More than sport: how Matthew Cooper’s sessions are helping families stay active, supported and connected
A grant awarded by Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust (GYSLT) to Matthew Cooper at Engage Sports Coaching is helping to keep school holidays active, structured and accessible for families across Great Yarmouth and east Norfolk.
Helping kids get active in the holidays
Martham based sports
Matthew Cooper, based in Martham, runs Engage Sports Coaching, delivering holiday camps, after-school clubs and sports sessions designed to keep children moving, engaged and enjoying sport in a supportive environment. His provision is 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.
Caister academy location
During the holidays, Matthew delivers full-day sessions at Caister Academy, where children take part in a mix of sports, games and team-based activities designed to keep energy high and engagement constant throughout the day.
For families, the impact is practical as well as personal. Matthew’s sessions provide a reliable, active option where children are safe, busy and supported, while parents are able to balance work and home life with greater ease.
confidence building, teamwork & more
Alongside sport and movement, Matthew Cooper places a strong focus on confidence-building, teamwork and emotional regulation, particularly supporting children who benefit from a more structured and consistent environment during holiday periods.
The GYSLT funding will help Matthew Cooper continue delivering these sessions without increasing costs for families, at a time when many households are feeling financial pressure.
the bigger picture
Beyond the activity itself, there is also a wider community benefit. Local businesses in the Caister area provide food for sessions, helping to support the local economy and keep provision rooted in the community.
get involved this summer
Matthew Cooper’s summer holiday provision will run again at Caister Academy over four weeks in 2026:
Week 1: 20–25 July 2026
Week 2: 27 July–31 July 2026
Week 3: 3–7 August 2026
Week 4: 10–14 August 2026
Sessions run from 9.00am to 2.30pm and are available for children eligible for free school meals (with free places and lunch provided), as well as affordable paid places for other families.
Demand is expected to be high across all weeks. You can book or view available dates here:
Book Engage Sports Coaching holiday activities
Through its grant programme, Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust supports individuals like Matthew Cooper who are breaking down barriers to physical activity and ensuring more children across Norfolk can access positive, active holiday experiences.
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 >
