More sport, more energy, more opportunity: GYSLT grant supports Matthew Cooper at Engage Sports Coaching
Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust (GYSLT) has awarded a community grant to Matthew Cooper, founder of Engage Sports Coaching, helping him continue delivering active, engaging holiday sports sessions for children across Great Yarmouth and east Norfolk.
Based in Martham, Matthew has spent the past five years running holiday camps, after-school clubs and sports coaching that keep children moving, learning and enjoying sport in a fun, supportive environment.
Big Norfolk Holiday Fun
Matthew’s sessions are part of the Big Norfolk Holiday Fun programme, offering free places and meals for children eligible for free school meals, alongside affordable paid places for other families. Activities are delivered at venues including Caister Academy during structured holiday programmes.
new equipment
The GYSLT grant will help to fund new equipment such as basketballs, foam javelins, dodgeball packs, pickleball sets and multi-sport resources, helping Matthew Cooper keep sessions fresh, active and engaging throughout the school holidays.
Demand remains consistently high. Matthew typically plans for around 20 children per day, with sessions often growing to 30 children as word spreads.
finding confidence through sports
Alongside the games and sport, Matthew places a strong focus on confidence, teamwork and emotional regulation, supporting children who may need extra help thriving outside of mainstream settings.
A parent shared their experience on Facebook: “My son absolutely loves coming to your provision. He is always so happy to attend and is well looked after by all involved. Looking forward to summer.”
The funding will help Matthew Cooper continue keeping his sessions affordable for families at a time when many are feeling financial pressure.
Through its grant programme, GYSLT supports local people and organisations creating opportunities for sport and physical activity across the borough. For Matthew and Engage Sports Coaching, this means more children staying active, more confidence being built - and more busy, energetic school holiday sessions across Norfolk.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT Matthew cooper - engage sports coaching
If you would like to find out more, you can check out the Engage Sports Coaching website or follow Facebook
Could a GYSLT Grant Help You?
Alfie’s journey shows what’s possible when determination meets community support. We offer grants of up to £500 to individuals, clubs and organisations across Great Yarmouth. Funding can be used for:
Equipment purchases
Club development
Youth development initiatives
Supporting individual athletes
Grants are awarded four times a year and require 30% match funding.
If you are an athlete chasing your next goal, a club looking to grow, or an organisation supporting community activity, we encourage you to apply.
Find out how you can apply for a grant, and view the application form, here >
