Children’s Mental Health Week (first week of February) is a great reminder of how important movement, play and connection are for young people’s wellbeing.
If you’re looking for ways to help children burn off energy, build confidence and try something new, Great Yarmouth and the surrounding area has a brilliant range of clubs and activities for all interests and abilities.
Here’s a round-up of local activities to try with the kids – whether they’re keen team players, budding performers, or just finding their feet.
🩰Dance – The Dance Base
For all styles and levels
GYSLT Grant recipient
The Dance Base offers a wide range of dance styles suitable for different ages and abilities. Dancing is a fantastic way for children to stay active while improving coordination, confidence and self-expression, all in a fun and supportive environment. https://www.thedancebase.com/
Also try Isabella’s Dance Studio (GYSLT Award recipient) and Dance Estelle
⛳ Junior Golf – Caister Golf Club
Ages: junior programmes available
Caister Golf Club’s junior golf programme introduces children to the sport in a friendly, encouraging setting. Golf helps develop focus, patience and coordination, while giving young people the chance to enjoy being outdoors. 👉 https://www.caistergolf.co.uk/juniorgolf
Also try Caldecott Hall Junior Golf Academy https://www.caldecotthall-countryclub.co.uk/golf-academy/
🥋 Karate – Phoenix Karate School
Ages: children and young people
GYSLT Grant recipient
Karate is brilliant for building discipline, confidence and respect, alongside physical strength and flexibility. Phoenix Karate School welcomes beginners and helps children progress at their own pace. https://www.phoenixkarateschools.com/
Also try Union Thai (GYSLT Grant recipient), East Norfolk Taekwondo in Caister, and East Coast Black Belt School in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft
🎾 Youth Tennis – Gorleston Tennis Club
Ages: junior sessions available
Gorleston Tennis Club offers youth tennis coaching in a welcoming club environment. At the time of writing, there’s a special offer on coaching lessons, making it a great time to give tennis a try. 👉 https://nationaltennis.org.uk/locations/gorleston/
Also try Fritton Lake Tennis https://www.frittonlake.co.uk/product-category/activities/outdoor-activities/tennis/
🏀 Basketball – Great Yarmouth Basketball Club
Junior teams available
Great Yarmouth Basketball Club runs junior teams for young people who want to learn skills, improve fitness and enjoy the fast pace of the game. Basketball is excellent for teamwork, coordination and confidence. 👉 https://www.gybasketball.co.uk/teams
⚽ Girls’ Football – Wildcats at Great Yarmouth Town FC
For girls new to football
Wildcats sessions are designed to introduce girls to football in a relaxed, fun and supportive way. No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go. 👉 https://form.jotform.com/213344719320349
Also try Shrublands FC Wildcats https://www.shrublandsfootballclub.co.uk/teams/wildcats-5-11-female-football-group
⚽ Youth Football – Shrublands FC
Teams from Under 7s to Under 15s
GYSLT Grant recipient 2018, 2020 and 2025
Shrublands FC runs youth teams competing in the Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League and the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Football League. A great option for children who enjoy regular training, matches and being part of a team. 👉 Find out at Shrublands Football Club website, on social media platform X or on the Shrublands Facebook page.
Also try Caistor FC (GYSLT Grant recipient), Yarmouth & Town FC (GYSLT Award recipients), Ormesby Youth FC, Gorleston FC (GYSLT Grant recipient), Hopton Harriers FC (GYSLT Grant recipient), Martham FC (GYSLT Award recipient), Hemsby FC (GYSLT Award recipients) and Filby Wanderers FC
🎪 Circus & Aerial Arts – Next Gen Aerial
Ages: children to adults
GYSLT Grant recipient
Based in Gorleston-on-Sea and run by Nicola Ionescu, Next Gen Aerial offers classes in gym and aerial skills. Kids can build strength, flexibility, coordination and gymnastic foundations for other art forms. https://www.facebook.com/groups/238098286522390/
Also explore Fly High Aerial Acrobatics on Facebook or TikTok here (GYSLT Grant recipient)
🏉 Mini Rugby – Lowestoft & Yarmouth Rugby Club
Under 6s to Under 12s
The Minis section operates as one united group, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for every child. Rugby supports physical fitness, teamwork and confidence while encouraging respect and sportsmanship. 👉 https://www.lyrugby.club/teams/43844
🏑 Hockey – Yarmouth Hockey Club
Juniors aged 8–13, then all ages
Based at Cliff Park Academy in Gorleston, Yarmouth Hockey Club offers hockey for all. With a friendly club atmosphere, it’s a great way for children to try a new sport and build skills in a supportive setting. 👉 https://www.englandhockey.co.uk/clubs/yarmouth-hc/info
🏐 Netball – Beccles Netball Club
Juniors and adults welcome
Beccles Netball Club provides qualified coaching, league and tournament opportunities, and a fun, supportive environment. Netball helps improve fitness, coordination and teamwork, while building confidence and lasting friendships.
