Sporting fun in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Young people in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire have been getting active with free summer sports sessions.

Published: 01/09/2025

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Football, dodgeball and a variety of other fun, free activities have been running throughout August, offering plenty to do for young people aged eight to 18 on their summer holidays. 

At Thorn Recreation Ground in Houghton Regis, children and young people have been embracing the cricket, tennis and basketball on offer. 

The sessions have been run by Sporting Inspirations in partnership with not-for-profit housing association Peabody.   

As well as providing opportunities to get active, Sporting Inspirations supports young people in additional ways, including providing mentoring and employability support.  

It was set up by John Manitara, combining his love of sport with his desire to give something back to community and help local young people.  

John said: “Our partnership team knows that families are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis. We encourage young people to take part in these free and accessible activities that support their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.” 

The group has picked up various accolades and John received a High Sheriff Personal Award earlier this year at the Annual Hertfordshire High Sheriff Awards. 

Rhys Evans, Community Investment Manager at Peabody said: “We’re delighted to be working once again with Sporting Inspirations to deliver an exciting range of summer activities across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Over the past 10 years, our partnership has brought countless opportunities for children, families, and young people to get involved in programmes that always have physical activity at their heart. These summer activities are not only great fun, they also act as a catalyst for building relationships and sparking new projects within communities, ensuring we continue to create lasting, positive change together." 

During August, sessions for eight to 18-year-olds have been taking place at Thorn Recreation Ground in Houghton Regis and Grundy Park in Waltham Cross. 

Term time fun

Term time activities will also be starting soon at Windmill Park, Southall and Westcott Park, North Acton. 
 
For more information on the activities available, dates and times please check out Sporting Inspirations website. 

Please contact Community Investment Leads at Peabody, Karen Lawson for information about Thorn and Houghton Regis, and Sharon Barbour  about Waltham Cross.