Posted on Tuesday 9th September 2025
Jake Dawson (pictured in Manchester United shirt) with students on the BeeActive programme.
Teenagers in Staffordshire have been building their confidence and leadership skills this summer thanks to a sports leadership course delivered as part of the county’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Delivered by Bee Active, the course gave young people the chance to work towards a nationally recognised Sports Leaders UK Level 1 qualification. Designed to develop essential life skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork, the course included both guided learning and practical experience.
Participants learned how to plan, assist with, and review activity sessions, before putting their new skills into practice by shadowing Bee Active coaches during real holiday clubs. The course also saw them lead their own one-hour sports activity as part of their assessment.
Jake Dawson, aged 15, who had taken part in the programme, said:
I’ve always loved sport and being outdoors – it’s given me so much confidence. It’s even made me start thinking about becoming a teacher one day.
Running the football sessions has been amazing, especially seeing the students get involved, enjoy themselves and actually learn something from what we’ve put together. It feels great to be part of that.”
Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:
It’s fantastic to see teenagers taking part in the HAF programme in such a meaningful way. This course not only supports their personal development, but also helps them gain valuable skills that could inspire future careers in sport, education or community work.
What really stood out was the sheer variety of activities available for children of all ages and needs. The joy and excitement on their faces said it all – and that’s down to our incredible providers, who went above and beyond to create memorable, engaging sessions all summer long.”
This summer’s HAF programme was a huge success, with 38,513 free sessions attended by 4,294 children and young people – an increase on last year’s figures.
The programme ran across the summer holidays, offering thousands of children and young people the chance to enjoy a wide range of activities including sports, arts and crafts, STEM sessions, mindfulness and sensory activities and trips to local attractions such as Cannock Chase and Alton Towers. Each session also included a nutritious meal and advice on healthy eating.
HAF will return this winter, during the Christmas holidays, offering more opportunities for children and young people to get involved.
For more information, visit: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/holidayactivities