🥊 Boxing – Kingfisher Amateur Boxing Club
Ages 6+ (Gorleston)
Kingfisher ABC offers structured boxing sessions for young people, focusing on fitness, discipline and confidence in a safe, well-coached environment. 👉 https://kingfisherabc.co.uk/news
Also try Spartans Amateur Boxing (GYSLT Award recipient) and K9 Fight Academy
🏊 Swimming – Great Yarmouth Swimming Club
Learn to swim, train, and compete
Whether children are just learning to swim or looking to join a competitive club, Great Yarmouth Swimming Club offers pathways for all abilities, helping young people build confidence and lifelong water skills. 👉 https://www.gysc.org.uk/
🏃 Athletics – Great Yarmouth & District AC
Ages 8+ (Year 4 and above)
GYSLT Grant recipient 2020
With no upper age limit, this club introduces children to running, sprinting, jumping and throwing. Qualified coaches encourage athletes to develop skills while having fun and staying active. 👉 https://www.gydac.co.uk/
🤺 Fencing – Great Yarmouth & Waveney Fencing Club
Ages 7+
Training takes place on Thursday evenings at Ormiston Denes Sports Centre in Lowestoft. Beginners and experienced fencers are welcome, with equipment provided. Fencing is excellent for coordination, focus and confidence. 👉 https://gywfc.co.uk/
🧗 Climbing – East Face Climbing Wall
Ages 7+
Located at Waterlane Leisure Centre, the East Face Climbing Wall features a 30ft wall with rope climbs and auto-belays. Climbing helps build strength, problem-solving skills and resilience. 👉 https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/waterlane-leisure-centre
🏏 Cricket – Martham Cricket Club
Under 9s and up
GYSLT Grant recipients 2021, 2022 and 2026
Martham Cricket Club offers junior teams for children keen to learn the game, develop skills and enjoy being part of a friendly, community-focused club. 👉 https://martham.play-cricket.com/home
Also try Caister Cricket Club (GYSLT Grant recipient), Great Yarmouth Cricket Club, Lowestoft Town Cricket Club, Winterton Cricket Club (GYSLT Grant recipients) and Acle Cricket Club.
🚴 Cycling – Great Yarmouth Cycling Club (Youth Section)
Youth riders welcome
GYCC’s youth section helps young cyclists improve skills, confidence and fitness, whether they’re new to cycling or looking to progress. 👉 https://gycc.bike/youth-section.html
🏃 Junior Parkrun – Gorleston
Ages 4–14
Gorleston Junior Parkrun is a free, weekly 2km event that’s all about fun, movement and participation. Walking, jogging or running – everyone is welcome. 👉 https://www.parkrun.org.uk/gorleston-juniors/
⛸️ Roller Skating – Retro Skating Academy
Ages: beginners to Team GB competitors
Retro Skating Academy offers training six days a week for all levels, including SEND-friendly sessions. The club provides a safe, inclusive space where children can develop balance, coordination, confidence, and a love of roller skating — from first steps to competitive success. 👉 https://www.retro-skating.co.uk/
Every child is different, and the best activity is one they enjoy. Whether it’s team sport, individual challenge or simply moving more together, these local opportunities make it easier for families in Great Yarmouth to help children stay active, connected and confident.
Apply for a Grant: Could This Be Your Club or Group?
These projects highlight the broad range of initiatives GYSLT grants can support – from equipment and facilities to accessibility improvements and new activity spaces.
If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or maybe run a leisure or fitness activity, and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications now.
Find out how you can apply for a grant, and view the application form, here >
