loop in future years and providing even more children with the opportunity to get active, learn new things, and make lasting memories at The Kia Oval.
