Worksop Town Academy: Improving behaviour in young people

Worksop Town Academy held at Whitwell Cricket Club provided a summer camp primarily focused on football skills and gameplay. They hosted around 30 boys and girls throughout their camp with ages ranging from 4 – 14.

One particular child, had quite a behavioural transformation whilst at the holiday camp. When they first arrived, they were described as not interested in participating in activities and found it difficult to listen to instructions. They also struggled to communicate with other children and make friends.

The young person  stated that they had a keen interest in rounders, so the Head Coach organised a ‘football/ rounders’ game for the children at camp to participate in. The young person enjoyed this thoroughly and frequently asked to play the game throughout the remainder of their time at camp.

As sunny weather is not always guaranteed, coaches have learnt to adapt their programme by planning indoor activities as part of their holiday club offer. The young person very much enjoyed the indoor activities, particularly the quizzes and became very animated and excited.

The team of coaches also supported the young person in learning to express and regulate their emotions. By the end of the camp, the young person’s behaviour with both the coaches and other children had noticeably improved and they became calm, communicative and happily participated in group activities.

“Even in 3 weeks I saw a development in their football skills and their behaviour. They learnt new ways of expressing their emotions.” Head Coach at Worksop Town Academy